The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) recently selected Cole Brown, Chief People Officer at American Airlines, to join its 2023 class. The ELC is a global organization comprising more than 800 current and former Black CEOs, corporate board members, senior executives of Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies, entrepreneurs at top-tier firms, and thought leaders.

The ELC’s mission is to increase the number of successful Black executives — both domestically and internationally — by adding value to their development, leadership, and philanthropic endeavors throughout the life cycle of their careers, thereby strengthening of their companies, organizations and communities.

“We are thrilled to welcome 67 new members to the ELC,” said Michael C. Hyter, President and CEO of the Executive Leadership Council. “Each one exemplifies our organization’s commitment to advancing Black leadership in global corporations and is committed to propelling the ELC’s mission forward. We are excited to welcome Cole and look forward to leveraging the talents she brings to the membership.”

Cole Brown leads all aspects of American’s People organization, including the teams supporting Global Talent and Recruitment; Benefits; Global Compensation; People Operations; Global Learning; and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Cole is the first Black female to hold a senior position at the airline and continues to inspire diversity among its team members.

“The Executive Leadership Council is dedicated to opening channels of opportunity for Black executives to positively impact businesses and communities,” said Cole Brown. “I am honored and humbled to be among this year’s class to help amplify Black excellence and be a part of the development of our future Black leaders.”

Cole was officially inducted into the ELC on March 9 at the ELC’s winter member meeting in Manalapan, Florida.