Michael Baptiste will join the Metro Atlanta Chamber as vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) beginning Monday, June 14. In this capacity, Baptiste will continue to elevate DEI and racial equity at MAC and across the metro Atlanta business community. He will lead the ATL Action for Racial Equity initiative as well as work to position Atlanta as the location of choice for diverse talent. Baptiste will report directly to MAC President and CEO Katie Kirkpatrick and serve as an important member of the senior leadership team.
ATLANTA – May 14, 2021 – Michael Baptiste will join the Metro Atlanta Chamber as vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) beginning Monday, June 14. In this capacity, Baptiste will continue to elevate DEI and racial equity at MAC and across the metro Atlanta business community. He will lead the ATL Action for Racial Equity initiative as well as work to position Atlanta as the location of choice for diverse talent. Baptiste will report directly to MAC President and CEO Katie Kirkpatrick and serve as an important member of the senior leadership team.
“The significance and impact of this role is truly inspiring to me. Now, more than ever, we need an actionable, measurable and accountable plan to address systemic racism, inequity and immobility in corporate organizations and business communities,” Baptiste said. “This work will help level the playing field in the metro Atlanta region.”
Baptiste previously served with Justworks, the fastest growing HR technology company in the U.S. handling payroll, benefits, compliance and HR for its customers. At Justworks, he was the head of the DEI and worked to enrich workplace culture and overall employee experience centered around the DEI strategy, mission and vision.
Prior to Justworks, Baptiste played an integral role in leading and managing talent acquisition, HR management and diversity strategy efforts for Warner Music Group and KIPP NYC. At American Express and Morgan Stanley, he focused on diversity recruiting at the campus and professional levels. His interest in DEI sparked during his time at INROADS, where he co-led diversity recruitment efforts for the NY/NJ and Southeast regions, respectively.
“The team and I are excited to welcome Michael to the Chamber. His proven track record in DEI will be a huge asset as we work to move the needle for racial equity in the region, through initiatives like ATL Action for Racial Equity and more,” said MAC President and CEO Katie Kirkpatrick. “We continue to listen and learn from our community members, and Michael will serve as a critical link to hold ourselves accountable and implement change.”
Over the past year, MAC has accelerated efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion as business imperatives and community imperatives. In that time, the team has implemented DEI goals for all MAC staff; hosted internal Courageous Conversations, Courageous Media Club and regular DEI training sessions. In addition, MAC celebrates progress within the community – last summer the Chamber advocated for the passage of Georgia’s Hate Crimes law and pushed for the passage of second chances legislation; and to date more than 240 companies have committed to ATL Action for Racial Equity.
For more information on MAC’s senior leadership team, visit https://www.metroatlantachamber.com/about/metro-atlanta-chamber/leadership
About the Metro Atlanta Chamber
The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) serves as a catalyst for a more prosperous and vibrant region. To advance economic growth and improve metro Atlanta's quality of place, MAC is focused on starting, growing and recruiting companies to the 29-county metro Atlanta region. The Chamber is also focused on expanding the region's innovation economy by promoting and strengthening connections to drive Atlanta's innovation and entrepreneurial culture. MAC is committed to being an active voice for the business community, serving as an advocate for a competitive business climate and promoting Atlanta's story. For more information, visit www.MetroAtlantaChamber.com.
Media Contact:
Ashley Tanks
Sr. Director, Public Relations
atanks@macoc.com
404-586-8490
