Global design and consultancy firm Arcadis has announced the appointment of Leamon J Abrams as its ‘first-ever’ Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging in North America.
In this role, Abrams will lead the organisation’s efforts to become a more inclusive, safe and equitable work environment, following nationwide demand for racial justice. Abrams brings more than 30 years of public and private sector experience, leading diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives for organisations, such as the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Starbucks Coffee, Parsons and more.
Immediately prior to joining Arcadis, Abrams led the diversity practice at the Allen Group; an African-American woman-owned project management company. In this role, he helped develop and implement DE&I strategies for engineering, design and construction teams at organisations, such as Bay Area Rapid Transit and San Francisco International Airport.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION EXPERTISE
“Our industry needs to evolve to address the challenges of the communities we serve,” stated Nana Berchie, Arcadis’ Global People Director for diversity, inclusion and belonging and employee experience. “Leamon’s expertise driving DE&I through organisations is a welcome addition to Arcadis’ team; and it will be pivotal in helping us grow as a company that is inclusive and embraces all Arcadians, clients and industry partners equitably.”
Until now, Arcadis’ DE&I efforts in North America were primarily carried out by the regional committee and employee affinity groups; which championed racial and social equity in public services, workforce development and environmental justice. Abrams will work closely with these groups to drive impactful change across the company and the industry, confirmed the company.
“In my interview exchanges with several Arcadians, I was inspired by a group of people committed to doing well by doing good,” said Abrams. “I love connecting the engineering and design work we do to diverse stakeholders through community partnerships and advocacy.”
Based in San Francisco, Abrams will report to Berchie and work closely with the North American leadership team. Arcadis first began its national search for a regional diversity leader in mid-2020, in response to increased employee and community calls for change.
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