CommPRO Editorial Staff

The Diversity Action Alliance (DAA), a cross-industry coalition dedicated to increasing recruitment, retention, and representation in management for people of color and other under-represented groups in the communications field, announced today the addition of three newly elected leaders for its board of directors.

The DAA board, comprising communications industry leaders and DE&I experts, will be led by:

• DAA Board Chair: Dr. Denise Hill, Associate Professor at Elon University’s School of Communications
• DAA Board Vice-Chair: Charlene Wheeless, Principal at Charlene Wheeless, LLC & Senior Advisor Equity & Justice APCO Worldwide
• DAA Board Treasurer: Dr. Candace Steele Flippin, Chief Communications Officer, Acuity Brands

 “Denise, Charlene and Candace are among the most respected and influential leaders in the communications field and share a deep passion for diversity, equity and inclusion in our profession," said Patrick Ford, immediate past DAA co-chair and professional in residence at the University of Florida. “The Alliance’s vitally important mission – to be a catalyst for tangible, measurable, and long-overdue action on building a truly diverse and inclusive PR profession – will benefit enormously from the leadership of this dynamic team.”

Dr. Denise Hill said, “The Diversity Action Alliance is focused on creating much-needed change in the communications industry, and I’m excited to continue promoting the acceleration of diversity and inclusion in communications by serving as Board Chair alongside these respected industry leaders.” 

Carmella Glover Promoted to President

The DAA board also announced the promotion of Carmella Glover from Executive Director to President of the DAA. In this new role, Glover will continue to drive forward the organization’s mission, including day-to-day oversight of strategic initiatives, programming and fundraising.

“We’ve seen progress toward our vision, but still have work to do to ensure greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the communications industry,” said Glover. “The DAA thanks Patrice Tanaka and Pat Ford for their tremendous leadership and we look forward to partnering with Denise, Charlene, and Candace to continue the critical work of the DAA.”

About the Diversity Action Alliance

The Diversity Action Alliance (DAA) is a coalition of Public Relations and communications leaders joining forces to accelerate progress in the achievement of meaningful and tangible results in diversity, equity and inclusion across our profession. The DAA’s goal is to achieve continuous improvement for Black professionals as measured by recruitment, retention and representation at all levels. For more information about the Diversity Action Alliance, visit https://www.diversityactionalliance.org/