Coleman Peterson

Coleman H. Peterson served as Executive Vice President of People at Wal-Mart Stores Inc, one of the largest private workforces world-wide.  He was responsible for the recruitment, retention and development of Wal-Mart’s retail organization that continues its global growth in countries including Mexico, Canada, the U.K., Asia and South America.  Prior to joining Wal-Mart, Coleman spent 16 years with Venture Store of St. Louis, with his last role being the Senior Vice President of Human Resources.

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Mr. Peterson grew up in Chicago.  He graduated from Loyola University of Chicago with a master’s degree in science and industrial relations.  He also serves on the Board of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Advisory Board of the University of Florida Retail Institute, President’s Advisory Board of Florida A&M University, Board Director at Northwest Arkansas Community College, and Board Director of National Academy of Human Resources.  He is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi and Sigma Pi Phi fraternities and also a member of the National Council of La Raza.

Mr. Peterson received the highest recognition within the human resource industry when he was inducted as a Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources.  He is a past recipient of the Society of Human Resource Management’s highest recognition: The Award for Professional Excellence.  He recently received the National Conference of Community Justice’s Humanitarian Award.

“Coleman Peterson brings a wealth of industry expertise to our Board along with his extensive individual accomplishments and career experiences with outstanding organizations.  He will definitely add value and creative thinking to our company as well as disciplined governance and guidance to the Board,” stated Wayne Garrison, Chairman of the Board.  “We are extremely pleased to have Cole on board.”

He is well respected for his initiatives in Wal-Mart’s retail developments as well his efforts in strategic succession planning.  Under his direction, the People Division of Wal-Mart flourished as it focused on basic “People Needs” of getting, keeping and growing great associates and diversifying the workforce.

Today, Cole is president and CEO of Hollis Enterprises, LLC, of Bentonville, a consulting group he formed after his retirement from Wal-Mart.  He is using this new platform to continue consulting and speaking on the long-term strategic importance of recruitment and selection; organizational effectiveness; leadership development and diversity achievement.