Relay Resources Promotes Laurie Winthrop to Vice President of Talent Management
PORTLAND, Ore., November 28, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Laurie Winthrop, a seasoned human resources executive in the retail industry, has been named Vice President of Talent Management for Relay Resources. Winthrop will join the newly formed Disability Inclusion team, led by Relay’s first Chief Disability Inclusion Officer, Wally Tablit. Winthrop will implement a disability-inclusive approach, along with a diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) focus, into all talent initiatives, continuing Relay’s commitment to centering people with disabilities and other traditionally marginalized populations.
“I’m excited about Laurie’s ideas to infuse a DEIA lens into our talent processes,” said Tablit. “She will be an important strategic partner as we define Disability Inclusion for Relay and develop initiatives that positively impact our employees and customers.”
Winthrop began consulting in 2016 to co-create solutions for domestic and global organizations seeking effective and sustainable change through cultural and talent transformations, including Relay Resources. Drawn to the incredible team, fulfilling work and exciting growth, Winthrop started full-time work with Relay in 2022.
“I love supporting Relay and look forward to what we will accomplish next,” said Winthrop. “Research shows that diverse, inclusive organizations are more innovative and have higher retention rates. My top priority is to ensure everyone at Relay feels valued so we can leverage their strengths to take on new challenges, expanding our impact in the community.”
Winthrop excelled in a 30-year career at Macy’s, progressing from Sales Manager to SVP Human Resources. She was responsible for sales, buying, store management, recruitment and customer service, successfully leading start-ups during the transition to online retailing including macys.com and bloomingdales.com. At Ralph Lauren, Winthrop held various HR and talent management roles, culminating in a five-year appointment to SVP of Global Talent Management where she saw firsthand the power of collaborating across diverse experiences and nationalities to drive revenue growth.
“Laurie’s depth of experience in human resources and talent management is critical to our focus on the employee experience and creating innovative processes that center people with disabilities,” said Dr. Jennifer Camota Luebke, President and CEO of Relay Resources. “Her partnership with Wally as part of the Disability Inclusion team will focus on creating an environment where everyone is valued.”
Winthrop has a passion for supporting non-profits, serving on the Advisory Board for Mobility International and on the Board of Directors for Jewish Vocational Service. She holds a B.A. in Speech Communication and Rhetoric from UC Santa Barbara and completed graduate studies at Columbia University to earn a professional certification in Executive Coaching and Organizational Effectiveness.
At a time when Disabilities is often the forgotten “D” in Diversity, Relay Resources, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is actively cultivating an environment of true inclusion by creating meaningful work for people with disabilities.
Source: Relay Resources
