Walgreens Boots Alliance has appointed Alethia Jackson as senior vice president, ESG (environmental, social and governance) and chief DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) officer for the US.
Jackson will assume her role on October 1 and report to Holly May, executive vice president and global chief human resources officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance.
In this new role, Jackson will lead the company’s ESG and DEI strategy in the US, including environmental and product sustainability, community giving, supplier diversity, the leadership Accountability Model and more.
She will also advise management and interface with team members on ESG issues, acting as an advisor, bridge builder and strategic partner while enhancing WBA’s reputation as a socially responsible employer of choice.
More joyful lives
“Alethia is a very well-respected leader, and I look forward to her advancing our DEI and environmental sustainability initiatives, which are core to our purpose of creating more joyful lives through better health,” said Holly May.
She continued: “As evidenced by her leadership in developing our COVID-19 vaccine equity initiatives, Alethia understands the urgency behind health equity, as well as the impact carbon emission reductions, product sustainability and recycling can have on our planet as well as our overall health.”
“Throughout my career at Walgreens, I’ve seen firsthand the evolution and progress we’ve made as an employer and corporate leader, as well as with our DEI efforts, sustainability initiatives and healthcare commitments,” Jackson said.
She added, “Walgreens Boots Alliance is uniquely positioned to continue expanding and advancing our DEI initiatives and making an impact across the pillars of our ESG strategy, healthy communities, healthy and inclusive workplace, a healthy planet and sustainable marketplace. I am proud to lead this critical work for the company.”
Communities of colour
Jackson joined Walgreens in 2011 as a member of the government relations team. Among her accomplishments, she served as chair of the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Task Force, working to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines to communities of colour and medically underserved areas.
A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Jackson holds a JD from Syracuse University Law School and a BA from the State University of New York at Albany. She is also a member of the board of directors of the Public Affairs Council, a member of the executive board of Running Start, a member of the board of directors of Arena Stage, and recently served as a member of the corporate advisory board of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
