Coleman Peterson

Coleman Peterson, formerly the Executive Vice President of People for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., played a crucial role as the Chief Human Resource Officer during the company’s most aggressive global expansion, managing the world’s largest private workforce of 1.5 million associates worldwide. Under his leadership, Wal-Mart, a $345 billion a year retailer, was named “America’s #1 Most Admired Company” by Fortune magazine.

Currently, Peterson is the President/CEO of Hollis Enterprises, LLC, a human resources consulting firm. He serves on several corporate boards, including J.B. Hunt Transport, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., chairing the compensation committees for the first two. His extensive board involvement underscores his expertise in corporate governance and strategic planning.

Peterson's professional speaking and consulting focus on leadership development, creating thriving cultures, and comprehensive human resources management. His "Get, Keep, and Grow" strategy encapsulates his approach to fostering professional growth within organizations. He addresses key HR issues such as workforce development, decreasing turnover, and succession planning. He speaks on both national and global stages, discussing topics like diversity, leadership, and organizational skills, and the strategic role of human resources in shaping organizational and board operations.

A recognized leader in his field, Peterson has received multiple accolades including the Award for Professional Excellence from The Society for Human Resource Management, the Lifetime Achievement Award for Human Resource Excellence from Linkage, Inc., and the National Association of African Americans in Human Resource Professionals Trail Blazer Award. His contributions to community and education are evidenced by his ongoing role on the Board of the Northwest Arkansas Community College and numerous awards like The Chancellor's Medal for Volunteerism from the University of Arkansas. A Fellow of the Academy of Human Resources, his work continues to influence both the corporate and academic spheres.