Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds

Hailed as “The Dean of Fashion”, Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds is a multidimensional storyteller who has built a career creating culture-shifting moments. His expertise extends across the fashion, academic and human resource sectors.

As a global citizen who has lived and worked across continents, Dr. Hammonds is deeply invested in hard work. He hustles, he grinds, and he produces! He’s intentional about his God given pursuits. He works smart. He doesn’t control outcomes, but he does control output.

Dr. Hammonds began his career as a classroom teacher, in Atlanta, Ga. In 2002, Hammonds entered the fashion sector and provided advisory support to a fast-growing multi-brand boutique URUP Designs. The store’s curated selection of products from independent designers singled it out from other boutiques in Atlanta, establishing a name for quality and pared-back chic.

After closing the boutique, Hammonds worked at Neiman Marcus. Hammonds relationship with Neiman’s started in 2004, when he joined as a sales associate. He was appointed Assistant Human Resource Manager of Neiman Marcus Atlanta in 2006 and held the role until 2010.

Between 2010 and 2018 Dr. Hammonds served as Department Chair of the Fashion Program at The Art Institutes. Under his leadership, the program was awarded SACS accreditation and developed new academic programs including Fashion Design (BFA). Hammonds introduced a number of initiatives to the school, including collaborative design competitions with the W Hotels and secured a partnership at New York Fashion Week for the annual BFA collections garnering significant industry interest in both the candidates and the school at large. Additionally, he leveraged a partnership with Skills for America’s Future, an initiative launched under President Barack Obama’s administration.

In 2018, Hammonds joined Hers Magazine as contributing fashion editor. He is credited for creating and helming a publication that offers an informed and intelligent view on fashion, combined with progressive journalism and features on influential image-makers including, Nicolas Ghesquière , Claire Wright Keller, Christian Siriano, Daniel Martin, Mimi Plange, Emme, Nikka Lorak, and Jamika Pessoa. Dr. Hammonds is a trusted adviser to universities and colleges. He has served multiple public- and private-university systems and campuses around the world, including research, comprehensive, and community colleges. In 2022 he received the Stephen Shank Award for teaching excellence by Capella University.

He currently serves on the board of the St. Lucia Fashion Council and on the advisory council for the Startupbootcamp Fashiontech Milan. He has supported the rollout and scale of multiple startups and accelerator programs by providing mentoring, training, and networking opportunities.

In addition to chairing global councils, he established his consultancy, CAH & CO., to advise brands, institutions, fashion weeks and governments around the world.

His insights have been featured in prestigious media outlets including Instyle, NPR, and Readers Digest, amongst others. Dr. Hammonds is the author of five books. He’s also contributed to a number of books, including By Design by Glenn Mckeva Wiggins, why should I hire you? by Stephanie C. Harper and I wish someone had told me by Monty Clark.

Throughout his career, Hammonds has been acknowledged for his strategic and creative contributions. In 2018, Hammonds was inducted to Alabama State University 50 Under 50. Hammonds was also included in Modern Luxury Magazine inaugural list of Men of Style in 2013.

Hammonds is also an avid philanthropist. He has worked closely with Easter Seals as a Goodwill Ambassador and co-chaired The Fashion Uncorked design competition from 2013-2015.

Hammonds also hosts the podcast Prescriptions with Dr. CAH, which gives in depth one-on-one interviews with some of fashion's leading movers and shakers. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated and Society of Human Resource Mgmt. (SHRM).

A native of Columbus, Georgia, Hammonds earned his Doctorate in Business Administration from Argosy University, an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Mgmt., and a Bachelor’s in education from Alabama State University.

Dr. Hammonds is based in Atlanta, Ga. serving clients all over the world, with a particular focus on the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe.