Eric Alston, consultant

Eric brings a wealth of experience in a variety of industries to his work with clients. He has held positions including Vice President and Global Human Resources Officer for Diversity and Inclusion for Bank of America; AVP and Retirement Services Education Officer for Wachovia Corporation/Wells Fargo; and Corporate Affairs Manager for American Gas Association in Washington, D.C.

In his work as Diversity Officer, he developed relationships with numerous special-interest organizations, coached senior executives to participate in activities and make presentations, and led the bank’s recruiting efforts at national conferences. He led the bank’s Employer of Choice recognition efforts, achieving honors from Working Mother, Diversity Inc., Black Enterprise, Military Times, the Human Rights Campaign, and many others. At Wachovia/Wells Fargo he conducted numerous training sessions for employees at all levels.

In addition to his impressive work experience, Eric has a passion for helping people and organizations succeed. His keen insights and ability to connect with everyone enable him to influence and gain trust. Throughout his career he has chartered, trained, and coached teams, developed communication strategies, and coached and developed leaders. He is skilled at helping organizations strategically adapt to changing demands, and at helping teams learn to communicate and collaborate more effectively.

Eric earned the B.S. degree in Economics from Pennsylvania State University and the MBA degree from American University in Washington, D.C. He frequently counsels and mentors start-up and existing small business owners, helping them reach customers and achieve business goals.

Relevant Programs Eric Has Delivered

• Trained and coached business owners and their staff on developing strategy, influencing customers and vendors, and managing customer relations.
• Diversity and inclusion coaching and training for teams of bank employees from every line of business, dealing with the often sensitive and challenging issues that arise
• Training and coaching senior executives in communicating change messages, communicating strategy, and building an inclusive culture.
• Trained more than 5,000 employees on their retirement plans, successfully helping them take personal responsibility and to fully participate in benefits offered.