AS

Alison Smith

Alison Smith


Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)


Atlanta, Georgia, United States



Professional Overview
Alison Smith is an accomplished Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) with over 25 years of experience driving strategic human capital initiatives across the retail and professional services industries. As the CHRO at Piedmont, she is responsible for leading all aspects of the company's human resources functions, including talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, and organizational transformation.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the CHRO of Piedmont, Alison is instrumental in shaping the company's people strategy to support its ambitious growth objectives. She has implemented innovative talent management programs that have enhanced employee engagement and retention, contributing to Piedmont's recognition as a top employer in the region. Alison's expertise in organizational design and change management has enabled her to lead successful integration efforts following the company's recent acquisition.

Career Progression
Alison's impressive career trajectory includes previous CHRO roles at Cortland and executive HR leadership positions at CEO Effectiveness and Publix Super Markets. At Cortland, she spearheaded the development of a comprehensive leadership development program that resulted in a 20% increase in internal promotions. As the EVP of HR at CEO Effectiveness, Alison played a key role in optimizing HR processes and systems, driving operational efficiencies and cost savings.

During her tenure at Publix Super Markets, Alison held progressively responsible roles, culminating in her position as SVP of Human Resources. In this role, she led the implementation of a robust succession planning framework that enabled the company to develop a strong pipeline of internal talent, contributing to its reputation as an employer of choice.

Academic Background
Alison holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of Florida. She is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Areas of Expertise
  • Strategic human capital management

  • Talent acquisition and retention

  • Organizational development and transformation

  • Performance management and employee engagement

  • HR technology and systems implementation

  • Change management and integration


Professional Impact
Alison's leadership has been recognized through her involvement in several industry organizations. She has served on the advisory board for the Atlanta Society for Human Resource Management (ASHRM) and has been a guest speaker at national HR conferences, sharing her insights on emerging trends and best practices in the field.

Conclusion
With her extensive experience, strategic mindset, and proven track record of driving organizational success, Alison is a trusted CHRO who consistently delivers measurable impact. Her strong commitment to talent development and innovative HR solutions make her a valuable asset to Piedmont as the company continues to grow and evolve.