Deborah A. Elam is Manager of Diversity & Inclusive Leadership for General Electric Company, a diversified technology, media and financial services company dedicated to creating products that improve life. GE operates in more than 100 countries and has more than 300,000 employees worldwide.

Elam is a native of New Orleans. She graduated from Ursuline Academy and received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from LSU. Elam then went on to earn her Master of Public Administration degree from Southern University.

Elam’s career with GE began during her graduate studies. She was an intern in the human resources department of GE Global Exchange Services in Rockville, Maryland. After earning her graduate degree in 1987 Elam joined GE’s Human Resources Leadership Program and was given three rotational assignments at GE Global Exchange Services and GE Aircraft Engines in Evandale, Ohio. After completing the program, she was promoted successively larger human resources assignments at GE Consulting Services in Atlanta and GE Capital Mortgage Corporation in Raleigh. In 1995, Elam was appointed senior vice president of human resources for GE Capital Insurance Services in Stamford, Connecticut. She went on to be named managing director of human resources for GE Capital Markets Services in 1997, and managing director of human resources at GE Capital Commercial Finance in 2000. Elam assumed her current role as manager of Diversity and Inclusive Leadership in 2002.

Elam serves as a leader in the GE African American Forum and GE Women’s Network. She is also on the boards of directors of several civic and community organizations.

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