Steve Pemberton joined Globoforce in December of 2017 as our chief human resources officer (CHRO) and works with HR leaders and senior management executives worldwide to help build workplaces where every employee feels recognized, respected, and appreciated for who they are and what they do. He champions and promotes Globoforce’s WorkHuman movement to inspire HR leaders to embrace more humanity and foster a sense of purpose in the workplace. And, Steve is focused on building upon Globoforce’s award-winning culture, where we have set a new industry standard through our own power usage of recognition and positivity.
Prior to joining Globoforce, Steve served as chief diversity officer and vice president of diversity and inclusion for Walgreens Boots Alliance. Prior to assuming his role at Walgreens, he served as chief diversity officer at Monster.com. In 2015, he was appointed by United States Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez to serve on the Advisory Committee for the Competitive Integrated Employment of People with Disabilities.
A passionate human rights champion, Steve has made equality, access and opportunity the foundation of his personal and professional life. Author of the best-selling memoir, “A Chance in the World,” Steve chronicled his journey as a ward of the state for much of his childhood. His tireless advocacy for the disenfranchised has earned him numerous accolades, including honorary doctorates from Winston-Salem State University, Mt. Ida College and Boston College, as well as the prestigious Horizon Award by the U.S. Congress, presented to private sector individuals who have expanded opportunities for all Americans through their own personal contributions, and who have set exceptional examples for young people through their successes in life. He is a Boston College graduate and serves on several nonprofit boards, including UCAN (Chicago), New Yorkers for Children, and The United States Business Leadership Network.