Walker-Miller Energy Services announced the promotion of Camille Bryant as the organization’s first Chief Diversity Officer, and the hiring of Kimika Garrett as the new Chief People and Culture Officer. Bryant previously served as the energy efficiency firm’s Chief People and Culture Officer.
As Chief Diversity Officer, Bryant is responsible for developing and leading strategy around operational initiatives from an equitable lens. Bryant will create strategies to ensure diverse hiring and promotion at the organization, as well as lead diversity training programs for staff.
“We are evolving from an equity focused energy efficiency services provider to thought leaders on integrating equity into all elements of the clean energy space,” says Carla Walker-Miller, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Walker-Miller Energy Services.
She goes on to say, “We made a commitment in 2018 to recruit team members who embrace our core values, and that decision has served us well. Each of these moves is designed to make sure our team members, our customers, and the communities we serve have extraordinary experiences.”
Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, Walker-Miller Energy Services is one of the largest African American and woman owned energy efficiency companies in the United States. Walker-Miller’s commitment to Empower People and Enrich Communities is the bedrock of a unique, people-centered approach that normalizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the delivery of energy programs. Walker-Miller Energy Services is making a name in the industry as a bridge between the traditional utility industry and the rapidly changing decarbonized utility of the future.
With one of the most diverse teams in the industry, Walker-Miller Energy Services designs programs, sources products, trains inclusive workforces, along with researching and developing innovations that drive the broad adoption of energy efficient practices and behaviors. The organization’s Equitable Mobility Research and Consultation business includes mobility program design and management and EV charger installation and maintenance services. As part of the company’s commitment to equity, the firm introduces diverse businesses to opportunities to provide EV products and services. The high-performing firm has honed a special competency of successfully engaging systemically excluded communities that have not historically participated in clean energy programs.
These efforts help decrease the energy burdens on local families and businesses, create jobs, diversify the local energy workforce, and serve the needs of asset limited income constrained families with compassion.
Walker-Miller Energy Services is intentional about creating an energy workforce that reflects the rich diversity of this country, aggressively recruiting Black people and people of color, women, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people living with disabilities, returning citizens, and veterans. As minorities and women are still woefully underrepresented in the energy industry, and even more so in the fastest growing segments, Walker-Miller Energy Services places particular emphasis on both recruiting and developing talent from these underrepresented demographics, providing them an on ramp to the energy industry.
Walker-Miller says, “In keeping with our core value of Inclusive Stewardship, we continue to cultivate a team that reflects the rich diversity of this country. To serve diverse communities with honor and make sure our team members feel heard, valued, and empowered we must continuously increase our own cultural competency. Camille will help solidify an environment of psychological safety where all people are accepted.”
“I am beyond thrilled to move into this new chapter,” says Bryant. “To ensure that our organization represents what the world around us looks like is wholly beneficial for all of us, and I feel privileged to do so. I fully intend to work every day to make sure that our team members, clients, and partners feel welcome, connected, and know that they belong; know that their contributions and perspectives are valued. That inclusion is how we thrive.”
Bryant’s role and responsibilities also include analyzing data driven research of DEI initiatives to measure progress and suggest improvements; staying well-versed of trends, laws, regulations, and other factors influencing DEI programs; advising team members on DEI matters; and representing the organization at industry events and meetings.
“Camille has done an amazing job of moving our HR group forward during the time she was our Chief People and Culture Officer, especially as the company experienced swift and tremendous growth,” says Greg Walker, President of Walker-Miller Energy Services.
He continues, “We’re excited to see what she will do as she leads our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. I’m confident that with her background, skills and passion, Walker-Miller Energy Services will continue to be at the forefront of equitable energy practices, serving as a real-world example of how DEI functions when it is a business norm and woven into every component of your company’s daily operations.”
Bryant joined Walker-Miller Energy Services in September 2019 as Chief Human Resources Officer. Prior to Walker-Miller Energy Services Bryant served in a number of roles for General Electric, including Senior Human Resources Manager and Executive Human Resources Business Partner for GE Digital’s Global Digital Hub Transformation where she was responsible for culture, collaboration, learning and development, and facilitating the restructuring and the creation of horizontal organizations across four technology centers and 5,000 employees globally.
Throughout her career, Bryant has also contributed to numerous small business success stories for start-ups during both the launch and strategic growth phases, including their family business, The Alden Group, a consumer products company producing specialty cooking oils. As Director of Business Development for Catalyst Community Partners Bryant led revitalization efforts in neglected urban markets by recruiting neighborhood entrepreneurs to open and sustain brick and mortar businesses.
Passionate about supporting workforce development for historically marginalized individuals Bryant currently serves as the executive champion for the Green Jobs training program through Walker-Miller Energy Services. She is also a board member for Workforce Opportunity Solutions, a non-profit organization that recruits, trains and places underserved and veteran talent in jobs with major corporations.
A native of Flint, Michigan, Bryant attended Michigan State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy and a master’s degree in Labor Relations and Human Resources.
As the energy efficiency firm’s new Chief People and Culture officer Kimika Garrett assumes the leadership role for the organization’s HR functions. Garrett’s expertise includes human resources management, process and performance improvement, organization development and effectiveness, training and learning development, strategic planning, and talent management.
“It is essential for me to engage and contribute to an organization that I can actively see the linkage of their actions, internally and externally, to the company’s core values. This is what attracted me to Walker-Miller Energy Services,” says Garrett.
A Michigan native, Garrett is a versatile, energetic, forward-thinking organizational improvement champion with HR transformation experience in the technology, pharmaceutical, retail, automotive, non-profit/government and chemical/R&D industries. She is passionate about helping organizations achieve operational excellence through strategic planning, process improvement and human capital management.
She states, “The composition of Walker-Miller’s leadership team is a prime example of our Inclusive Stewardship core value. Seeing Carla Boldly Go to receive awards and recognition for her leadership and accepting them with Humble Confidence, was a deciding factor for me to join Walker-Miller Energy Services. In my role as Chief People and Culture Officer, I am looking forward to living and sharing our BHIVE values with all who I interact with.”
Prior to joining Walker-Miller Energy Services, Garrett served as an HR leader for a number of organizations, including HR Transformation Manager for Accenture, Regional HR Manager for Visteon, and Director of Human Resources for Alternatives for Girls.
“Kimika is a passionate, talented leader whose very nature embodies our core values of Inclusive Stewardship and Extraordinary Experience,” says Walker-Miller. “The Chief People and Culture Officer is charged with taking care of our team members. Consistent with our core values, Kimika will work to help ensure our team members have extraordinary experiences at Walker-Miller.”
Walker says, “With the expertise Kimika brings to the table we’re looking for her to help us take the next step along our journey, becoming the employer of choice nationally. She brings to us a wealth of experience in the Human Resources arena and we’re looking forward to tapping into this from day one of her employment.”
Due to her extensive organizational management knowledge and expertise, Garrett is in high demand as a public speaker. With her energetic, creative and R.E.A.L. (relevant, engaging, actionable, leading-edge) style, she can often be found facilitating workshops, retreats, and participating in panel discussions. Garrett is committed to uplifting and helping to grow talent from the next generation of Michigan’s business leaders. She is a board member of Detroit Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), serving as the chapter’s vice-president of member services.
Garrett earned a master’s degree in Human Resource Management and Organizational Development (MSHROD) from Eastern Michigan University, is a certified Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt, and a SHRM HR Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).
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ABOUT WALKER-MILLER ENERGY SERVICES
A 21-year-old company, Walker-Miller Energy Services is a trusted partner with deep roots in the energy industry. Through an equity lens, the company provides thought leadership to utilities, municipalities, businesses, and communities to help achieve energy reduction goals and drive the benefits of clean energy to all communities. Our experience driven philosophy of energy efficiency as equity helps families and businesses save energy and save money. Empowered by the company culture of kind excellence, Walker-Miller Energy Services consistently achieves energy efficiency program goals and delivers the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. Walker-Miller is guided by these core values: Boldly Go above and beyond with Humble Confidence, Inclusive Stewardship, and an abiding commitment to Value Reputations, while delivering Extraordinary Experiences for team members, clients, and stakeholders. Walker-Miller Energy Services is committed to changing lives through energy efficiency. Visit www.wmenergy.com for more info.
Media Inquiries
All media inquiries for photos, and/or interview requests with representatives of Walker-Miller Energy Services should contact: Kebina Young Frazier, kyoungfrazier@wmenergy.com, 313-570-1747
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