About Marcia
Marcia Avedon, Ph.D., is a recognized expert in human resources, leadership development, and board governance, advising organizations on leadership, talent, and strategic transformations.
Who is Marcia Avedon?
Marcia Avedon, Ph.D., is the CEO of Avedon Advisory LLC, a boutique consulting firm specializing in leadership development, organizational transformation, and human capital management. She applies over 30 years of experience from various global industrial, healthcare, and consumer product companies.
Dr. Avedon also serves as an independent board director for multiple public companies, chairing compensation and human capital committees. Her extensive background as a CHRO at major corporations like Merck and Trane Technologies (formerly Ingersoll Rand) makes her a sought-after authority in senior executive leadership and board effectiveness.
Quick facts about Marcia Avedon
| Role | CEO, Independent Board Director |
| Company | Avedon Advisory LLC, Generac Holdings Inc., Acuity, Cornerstone Building Brands |
| Expertise | Leadership Development, Talent Management, Executive Compensation, Organizational Transformation, Board Governance |
| Notable for | Strategic HR leadership, M&A integration, C-suite succession planning, establishing the Center for Executive Succession at the University of South Carolina |
| BPI affiliation | Expert Faculty member |
What is Marcia Avedon known for?
- Strategic Human Resources Leadership: Dr. Avedon is known for her impact as a CHRO, evolving the function beyond traditional HR to include strategic contributions in areas like corporate communications, brand management, and government affairs.
- Board Governance Expertise: Her significant influence in the boardroom, particularly in chairing compensation and human capital committees, is recognized for driving improvements in leadership development and succession planning.
- Large-Scale Transformations: She has led numerous complex organizational transformations, including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and spin-offs, leveraging her human capital expertise to navigate change.
- Talent and Succession Management: Dr. Avedon has a strong track record in developing robust talent management strategies and implementing effective succession planning at the executive and board levels.
- Founding the Center for Executive Succession: She founded and currently serves as Executive Director for the Center for Executive Succession at the University of South Carolina, contributing research and best practices in C-suite succession.
What is Marcia Avedon's background and experience?
Dr. Marcia Avedon's career spans over three decades, beginning as a management consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton. She then held significant HR and communications leadership roles at companies such as Anheuser-Busch and Honeywell.
She served as Senior Vice President and CHRO at Merck & Co. from 2002 to 2006. From 2007 until her retirement in 2022, she was the Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources, Marketing & Communications Officer at Trane Technologies (formerly Ingersoll Rand), where she was an officer of the company supporting the compensation and governance committees of the board of directors. Her board experience includes Lincoln Financial, GCP Applied Technologies, and the Center for Creative Leadership, among others, and currently includes Generac Holdings Inc., Acuity, and Cornerstone Building Brands.
- Education:
- Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, George Washington University
- Master of Philosophy, George Washington University
- B.A. in Psychology, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
- Certifications & Recognitions:
- Fellow, National Academy of Human Resources
- Fellow, Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Active in Women Corporate Directors and the National Association of Corporate Directors
What topics does Marcia Avedon speak and write about?
Dr. Avedon frequently discusses topics related to strategic human resources, executive leadership, and effective board governance. Her insights cover how human capital professionals can extend their impact beyond traditional HR functions to contribute significantly to overall business strategy and organizational success.
She also focuses on the critical importance of leadership development, robust succession planning for C-suite roles, and navigating the human elements of large-scale organizational transformations. Her work with the Center for Executive Succession at the University of South Carolina underpins her commitment to advancing research and best practices in leader transitions.
How does Marcia Avedon contribute to the Best Practice Institute?
As an Expert Faculty member, Dr. Marcia Avedon aligns with the Best Practice Institute's mission to advance leadership excellence and organizational health. Her deep expertise in leadership development, talent management, executive compensation, and board governance provides valuable insights for BPI's research and programs, including those related to the Most Loved Workplace® certification.
Her experience in fostering strong organizational cultures and her understanding of what drives employee engagement and satisfaction are critical contributions. Dr. Avedon helps BPI explore how strategic human capital practices contribute to creating thriving work environments and supports the development of leaders who can build Most Loved Workplaces.
Where can you learn more from Marcia Avedon?
For further insights, you can explore the research and publications related to Dr. Avedon's work in executive succession planning, particularly through the University of South Carolina's Center for Executive Succession. Her public directorship profiles provide additional context on her contributions to board governance and human capital strategy.