St. Louis companies bolster diversity and inclusion efforts with high-level appointments

by Greg Edwards

St. Louis companies in law, banking and accounting are beefing up their approach to diversity with senior-level appointments.

The Armstrong Teasdale law firm announced this week that Sonji Young, formerly of Intel Corp., was appointed vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, responsible for implementing the strategy across the firm.

"Sonji's addition to the team will significantly strengthen our ability to embed diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the firm's culture," said Chief Diversity Officer Meshach Rhoades, a partner in the Denver office who was named to lead that new department in November.

Last week, Together Credit Union named Pier Yvette Alsup as its first chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. She also leads Together Credit Union's Diversity & Inclusion Council as its founding member.

Prior to her new role, Alsup served as chief community engagement and social responsibility officer from 2016 to 2020. She joined Together Credit Union, formerly Anheuser-Busch Employees' Credit Union, in 1990 as the senior vice president of marketing and communications, where she led strategic marketing initiatives until 2015.

Also last week, BKD CPAs & Advisors said Rachel Dwiggins, managing partner of its Kansas City office, will succeed Wendy Henry in her responsibilities for inclusivity and diversity. Henry, the managing partner for KBD's St. Louis and Decatur, Illinois, offices, has led the D&I effort since 2014 and is retiring from the firm May 31.

Other St. Louis organizations that have made top diversity and inclusion appointments in recent months include:

- McCarthy Holdings Inc., which appointed Kamecia Mason to lead the construction company's diversity and inclusion strategy nationwide. She serves as the firm's vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, a newly created role that McCarthy officials said will "evolve" its internal and external strategy and implementation.

- World Wide Technology, which provides technology products and services for large businesses, hired Shannon Lassen as diversity and inclusion manager. The Maryland Heights-based company named existing executive Bob Ferrell to the position of vice president of diversity and inclusion in September.