Sharon GrantDover, Del. (June 9, 2022) — Chesapeake Utilities Corporation announced that Sharon Grant joined the company as assistant vice president and diversity officer, effective June 6.

Grant will oversee Chesapeake Utilities' equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy and initiatives, including its EDI Council and employee resource groups, while also collaborating across the organization with the teams responsible for the enterprise-wide environmental, social and governance plan. In addition, Grant will lead efforts to improve the employee experience at Chesapeake Utilities, with a focus on employee engagement and enhancing company culture to foster an environment that promotes wellness, inclusion and belonging.

"We welcome Sharon to the Chesapeake Utilities family," said William Hughston, vice president and chief human resource officer. "Sharon's unique background and experience in business operations, project management, organizational development and EDI will play a significant part in helping us build upon our strategic imperatives in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion and engagement."

"As the first person to step into this newly created and important role, I'm thrilled to join Chesapeake Utilities," said Grant. "I share the company's determination to make a difference and to continue building an environment that advances equity, diversity and inclusion. I'm looking forward to advancing an EDI strategy and implementation plan that incorporates inclusive perspectives and practices."

Grant is an accomplished human resources leader who most recently held the role of vice president and chief diversity officer at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership in Richmond, Virginia. There, she oversaw the design and implementation of the talent management strategy, human resources operations, employee engagement strategy, and the enterprise-wide strategic plan for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Grant also has held leadership roles with global responsibility at Cisco Systems Inc. and the City of Atlanta, and she led her own HR consulting firm.

Grant holds an MBA from the University of Georgia and a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. She also has numerous certifications in project management and human resources.