Unum officials announced on Wednesday that Wade Hinton has been appointed vice president of Diversity and Inclusion for the company effective Aug.
20.
In his role, he will be responsible for strategic diversity and inclusion programming to ensure Unum’s culture, environment and business approach in every area is inclusive and respectful to all. His work will accelerate Unum’s focus on inclusion and further empower diverse employees within the organization.
“Through a grassroots approach with executive support, we’ve made tremendous progress creating an inclusive culture where all of our team members can thrive,” said Rick McKenney, president and CEO of Unum Group. “I am confident that Wade will harness our energy and help us realize our vision of a world-class workplace that appreciates the unique talents and experiences of every team member.”
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke has accepted the resignation of City Attorney Hinton, whose last day in office will be Tuesday, July 24.
Mayor Berke said, "Wade Hinton has been a terrific partner to city government and a model public servant for years. While I am certainly sad to see him go, I know he will thrive in his new role. After I won the mayoral election in 2013, I asked Wade to co-chair my transition team because I knew how valuable his strategic problem-solving skills, deep roots in our community, and commitment to service would be for our city. I was honored when he later accepted my and city council’s invitation to become our City Attorney. In the last five years, he has completely transformed the City Attorney’s Office into one of the most efficient and effective law practices in the city. He has one of the sharpest legal minds I’ve encountered, and his passion for helping everyone in our city -- particularly disadvantaged young people and people of color -- find their own paths to success is truly inspiring. I have been a better mayor and we have become a stronger city because of Wade’s service. I know his dedication to Chattanooga is greater than ever and we wish him well."
Mr. Hinton joined the City of Chattanooga as City Attorney and Chief Legal Officer in June 2013. During his time as City Attorney and through his volunteer work, Mr. Hinton has devoted efforts to finding opportunities for minority owned businesses and has been an advocate for youth programs. In 2017, he created Board Connector, which connects minority men and women with an interest in serving on a nonprofit board, to intentionally inclusive nonprofits looking for such talent.
Prior to his appointment, he was the deputy general counsel for Volkswagen Group of America’s Chattanooga operations after spending several years in private practice. He also served as a consultant to County Mayor Claude Ramsey on issues related to diversity and minority business programs. A large portion of his professional and volunteer work has focused on diversity and creating an inclusive community.
Mr. Hinton serves on the board of directors for the Benwood Foundation, Friends of the Festival, the Company Lab (Co.Lab), and the Chattanooga State Foundation. He’s the past charter president of the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga Young Professionals Group and has served on the board of directors for the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, and Chattanooga-Hamilton County NAACP. Mr. Hinton is a 2017 Presidential Leadership Scholar, and graduated from Emory University and University of Memphis School of Law.