Join us for a candid conversation on leadership, loyalty, and the corporate culture behind one of the country’s most beloved brands. Alison’s own journey with Costco, from her early beginnings with the company to her long-standing leadership within it, offers a powerful window into the values that have helped shape Costco’s enduring popularity: trust, consistency, humility, service, and a deep respect for people. As consumers look more closely at the companies they support, this conversation will explore what executives across industries can learn from a culture that has earned not just customers, but real devotion.
Leadership Beyond the Script featuring Costco VP and Chief Diversity Officer Alison Francis
The session features a conversation with Costco executive Alison regarding the corporate culture and values of the brand. It examines how trust, humility, and respect for people foster customer loyalty and provide insights for leaders. You can read more about the session at Costco.
Leadership Beyond the Script featuring Costco VP and Chief Diversity Officer Alison Francis
The session features a conversation with Costco executive Alison regarding the corporate culture and values of the brand. It examines how trust, humility, and respect
November 9, 2026
12PM ET
Speaker
Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer
Costco
Alison Francis began her career with Costco in 1997. During her tenure with Costco she has worked in numerous management positions.
Early on in her career Alison attended Oakwood University, where she studied Marketing, in addition to this she minored in English with a writing emphasis. In 2003 after leaving Oakwood University she relocated to Virginia and became the Membership/Marketing Manager in Chantilly, Virginia. Alison was promoted to General Manager in 2012 and remained in that role for eight years. In January of 2020, Alison began pursuing her Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management with an emphasis in Diversity and Inclusion at Georgetown University.
Alison completed her Master’s degree in December of 2021. Shortly after finishing her degree Alison was promoted to AVP, Chief Diversity Officer and in October of 2022 Alison was promoted to VP, Chief Diversity Officer. In 2024, Alison completed the Executive Leadership Program at Seattle University’s Albers School of Business.
Over the last three years Alison has focused her efforts on launching Costco’s global DEI strategy, launching a employee talent management dashboard in operations and advancing initiatives to support the company’s diverse group of employees. She has a passion for people and believes that the foundation for inclusion starts with being proximate to people from all backgrounds and experiences.
President and CEO
The Executive Leadership Council (ELC)
Michael C. Hyter is President and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), an independent non-profit founded in 1986 that opens channels of opportunity for the development of global executives to positively impact business and our communities.
An accomplished senior executive, leadership consultant, author and thought leader, Hyter is widely known for his success in developing enterprise leaders and their next generation successors. For more than 25 years, Hyter has served as a trusted advisor to senior leaders in a variety of industries. He brings a wealth of leadership experience to The ELC in the areas of CEO succession, chief executive and executive to leadership development, and strategic Diversity and Inclusion consulting.
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