SJBiz _Executives of the Year_1124FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 11 / 5 / 24 3 : 59 PM Page 4 Devon Perry Shawn Abner - Purnell EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR , GARDEN STATE WINE GROWERS CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER , SJI ASSOCIATION As South Jersey Industries ’ Perryloves New Jersey and first chief diversity officer , thewine industry , making her Abner - Purnell builds hu - rolea dream job . She has man capital strategies to maintainedleadership roles create a culture of inclu - andpositions within the New sion and belonging for Jersey tourism industry , like all — where employees feel beingthe executive director comfortable bringing their of Visit South Jersey and a whole selves to work each boardmember of the New day . She oversees the full JerseyTourism Industry Asso - scope of SJI’s diversity , eq - ciation , and has served on the uity , inclusion and belong - executivecommittee of the ing strategy , which in - NewJersey Destination Mar - cludesemployee engage - ketingOrganization Associa - mentand employee expe - tion.Moreover , working with rience practices , to name a few . In addition , she partners with exceptionallysupportive and talented people behind the vines the diversity council to drive advocacy and adoption of busi - andin the classrooms continues to grow her love for keeping the ness strategies that address talent , diversity , and inclusion “ garden ” in the Garden State . Cheers to New Jersey wine ! gaps in all areas of the company . She also drives the organi - zational capabilities of SJI’s workforce through culture trans - Another career she considered … formation and total rewards initiatives . I love working with the retired community . If my path were to change , I could daydream about creating a beautiful environment The first thing she wanted to be … for people to enjoy traveling , learning , and savoring different As I contemplated my college major , I initially aspired to be - cuisinestogether . Once upon a time , I thought about opening a come an executive secretary and chose to pursue a degree in catering company of grandparents , from chefs to waitstaff . business . During the summers , I took on administrative assis - tant roles through a temp agency . That experience provided On impactful leadership lessons … my first glimpse into various leadership styles , corporate cul - Pay people what they deserve . It is important to value everyone ture and team dynamics . at the table on every level of every company . SouthJerseyBiz.net | VOLUME 14 ISSUE 11 | SOUTH JERSEY BIZ | 19
