Paulette Dodson is a Strategic Advisor and Coach at BarkerGilmore where she specializes in executive coaching and succession planning. She is revered within the business community for her capabilities as a strategic advisor and her ability to manage strategic change on a global scale. She is an effective communicator and mentor, bringing clarity and transparency to advance ambitious goals, particularly concerning ESG and DEI initiatives.

Paulette’s impressive board affiliations include her appointment to the Board of Directors of Portillo’s Inc., a renowned fast-casual restaurant chain known for its Chicago-style menu, as well as Trupanion, a well-known pet insurance provider. Additionally, she has served on the Board of Directors of Mather since 2011, where she currently chairs the Corporate Governance Committee and is a member of the Executive Committee. Paulette also contributes her expertise to the board of the United Way of Metro Chicago.

Her contributions have earned her prestigious accolades, including the Anti-Defamation League’s Women of Achievement Award in 2022. The Legal Aid Society recognized Paulette’s dedication to promoting diversity in the legal profession and her pro bono work with the prestigious Avery Access to Justice Award in 2012.

Paulette’s educational background includes a J.D. from Cornell Law School and a B.A. from the City College of New York.

Leadership Development, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Succession Management

Before joining BarkerGilmore, Paulette served as General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of Alight, Inc., a global human capital and business solutions provider. Her strategic leadership was pivotal in guiding the organization through enterprise-wide business initiatives, legal operations, and large-scale transformations. As a key advisor to the C-suite and board, Paulette led the organization through significant milestones, including an IPO, multiple acquisitions, global divestitures, and long-term outsourcing relationships.

Before Alight, Inc., Paulette served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of PetSmart, Inc., where she guided the board and company through leadership changes and a leveraged buyout. Additionally, she led a transformative strategic review and organizational transformation of PetSmart Charities, then North America’s largest animal welfare organization. She also held various roles at Sara Lee Corporation, including General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, and Chief Counsel for North America.

Consumer, Technology, Non-Profit