Colleen Richards Powell is American Tower’s inaugural Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. In this role, Ms. Powell leads efforts across the Company’s global footprint to implement inclusive systems and processes, advancing its growth and culture. This includes working collaboratively to develop effective employee engagement, talent development, leadership training, education, and other workforce initiatives from design through implementation.

Prior to joining American Tower in March 2021, Ms. Powell was the first Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer of MFS Investment Management, leading global diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Prior to that role, Ms. Powell was Chief External Relations and Communications Officer for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and held a number of senior leadership roles, including Special Assistant to the President of Harvard University. Ms. Powell began her career by serving on the Capitol Hill staff of Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy.

Ms. Powell chairs the Competitiveness Committee of the board of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable. She also serves on the board of the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization, the Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership and the Executive Council of the Partnership, Inc. She is a member of the Wellesley College Business Leadership Council and the leadership and advisory councils of several other nonprofit organizations focused on equity and access, including the Posse Foundation, Cradles to Crayons and Healthcare for the Homeless.

Ms. Powell earned a bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College, a master’s degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education and an executive certificate in Advanced Management from Harvard Business School.