About Johnathaan L. Pannell

Chief DEI & HR Executive
Johnathaan is a dynamic and accomplished leader in the realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). With a decade of dedicated experience in Human Resources and Organizational Development, he has risen to prominence as the CEO of District Partnerships & Consulting, a leading and global DEIB/HR firm that champions diversity and inclusivity in organizations of all sizes.

Professional Journey
Johnathaan's journey in the realm of HR and DEI began over ten years ago. His passion for fostering inclusive workplaces led him to embark on a career committed to transforming organizations into equitable and diverse spaces. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated an unwavering dedication to creating change in and ensuring equity of access and opportunity for marginalized communities. Johnathaan did this by teaching leaders how to embed DEI practices and models into their everyday operations and creating feedback loops for staff to weigh in on their experiences. Johnathaan has served as an HR Manager, Interim Director of HR, HR Business Partner, and Chief of People & Culture to name a few. In each of these roles, Johnathaan has been a beacon of hope, a driving force, and a trusted advisor.

Areas of Expertise
Johnathaan's multifaceted expertise covers a wide array of domains:

  • Human Resources: As a seasoned HR professional, Johnathaan possesses a deep understanding of all aspects of HR including talent acquisition, employee engagement, and talent management. His strategic HR initiatives have been instrumental in helping organizations attract, retain, and develop diverse talent while reducing employee turnover, shifting organizational culture, and providing engaging and thought-provoking workshops.

  • Equity and Inclusion: Johnathaan is a fervent advocate for equity and inclusion. He has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at eradicating bias, prejudice, and inequality in workplaces, one policy at a time. His passion for creating inclusive cultures has led to tangible improvements in organizations.

  • Leadership: As the CEO of District Partnerships, Johnathaan leads by example. His visionary leadership has propelled his organization to the forefront of the DEI field. He inspires his team and clients to embrace diversity as a driver of innovation and success and not just “check-the-box” items.

District Partnerships
Under Johnathaan's leadership, DPC has emerged as a frontrunner in DEI consultancy. The firm partners with organizations of all sizes, offering tailored solutions to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. DPC’s mission is to empower businesses to create cultures that value and celebrate differences, resulting in stronger, more resilient, and innovative teams.

Beyond the Boardroom
Johnathaan is not just a CEO; he is also an advocate, speaker, and dog dad. He frequently lends his voice to conferences, workshops, and webinars, sharing his wisdom and experiences to inspire and educate others on the importance of DEI. His written work further extends his influence, as he contributes articles, publications, and blogs that enlighten readers on DEI best practices. Johnathaan enjoys the simple things in life like eating out, finding new places to visit, and enjoying the company of his family and friends. Johnathaan currently lives in Charlotte, NC with his pup (Morkie- Maltese mixed with Yorkie) named Milo.