Change gon’ come.
This week Nascar announced Brandon Thompson as the company’s new Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, Black Enterprise reports.
Thompson has spent 17 years with NASCAR, starting his career in 2003 as an intern at Nashville Superspeedway. He was able to join through the company’s Diversity Internship Program and is now making history as the first from that program to join the executive team.
The trailblazing executive will be responsible for leading the strategy for diversity and inclusion, enhancing diversity across the board at NASCAR, and heading up various programs and initiatives. While the position is new, there is an established team focused on creating diverse programs and initiatives that Thompson will begin managing. One of those programs is the “NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program” that focuses on giving access and opportunities to women and minorities at NASCAR.
Jill Gregory, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Content Officer at NASCAR spoke about Thompson’s appointment, saying, “Brandon is an established and well-respected leader in our sport who will help NASCAR realize its vision in creating a more diverse industry. This new position and Brandon’s appointment reinforces our steadfast commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for our fans, industry and employees.”
The auto-racing company has been swift to address issues of diversity and inclusion given the current uprising across the nation. Just one day after NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace publicly called for the banning of the confederate flag within the sport, the company honored that request. Thompson hopes that in his new role, he can continue to push the sport forward and attract a new generation of NASCAR fans.
“NASCAR has made significant progress in the areas of diversity and inclusion and we now have an opportunity to build on our momentum – both as a company and industry. It is with great passion and energy that we will champion our sport as accepting and welcoming of all individuals interested in being part of the NASCAR family,” Thompson said.
Congratulations Brandon! We look forward to seeing what the new face of NASCAR looks like!
Photo Courtesy of NASCAR