Draft:Ben Brooks

Ben Brooks (born September, 24, 1981, Austin TX) is an American aviation industry innovator who was instrumental in developing spy planes for the United States Army. Brooks was also the Chair of Development on the Board of Directors of OutServe-SLDN and instrumental in the effort to repeal the Department of Defense’s so-called Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. Brooks is a expert in human resources, covering topics such as leadership development, culture, DEI, people strategy, succession planning, talent management, engagement, retention, and employee experience. He’s given speeches to The Conference Board, Duke University Fuqua School of Business, and the HR Technology Conference.

Advocacy
Brooks is a lifelong advocate for LGBTQ rights through community engagement that’s included political campaigns, co-founding his company’s first global LGBTQ ERG, and serving on the board of directors of a legal services non-profit. He was the Chair of Development on the Board of Directors of OutServe-SLDN, co-architected and negotiated the merger of the two legacy organizations, which led the successful effort to repeal the Department of Defense’s so-called Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy.

Brooks is a frequent contributor to various LGBTQ community events and organizations, having spoken at NASDAQ’s LGBT Leadership Summit, Out Leaderships OutNext Events, and has consulted, been a donor to, and supported the boards of directors and management teams of many local and national LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS services non-profits He is currently advancing LGBTQ rights and cultural acceptance was to get both of his businesses certified as part of a select group of just 2000 nationwide LGBT-owned and operated businesses. PILOT is one of only twen certified LGBT-owned SaaS businesses in the USA.

Awards

 * Brandon Hall Gold Award for Best Advance in Coaching and Mentoring (Oct 2019): PILOT was recognized for our work with MetLife in implementing an effective leadership development program. ( https://excellenceawards.brandonhall.com/winners/ )
 * Brandon Hall Silver Award in Best Advance in Diversity and Inclusion Innovation (Oct 2021): PILOT was recognized for our work with IHS Markit (now part of S&P Global) in advancing female leaders. ( https://excellenceawards.brandonhall.com/winners/ )
 * Top HR Product of 2020 issued by Human Resources Executive Magazine
 * DIAGEO’s 2022 Supplier of the Year in Diversity Excellence
 * The Starr Conspiracy’s 2020 #1 HR Tech Startup to Watch