First American Financial Corp. recently announced the formation of
a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Advisory Council to promote the company’s commitment to a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment.
The company said the council is comprised of diverse employees and key leaders, and since its launch last year has begun to pursue its mission to engage the enterprise at every level to help implement a sustainable inclusion strategy that further strengthens the company and its culture.
“Our DE&I efforts are a natural extension of the people-first philosophy that powers our positive, collaborative culture – a core company strength,” CEO Dennis Gilmore said in a release. “We’re committed to taking meaningful, sustainable action that benefits our people and our communities, reinforcing that First American is a workplace that allows employees to bring their best ideas to work, to confidently contribute, and to support our customers with innovative solutions and exceptional service.”
First American said the council will focus on the company’s recruitment and retention practices, embedding DE&I throughout the company’s policies, programs, and procedures, and integrating DE&I strategy with corporate goals and objectives. First American said it is committed to enhancing existing DE&I policies and developing and adopting new policies that help all employees achieve their full potential.
The council is chaired by Felecia Buycks, vice president and Arizona state manager for First American Title Insurance Co.’s s Direct Division. The council reports directly to Gilmore.
“First American has a well-earned reputation for providing an inclusive and diverse workplace, so we have a strong foundation from which to build,” Buycks said. “We’re committed to being an industry leader through the integration of DE&I practices throughout our operations and we’re already making progress, establishing DE&I task forces in business units across the First American family of companies.”
For four straight years, First American has earned a 100 percent rating on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index, a benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality.
The company also has been recognized as a Best Workplace for Diversity and Great Place to Work by Fortune.