Carolyn Mathis, MBA, SHRM-CP

Head of People, Annapurna Pictures

Carolyn Mathis is a strategic People Officer with over 29 years of experience in human resources and organizational development.  With a deep commitment to fostering a vibrant workplace culture, Carolyn spearheads initiatives that enhance employee engagement, talent acquisition, and leadership development.  As the former Chief People and Culture Officer for Shondaland, Inc., Carolyn oversaw the strategic direction of the organization’s people functions, facilities, and office services departments.  

Carolyn has over 28 years of experience in all areas of people and culture, change management strategies, DEIA&B, L&D, compensation, and benefits—driving and supporting people and culture efforts in the Advertising, Entertainment, Finance, and Higher Education industries.  

She also has worked with such notable organizations as the Walt Disney Studios, Wescom Credit Union, DDB Needham and BBDO West Advertising Agencies, and Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School.  She serves as a Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and Chair of the Governance Committee at Saybrook University.  

Ms. Mathis holds a B. An in Sociology, with a concentration in Gender and Ethnic Relations from California State University, Long Beach, her M.B.A., summa cum laude, from Nichols College, and is a graduate of the Institute of Education Management Certificate Program at Harvard University.  She has a certification in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.  Ms. Mathis holds a CP certification from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). Carolyn has served as an invited speaker on numerous panels that concentrate on the future of work and topics related to people operations. 

Most recently Ms. Mathis was invited to join the Forbes Human Resources Council, as a thought leader and contributing writer.  Carolyn is a yoga enthusiast and lives in Los Angeles, CA with her family.