Pamela Morris Thornton
About Pamela Morris Thornton
Pamela Morris Thornton serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Advantage Solutions, where she focuses on aligning HR programs with the company's operational objectives. With over 15 years of experience at Panera Bread in various HR leadership roles, she actively champions diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Current Role at Advantage Solutions
Pamela Morris Thornton serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Advantage Solutions, a position she has held since 2023. In this role, she focuses on implementing human resources programs that align with the company's operational objectives, mission, and values. Thornton collaborates with the Executive Leadership team to define the corporate vision and strategy, ensuring that HR initiatives support the overall goals of the organization. She leads efforts to enhance employee experience through innovative organizational and cultural change practices.
Previous Experience at Panera Bread
Pamela Morris Thornton has extensive experience at Panera Bread, where she worked for 15 years in various human resources leadership roles. She served as the HR Director for Technology, the HR Director for the Corporate Support Center, and the Vice President of Corporate Human Resources. Additionally, she held the position of Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion from 2020 to 2023. During her tenure, she led initiatives in talent acquisition, executive recruiting, and the HR business partner practice, significantly contributing to the company's HR strategies.
Educational Background
Pamela Morris Thornton holds a Master of Arts in Human Resources Management from Webster University, which she completed from 1995 to 1996. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, studying from 1990 to 1994. Her educational journey began at Hazelwood East High School, where she obtained her High School Diploma between 1984 and 1988.
Leadership and HR Expertise
In her career, Pamela Morris Thornton has developed comprehensive expertise in various human resources focus areas, including talent acquisition, training, compensation, benefits, employee relations, and employee support services. She actively champions diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Advantage Solutions, reflecting her commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Thornton's leadership experience also includes roles at Graybar and the Metropolitan St. Louis Transit Agency, where she contributed to HR leadership and management.
Professional Development and Initiatives
Throughout her career, Pamela Morris Thornton has focused on enhancing employee experience and implementing innovative organizational practices. At Advantage Solutions, she leads efforts to drive cultural change and improve employee engagement. Her previous roles at Panera Bread included leading diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, demonstrating her commitment to creating equitable workplace environments. Thornton's strategic approach to human resources aligns with her goal of supporting organizational success through effective HR practices.