THE AMERICANASSOCIATION FORACCESS, EQUITY AND DIVERSITY (AAAED) MOURNS THE PASSING OF SCHOLAR AND DEI ADVOCATE DR.CHRISTOPHER A.METZLER

Dr. Metzler was an icon of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Movement and spearheaded the Creation of Diversity Management Education for Academic Institutions and Corporations

For Immediate Release: April 2, 2024

It is with much sadness and regret that the American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity (AAAED) mourns the passing of Dr. Christopher Metzler. Our deepest sympathy to the family. Dr. Metzler was a long-time supporter and friend of AAAED whose life’s work consisted of creating and delivering innovative and impactful programs, and solutions in the fields of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

AAAED sincerely appreciates the support he brought to the organization. Shirley Wilcher, our executive director, first invited Dr. Metzler to establish AAAED’s Diversity Management Program, and throughout the years shared his knowledge and expertise during our conferences, webinars, and other programs. In addition, as the Chair of the Fund for Leadership, Equity, Access and Diversity (LEAD Fund), Dr. Metzler brought his passion to the organization to pave the way for a new generation of leaders. Dr. Metzler was a recognized community leader and public speaker with expertise in topics on diversity, equity, organizational culture, supplier diversity, enterprise diversity, H.R. in global context, global topics in diversity, organizational transformation, health care and diversity, disparities environmental, and social governance (ESG). He was respected for solutions-based intervention, sound judgement, strategic thinking, high standards, crisis communication mastery, poised discipline, exceptional C-Suite navigation, and leadership qualities.

Dr. Metzler’s experience spans state, local and international governments, educational institutions, academic medicine, corporate, and non-profit. His extensive knowledge and experience demonstrated his tireless commitment to supporting equality and corporate social responsibility. He was President and CEO HFWY, a global consultant company based in Florida, and served as a senior executive and advisor for several leading organizations, such as the National Urban League, the New York City Department of Sanitation, and COMMUNITYx.Dr. Metzler leaves a legacy behind as the pioneer of the nation’s first certification program for diversity professionals at Cornell University and as the founder of seven master’s degree programs in human resources with a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Georgetown University. Moreover, he served as their Associate Dean at the School of Continuing Studies.

Dr. Metzler will be remembered as an illuminating professor, mentor, author, beloved colleague, and spokesperson in the field of DEI. AAAEDPresident, Dr. Annette D. Butler, remarked that “Dr. Metzler will be sorely missed. He was a leader with a servant heart, true friend, and one who embodied the tenets of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA), and DEI.

American Association for Access, Equity, and Diversity 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC. 20006 202-349-9855 * 866-562-2233 * Fax: 202-355-1399 AAAED.org