The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) — an organization focused on preparing Black professionals for career advancement — has expanded its team by hiring Calvin Stovall as Director of Executive Programs. In his new role at TALI, Calvin will be responsible for overseeing the national and regional Executive Leadership Academy, as well as recruiting, developing, and positioning program participants for executive leadership. He will also assist TALI as it expands into new markets.
Calvin brings a wealth of knowledge to the Institute, armed with more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality and non-profit services industries, plus two decades of practical branding and leadership experience. He officially joined the TALI team on January 2, 2024. However, prior to this position, in 2023 he created a leadership course— entitled Customer Focused Leadership — and served as program director for TALI’s inaugural National Executive Leadership Academy cohort.
“Calvin has a broad background that includes marketing, customer service, hospitality management, fundraising, and executive leadership. His passion for motivational speaking, developing executive talent, and his natural ability to connect with people make him a perfect choice to serve as TALI’s Director of Executive Programs” says Evan Frazier, President & CEO of The Advanced Leadership Institute. “Last year as program director for TALI’s National Executive Leadership Academy at CMU, Calvin demonstrated strong abilities to lead, facilitate and support cohort member learning in engaging and meaningful ways.”
Calvin most recently served as CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, a Memphis-based non-profit built on the rich legacy and tradition of the iconic 60’s and 70’s soul recording label, Stax Records. Calvin also served as marketing and brand strategist for the fundraising arm, ALSAC, for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The pinnacle of his hospitality career was his promotion to vice president of brand marketing with Hilton Worldwide where he was responsible for the marketing and public relations efforts for more than 150 Homewood Suites by Hilton hotels. While under his leadership, Homewood Suites by Hilton was voted best in class by numerous consumer advocacy publications, including Consumer Reports and recognized four times by J.D. Power and Associates for its unwavering commitment to customer service quality.
Calvin’s remarkable career includes serving as the CEO, Chief Experience Officer for ICONIC Presentations, LLC., where he specializes in delivering customized customer experience and leadership keynote presentations and workshops for organizations nationwide.
As a former executive, Calvin has walked in the shoes of TALI’s cohort members and can therefore add a lot of value to the TALI team. He is passionate about his new role. “TALI’s mission is important to changing the trajectory of diverse leadership in corporate America,” says Calvin. “The leadership programs have positively impacted Pittsburgh’s companies and organizations, helping to advance top Black talent. As we expand, I am looking forward to playing a role in how we can leverage the regional model nationally.”
Calvin holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University and a Master’s of Professional Studies from Cornell University School of Hotel Administration.
Among his many accomplishments, Calvin was voted as one of the Top 25 Social Media Influencers in Hospitality by the International Hospitality Institute. That same institute also named him as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Hospitality.
Calvin has also written a soon-to-be published book entitled “Hospitality Historiography” – a coffee table style book highlighting hotel, motel and resort contributions of African Americans starting from the late 1700s until today.
About The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI)
The mission of The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) is to cultivate Black executive leadership to strengthen companies, institutions, and communities.
TALI is supported by major corporations and foundations including Founding Underwriters: BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Highmark Foundation, and Richard King Mellon Foundation; Excellence Partners: Henry L. Hillman Foundation and Highmark; Lead Contributors: BNY Mellon, Eden Hall Foundation, and The Heinz Endowments. Presenting Sponsors: Giant Eagle, Highmark Health, PNC, and UPMC. Gold Sponsors: American Eagle Outfitters, Bank of America, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, CNX, Covestro, Dollar Bank, Duquesne Light Company, FedEx Ground, FHLBank Pittsburgh, Golub Capital, Koppers, PPG, and Wabtec Corporation; Silver Sponsors: Pittsburgh Legal Diversity and Inclusion Coalition; and Bronze Sponsors, which can be found on TALI’s website.