Master's in Human Resources Management
Courtney Peterson

Courtney Peterson, PCC is a career human resources professional, DEI practitioner, philanthropist and leadership coach. Recognized internationally as a top influencer, Courtney is a Senior Certified Human Resources Professional through HRCI (SPHR) as well as a SHRM Senior Certified HR Professional (SHRM-SCP). Courtney has served in HR and DEI leadership and executive roles for a variety of illustrious organizations including the Edison Electric Institute, Sidwell Friends School, the Fannie Mae Foundation and the American Diabetes Association. Courtney began her career as a recruiter with the Aerotek corporation.

An award winning and celebrated executive, Courtney drives business results as a workplace culture strategist and people champion. She has been awarded both national and international recognition for her leadership in transforming workplace culture and developing leaders within organizations as a Chief HR Officer, Chief Diversity Officer and as a leadership/executive coach.

Courtney was named one of Savoy Magazine’s 2023 Most Influential Executives in Diversity & Inclusion. She has also been named a Top 15 Chief Diversity Officer by Diversity Global Magazine, a Top Women Leader in Washington DC by Women We Admire and a Top 100 Woman to KNOW in America by J.P. Morgan Chase.

She is the founder and owner of  Lotus Leadership Coaching, a boutique firm that provides human resources consulting, conflict mediation and leadership coaching services. Courtney is a graduate of the Executive Certificate in Leadership Coaching Program at the Georgetown University Institute for Transformational Leadership, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Pittsburgh and also earned a Master of Science degree in Adult Education & Leadership from Robert Morris University.

Courtney serves on the board of directors of the National Association of Mental Illness Montgomery County (NAMI-MC) Her community service endeavors also include membership in the Top Ladies of Distinction as the Advisor to the Top Teens of America in Montgomery County, MD as well as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

A mom to two teen daughters, Courtney is a fierce advocate for mental health in the workplace and leadership development. She resides in Montgomery County, Maryland.