Executive Leadership
Patrick Gaston -- President and CEO of PG Consulting – is an award-winning thought leader with decades of coaching experience mentoring business and not-for-profit executives in designing and managing impactful Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, as well as potent Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Patrick combines a deep understanding of ESG/CSR issues and ethical business practices, with a resolute commitment to the highest standards of personal integrity; making him a uniquely valuable resource for business and non profit organizations looking to incorporate sustainable and responsible practices into their operations.
PG Consulting’s specialisms in ESG and CSR strategy development, governance, diversity and inclusion strategic planning, the design of private/public partnerships and philanthropic strategies, provide clients with the means to make meaningful societal contributions while enhancing business opportunities and value creation.
Until 2020, Mr. Gaston was formerly the Chairman of the board of directors of Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc., a publicly-traded company with annual revenue of approximately $12 billion. As chair, he oversaw a significant transformation of the company’s Board governance structure and the appointment of 10 new independent directors. Previously he served as co-chair of the company’s Compensation Committee and is formerly a member of the company’s Audit Committee. Mr. Gaston currently serves on the board of Directors of Laird Superfood, a Health and Nutrition company focused on sustainable products, where he chairs its compensation committee.
Prior to this, Mr. Gaston was President of the Verizon Foundation; served as the Senior Advisor to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund; and was President of the Western Union Foundation.
Patrick has served on several non-profit boards and currently serves on the boards of the NAACP Foundation, KidSpirit, Eden Reforestation Projects and SCOPE. He is an emeritus member of the advisory board the US Chamber of Commerce Center for Corporate Citizenship and a founding member of the advisory board of Black History 365.
Patrick was raised in Haiti, Montreal, Canada, and Boston, Massachusetts. He holds a B.A. in management from the University of Massachusetts and an M.B.A. from Northeastern University. Additionally, he earned an International Certificate in Business from Ecole Superieure de Commerce in Reims, France. He is fluent in French, Spanish, and English.
Patrick is married with two children and lives in the Washington, DC area.
Cristin Tarr, Strategic Advisor is a social entrepreneur in mission-driven brand management. She is a founder of multiple startups, organizations, and programs designed to act as a catalyst for true social change.
Cristin has led significant and diverse community events and projects across the globe including CSR training and workshops, multi-stakeholder sponsored events, indigenous integration projects, installation of learning gardens at local schools, a youth program in Brazil, and a feasibility study of a marketing and livelihood project in Mozambique, Africa.
Founding leadership roles include CISV Denver, a global youth education organization to foster peace around the world, and BSC Group, a mission-driven marketing consulting company. Cristin has established local nonprofit business partnerships with the local chamber of commerce.
Cristin is a speaker, adjunct professor at the University of Denver, thought leader and previously a radio co-host on Community Matters, promoting great stories about social good.