Lou Ann Hutchison

Executive summary

As a Managing Director in the People & Community team, Lou Ann is responsible for the firm’s Total Rewards and HRIS functions. Her primary focus is on the development of overall strategy, goals and key performance indicators required to ensure total rewards programs align with the firm’s purpose and strategy, including the design and implementation of new, innovative compensation and benefits options.  She also ensures the effective administration of the firm’s various benefits plans including adapting plans to meet the changing needs of our colleagues while ensuring compliance with the laws and regulations governing benefit plans.  Lou Ann has a strong focus on communication strategies including use of learning and education tools to support understanding of firm compensation and benefits offerings, as well as how to maximize the use of internal technology tools to simplify work and enhance the overall employee experience.

Experience

Lou Ann has worked in the public accounting industry for over 35 years, starting her career as an Auditor with Arthur Andersen and later transferring into internal roles with that firm.  She joined Grant Thornton in June 2002 as the Southeast Region Director of Human Resources and advanced into a national role in 2007.  Since that time, Lou Ann has provided thought leadership and innovative thinking to many business processes, including linking organization culture to resilience and holistic wellbeing.  Lou Ann served as an Executive Sponsor for the firm’s Diverse Abilities and Allies BRG from January 2020 – January 2023 and was recognized as Executive Sponsor of the year across all BRGs in 2021.

Professional qualifications and memberships

• She is a North Carolina CPA and a DDI Certified Facilitator.  She is a member of the AICPA and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).

Presentations and publications

• In recent years, Lou Ann has presented on a variety of retirement and H&W topics at Accounting Today, Working Mother Magazine’s Work/Life Congress, the National Business Group on Health, the Employee Benefits Summit, and the Colorado Legal Education conference.

Education

• Lou Ann is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a BA in Accounting.