Aja Howell

Aja Howell has extensive experience in the field of organizational development and human resources. Aja is currently working at GuideStone Financial Resources as the Chief Human Resources Officer, a role they started in August 2023. Prior to this, they served as the Director of Talent Management at GuideStone Financial Resources from February 2022 to August 2023.

Before joining GuideStone Financial Resources, Aja worked at Sempra as an Organizational Development Manager from March 2021 to January 2022. In this role, they designed and implemented comprehensive development systems and programs, including succession planning and executive coaching.

Aja also held the position of Organizational Development Manager at San Diego Gas & Electric from January 2016 to March 2021. During their tenure, they played a critical role in various organizational effectiveness initiatives, such as succession planning, workforce development, and supervisor effectiveness. Aja supported clients in talent development, performance management, and restructuring.

Prior to their work at San Diego Gas & Electric, Aja owned Howell Consulting Group, where they provided organizational effectiveness consulting services to over 350 organizations, specializing in strategic planning, leadership development, and executive coaching. Aja also worked as an Organizational Development Consultant at Adams & Adams Consulting and Training, managing subcontracted projects and providing mentoring and coaching.

Aja's career started as a Regional Consultant at SDSU Research Foundation from May 1998 to June 2000.

Throughout their career, Aja has demonstrated expertise in various areas, including talent management, change management, and leadership development. Aja has utilized assessments such as Harrison, FIRO-B, and Meyers Briggs to support their work.

Aja Howell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, which they obtained from San Diego State University in the years 1999 to 2003. Aja later pursued a Master's of Science degree in Organizational Development at Pepperdine University from 2004 to 2006. Aja also has a Human Resources Certificate from UC San Diego Extended Studies. In terms of certifications, they have obtained qualifications in various areas such as the Caliper assessment, the Change Style Indicator, Harrison Assessment, Radical Collaboration, 5 Behaviors of a Cohesive Team, Group Facilitation Methods, and is a member of the International Association of Facilitators.