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Adrienne Gittens
Corporate Deputy General Counsel @ Comcast | Harvard Law, Compliance
Professional Background
Adrienne Gittens serves as the Corporate Deputy General Counsel at Comcast, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing compliance programs across the company’s diverse global subsidiaries, which include Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. With over 12 years of extensive legal experience, Adrienne has cultivated a specialized skill set in complex commercial litigation, regulatory inquiries, and investigations involving both US and international enforcement authorities.
With a clear mission to strengthen the company’s compliance culture and uphold its ethical values, Adrienne diligently ensures adherence to the highest legal standards. Her deep expertise allows her to advise Comcast on compliance risks in several critical areas, such as financial crimes, international trade controls, and human rights-related issues. She actively collaborates with business unit legal and compliance teams to refine and enhance the overall compliance program, ensuring that the company's strategies are aligned with industry best practices. Furthermore, she held the position of Interim Chief Compliance Officer at Sky for seven months, where she successfully led the development and implementation of robust compliance policies, comprehensive procedures, and effective training programs.
Education and Achievements
Adrienne's educational background is characterized by her dedication to the field of law and her commitment to societal impact. She earned her Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree from the prestigious Harvard Law School, an institution renowned for producing some of the nation's most influential legal minds. Prior to her law degree, Adrienne laid the foundation for her analytical and critical thinking skills at Princeton University, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology. Her education has equipped her with the tools necessary to navigate complex legal landscapes and advocate effectively for compliance and ethical standards within the corporate world.
In recognition of her contributions to the legal sector, Adrienne has received accolades from several esteemed organizations, including Legal Momentum, the Legal Intelligencer, National Black Lawyers, and the Philadelphia Business Journal. These recognitions are a testament to her commitment to excellence and her dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession.
Community Involvement and Commitment to Diversity
Beyond her impressive professional accomplishments, Adrienne is deeply committed to giving back to the community and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. Her pro bono work and ongoing civic initiatives demonstrate her dedication to fostering a more equitable legal landscape. As a leader and role model, she actively engages with initiatives that empower underrepresented groups and promote access to legal services, proving that her commitment to justice transcends corporate confines.
In summary, Adrienne Gittens is not only a prominent figure within Comcast’s legal framework but also a passionate advocate for integrity and ethical standards within the industry. Through her leadership and dedication to compliance, she ensures that the values of the organization resonate across all levels, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. Her contributions extend beyond her corporate role, as she continues to work tirelessly to uplift her community and support the next generation of legal professionals. Adrienne’s journey exemplifies the profound impact that dedication, education, and community involvement can have in shaping a more just and inclusive society.
Highlights
Taking a moment on this National Girls & Women in Sports Day to shout out my favorite student athletes. As a proud mother of 5, between school, travel and AAU basketball games, travel soccer, spring/summer track - you name it - we are constantly on the go with sporting events for our family. Sometimes it feels like keeping up with the demands of everyone's schedules is the ultimate team sport.
Our girls have learned so much about life through sports. They are learning discipline, hard work, perseverance, and grit. They are learning how to appreciate wins but not be complacent and continue to build on them.
They are learning how to navigate disappointment and frustration when things don't go their way. They are learning a growth mindset and the importance of education and understanding the game. They are learning time management and how to juggle multiple sports with the demands of school.
They are learning that their value is not tied to the final score or their stat line.
Sadly, they're also learning about inequity. For example, my daughter's school team lost in the playoffs a few weeks ago, and when asked whether people were disappointed at school the next day, she said: "They didn't really care since the boys team didn't make the playoffs. No one cares about girls basketball." She wasn’t offended. It was simply her perception (said matter of factly) and it highlights why a day to recognize the accomplishments of girls and women in sports is necessary.
When I reflect on all that they are learning, I am not at all surprised about the studies showing a connection between women in the C-suite and participation in sports. So, on this National Girls & Women in Sports Day, let's celebrate the accomplishments of our female athletes and continue to support their growth and development.
I had a blast chairing the GC Innovation Forum today. We heard from experts from companies of various sizes and industries (and government) on managing the demands on modern GCs. The sessions ranged from maximizing efficiency to leveraging AI to creating impact to health and wellness. We ended the day with a powerful session with GCs and CFOs on how legal and finance can align to create transformative DEI initiatives.
Thank you to all the speakers and attendees for an engaging day and thank you Future Forums (and Ed McElduff!) for the invitation to participate. Great way to go into the holiday season. #iworkforcomcast
