Andrew Purnell Jr. Trailblazer Award
Brian Little '81, M.S. '83
Vice president and global head of corporate human resources for Intel; Mesa, Arizona and San Jose, California
With nearly four decades in the profession, Brian Little is an innovator and changemaker in the human resources profession. A former student-athlete at Illinois State who won championships as a member of the men’s track and field team, Little has been just as successful in his professional career.
Beginning at Public Service Company of Colorado (now XCEL Energy) just months after earning his master’s degree, Little has grown and inspired positive change at each stop. He is currently vice president and global head of human resources-corporate functions for Intel Corporation, based in Santa Clara, California.
Throughout his executive career, he has held senior human resources roles at Zurich Insurance, MegaK LLC, HSBC Bank, Little and Wiley Consulting, Ameritech, and Amoco.
Taking a people-first approach to his work has served Little well throughout his career. He has emphasized learning, development, diversity and inclusion, corporate team building, and executive coaching.
Little continues to serve as a passionate advocate for the underserved, providing them a seat at the table and amplifying their voice through his leadership roles. A champion for the underserved, he currently advocates for many as the executive champion for Intel’s African Ancestry Network.
Little is similarly passionate about uplifting his community. He has donated his time, talent, and treasure to Marklund, a Chicago-based organization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and special care needs. He has additionally supported Northwest Special Recreation Association, the American Heart Association, Covers for Comfort, Junior Achievement, Hustle Up the Hancock, and the Chicago Corporate Challenge. He has served on the boards of Oakton College and North Chicago School Board Foundation, and as foundation director for Roosevelt University Childcare Center, and board director for Kendall College of Business.
Little’s work and philanthropy have been cited many times over. HRO Today recognized him as its for-profit Chief Human Resources Officer of the Year. The National Eagle Leadership Institute presented its prestigious Eagle Award to he and his wife, Anise Wiley-Little ’82, for their leadership in the corporate world and social responsibility; they are the only married couple to ever receive the award. The couple also received the Community Champion Award from The People’s Voice for their community impact while living in Lake County.