Josh Lipscomb is a distinguished Human Resources and Total Rewards executive whose career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to people, purpose, and performance. With more than twenty-three years of leadership experience spanning public, private, private equity-backed, and nonprofit organizations, Josh has established himself as a trusted advisor to executive teams, boards of directors, compensation committees, and business leaders seeking to create high-performing cultures and sustainable organizational growth. His unique combination of strategic business acumen, executive compensation expertise, and servant leadership philosophy has enabled him to make a lasting impact across multiple industries while helping organizations align their people strategies with business objectives.
Throughout his career, Josh has built a reputation for prioritizing relationships and helping individuals discover and fulfill their potential. He believes that organizations achieve extraordinary results when leaders invest in developing people and fostering cultures of engagement, accountability, and purpose. This philosophy has guided his leadership journey and shaped his approach to executive decision-making, talent development, and organizational transformation. Whether working with Fortune 500 corporations, rapidly growing businesses, or nonprofit organizations, Josh consistently focuses on creating environments where both people and businesses thrive.
Currently serving as Senior Vice President of Total Rewards, HRIS, and Payroll at Varsity Brands, Josh oversees critical functions that directly influence employee experience, organizational effectiveness, and long-term business success. Varsity Brands is a nationally recognized leader serving high schools, colleges, and club sports organizations through sports apparel, cheerleading programs, and event management. In his executive leadership role, Josh is responsible for designing and implementing strategies related to compensation, executive pay, payroll operations, HR technology, benefits, and workforce programs that support thousands of employees nationwide. His work ensures that organizational goals, employee engagement, and financial performance remain closely aligned.
Josh’s expertise in executive compensation and board governance has become one of the defining aspects of his professional career. Over the years, he has partnered extensively with boards of directors and compensation committees to design executive compensation frameworks, equity programs, incentive plans, succession strategies, and governance structures that promote accountability and shareholder value. His experience includes proxy filings, executive management compensation, board compensation design, long-term incentive plans, sales compensation programs, and performance-based reward systems. His ability to translate complex compensation structures into strategic business tools has earned him recognition as a respected thought leader in the Total Rewards field.
Prior to Varsity Brands, Josh held significant leadership positions with organizations including Ryan, Brinker International, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Overhead Door Corporation, Ernst & Young, and Idealab. Each role expanded his expertise and deepened his understanding of how talent strategy, compensation design, and organizational culture influence business outcomes. At Ryan, he served as Vice President of Global Total Rewards, leading enterprise-wide initiatives across a global workforce. At Brinker International, he directed executive compensation, stock programs, corporate bonus structures, and rewards programs impacting more than 50,000 employees. His work at Sony Pictures Entertainment included managing worldwide management incentive programs and supporting compensation strategies across more than sixty countries.
One of the most unique chapters of Josh’s professional journey came when he stepped away from traditional HR leadership to operate a commercial and residential landscaping and construction company. Serving as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Blue Oak Companies, he gained firsthand experience managing business operations, financial performance, project execution, and organizational growth. During this period, he successfully improved profitability, enhanced operational efficiencies, and strengthened business development initiatives. This entrepreneurial experience provided Josh with valuable operational and financial perspectives that continue to influence his executive decision-making and boardroom contributions today.
Josh’s consulting background further distinguishes him as a versatile business leader. While working at Ernst & Young, he advised organizations across numerous industries on executive compensation, governance, regulatory compliance, board effectiveness, and incentive program design. He partnered with public companies, private organizations, and nonprofit entities to navigate increasingly complex compensation and governance challenges. This experience sharpened his analytical capabilities and provided him with a broad perspective on best practices across diverse business environments.
Industry diversity has been a hallmark of Josh’s career. His professional experience spans professional services, technology, financial services, manufacturing, hospitality, retail, entertainment, media, renewable energy, construction, robotics, nonprofit organizations, and consumer products. This broad exposure allows him to bring fresh perspectives and transferable solutions to organizations regardless of industry. As a result, Josh considers himself industry agnostic and is particularly drawn to organizations that prioritize strong cultures, values-based leadership, and opportunities for meaningful impact.
In addition to his executive leadership responsibilities, Josh is a highly respected speaker and presenter who regularly addresses audiences ranging from several hundred to over one thousand attendees. He is known for his ability to communicate complex business, compensation, and leadership concepts in ways that resonate with executives, employees, and stakeholders alike. Whether speaking about leadership development, organizational culture, executive compensation, or workforce strategy, Josh consistently inspires audiences through practical insights and authentic storytelling.
Josh’s commitment to service extends far beyond his professional accomplishments. He has dedicated significant time to nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and faith-based service throughout his career. He currently serves on the committee leadership team for Young Life, helping guide an organization focused on supporting and mentoring young people. He also serves on the Stewardship Team at The Church at Junius Heights, where he contributes financial oversight and strategic guidance. Previously, he served on the Board of Directors for The Ryan Foundation and spent nearly a decade on the Alumni Advisory Board for the Department of Communication at Texas A&M University. These experiences reflect his passion for giving back, developing future leaders, and strengthening communities.
A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, Josh earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a minor in Psychology. He has further strengthened his professional expertise through prestigious certifications including Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), and Global Remuneration Professional (GRP). These credentials reinforce his commitment to continuous learning and excellence in the human capital profession.
At the heart of Josh’s leadership philosophy is a deeply held belief that success is measured not only by business results but by the positive impact leaders have on the lives of others. He is a servant-minded leader who strives to help people discover their purpose, achieve their potential, and contribute meaningfully to their organizations and communities. As he looks toward the future, Josh is increasingly focused on board service, viewing it as the next chapter in a career dedicated to leadership, governance, and organizational excellence. His combination of executive compensation expertise, business operations experience, governance knowledge, strategic insight, and people-first leadership makes him a valuable asset to organizations seeking thoughtful guidance and transformational leadership.
Character:
Josh consistently demonstrates integrity through his commitment to serving others before himself and leading with humility. He is widely recognized as a relationship-focused leader who invests deeply in the growth and success of those around him. His dedication to community service, faith-based leadership, and mentoring reflects a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference beyond the workplace.
Knowledge:
He possesses extensive expertise in executive compensation, total rewards, governance, human capital strategy, and organizational leadership. His experience across multiple industries and business models provides him with a broad perspective that enhances decision-making and problem-solving. He continuously pursues learning and professional development to remain at the forefront of evolving business and workforce trends.
Strategic:
Josh approaches challenges with a long-term perspective that balances people, performance, and organizational objectives. He has successfully designed and implemented transformational initiatives that align talent strategies with business goals. His ability to connect governance, compensation, culture, and financial performance enables him to contribute meaningfully at both executive and board levels.
Communication:
An accomplished communicator who effectively engages audiences ranging from frontline employees to board directors and executive leaders. He has a talent for simplifying complex concepts and translating them into actionable insights. His authentic, thoughtful, and collaborative communication style builds trust and strengthens organizational alignment.
