ELC Contact Magazine 2024

CONTACT

The Official Publication of The Executive Leadership Council

2024 EDITION

elcinfo.com/contact-magazine

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Libi Sprow Rice

EDITOR

Angelina Gordon

CONTRIBUTORS

Libi Sprow Rice

Angelina Gordon

Barbara Diggs-Brown

Courtney Hughes

Rochelle Ritchie

Mike Utaegbulam

DESIGNER

Black Digital

2024 ELC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Gale V. King Chair, Nationwide (Retired)

Gena L. Ashe Secretary, Anterix

DIRECTORS

Danielle “Dani’ Brown Whirlpool Corporation

Gerald T. Charles, Jr. GTC Technology

Edward L. Dandridge AIG

Janice Innis-Thompson Nationwide

Sena Kwawu Avista

Cynthia Marshall Dallas Mavericks

Oral Muir Hilton

1301 K Street NW, Suite 210 West Washington, DC 20005 (202) 655.2952

ABOUT THE ELC

The Executive Leadership Council, an independent nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization founded in 1986, is the preeminent membership organization dedicated to increasing the number of global Black executives in C-suites, on corporate boards, and within global enterprises. With a membership of over 800 current and former Black CEOs, senior executives, and board directors from Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies, as well as top-tier entrepreneurs, The ELC works to build an inclusive business leadership pipeline. Our mission empowers global Black leaders to make impactful contributions to the marketplace and the communities they serve worldwide.

Nancy Armand Vice Chair, HSBC

Shaundra Clay Treasurer

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Libi Sprow Rice Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

Angelina Gordon Senior Director of Communications

Rochelle Ritchie Communications Manager

Courtney Hughes Communications Specialist

FINANCE, IT, & OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Javara Perrilliat Republic Services

Irene Quarshie Target

Valerie I. Rainford Elloree Talent Strategies

Marty Rodgers Accenture

Shelley Stewart Jr. Bottom Line Advisory

Telisa Toliver Atmos Energy

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS

Lloyd W. Brown, II Immediate Past Chair, Citi

Michael C. Hyter President & CEO, The Executive Leadership Council

EXECUTIVE OFFICE

Michael C. Hyter President and CEO

THE INSTITUTE

Audrey Taylor Chief Institute Officer

Dr. Ramien Pierre Director - Institute

Amanda Rey Director - Institute

Dr. Monica Moody Moore

Director of Corporate Partner Engagement

Justina Victor Senior Research Manager

Angela Leftwich Senior Executive Assistant to the President

Dr. Robert Harris Senior Program Manager of Learning and Development

Trisha Saint-Aude Senior Program Manager

Laura Van Oudenaren Senior Instructional Designer

Tamika Kelly Program Manager

Hannibal Brumskine II Chief Financial Officer

Stewart Hughes Controller

Paul Davis Director of Financial Planning and Analysis

Angelinia Reed Director of Internal Audit & Risk Management

DEVELOPMENT

Earl Granger, III Chief Development and Impact Officer

Leah Wade Senior Director of Philanthropy

LEGAL & HR

Fabian Milburn Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer

Jenny Vasquez Director, Governance & Board Operations

Shekhar Jakhadi Director of IT

Merkena Cooper Accounting Manager

David Digby Staff Accountant

Lorna Walters Accounts Receivable Specialists

Samson Olugbade IT Support Manager

Juanita Lee Office & Special Projects Manager

& IMPACT

Mayra Espinoza Director of Strategic Events

Krysta Omeir Senior Program Manager of Philanthropy

Perry Brown Director of Human Resources

Lauren Ashley Coe HR Business Partner

MEMBER SERVICES

Erica Jordan VP of Member Services

Khalilah Branch Senior Program Manager of Member Engagement

Kayla Waysome Senior Program Manager of Member Engagement

Samad Sadri Data & Information Specialist for MyELC

Damon Williams Senior Project Specialist for Member Initiatives

ELC DEPARTMENT UPDATES

THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE

As We Close Out 2024: A Year of Growth, Impact, and Looking Ahead

As we close out another remarkable year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together in 2024 and express my gratitude for your steady commitment to our mission. This year, The Executive Leadership Council reached new heights, strengthened its foundation, and set the stage for an even greater impact in the years to come.

Our growth is extraordinary, with increases in key categories such as CEOs, Fortune 500 representation, and corporate board directors. Programs like the Corporate Board Navigator expanded significantly, equipping more leaders with the tools to secure impactful board roles. Meanwhile, our member-facing events—regional convenings, the NASDAQ Bell Ringing, the U.S. Open, the Ghana excursion, and Gala Week— engaged our community and Elevated The ELC’s visibility and influence globally.

This year, we made great strides in sustainability by diversifying our revenue streams, increasing staff capacity, and streamlining processes like dues collection. These efforts ensure that we remain focused on what matters most: advancing excellence and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

Michael C. Hyter President & CEO

The numbers tell the story of our collective impact. We awarded a record-breaking number of scholarships this year, reflecting a 336% increase over the past five years. Our media footprint reached unprecedented levels, with stories of leadership and achievement resonating across the globe. These successes remind us of the power of our work to drive meaningful change and inspire action, even in the face of challenges. I am thrilled to share Contact Magazine 2024, our annual magazine that encapsulates the year’s most significant accomplishments, goals, and successes. This special publication offers a comprehensive overview of how we’ve worked together to build bridges, break barriers, and advance the mission of The Executive Leadership Council. From stories of resilience and innovation to profiles of rising stars and seasoned leaders, Contact Magazine 2024 celebrates the extraordinary contributions of our members, partners, and community.

Inside, you’ll find features on our groundbreaking programs, a look back at this year’s landmark events, and insights into our bold strategies for 2025 and beyond. This 2024 edition is not just a reflection of where we’ve been—it’s an inspiring roadmap for where we are going.

As always, our work remains bold and intentional:

• Opening doors of opportunity for Black executives to make meaningful impacts in business and communities.

• Expanding support for talent through scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development programs.

• Advocating for policies that enhance corporate and community success.

• Facilitating courageous conversations that inspire action and amplify diverse voices in the global marketplace.

These efforts pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future. I hope you take pride in all we have accomplished and find inspiration in these pages as ELC moves forward.

ELC DEPARTMENT UPDATES

DEVELOPMENT AND IMPACT

Recognition Gala: Celebrating Excellence

The ELC Recognition Gala 2024, held at Washington’s Marriott Marquis Hotel, was attended by nearly 2,000 guests who enjoyed the display of excellence throughout the evening. The ELC is - its members, programs and initiatives and how they advance and support the mission.

One of the highlights of the evening was honoring trailblazing members and a transformational corporate partner.

• D. Keith Pigues – Alvaro L. Martins Heritage Award

• Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall – Achievement Award

• Ecolab – Corporate Award

Honoring and recognizing these three awardees underscored their contributions to the corporate community and to society. Their recognition also illuminated the theme - Unstoppable Together: Bold.

The premier ELC Gala experience was attended by over 100 ELC members; 22 corporate CEO’s; 121 companies as well as political dignitaries, non-profit leaders and special guests. The event generated a record $10.6M surpassing its goal of $9.2M through corporate sponsorship and table sales. While the venue was smaller than last year’s venue, financial performance exceeded last year’s performance by $300K.

The Gala evening was topped off with an electrifying performance by Bell Biv DeVoe. But the fun did not end there—there was a performance by SWV at the PostGala party, along with legendary hip-hop artist MC Lyte.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Gaylord National Resort & Convention for the next four years through 2028.

FUTURE DATES:

• 2025 – Thursday, October 2

• 2026 – Thursday, October 8 (40th Anniversary Year)

• 2027 – Thursday, October 7

• 2028 – Thursday, October 5

With the support of our ELC members and corporate affiliates, the event remains a hallmark of the year for The ELC community.

IMPACT THROUGH INVESTMENT: SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS

The ELC remains committed to nurturing talent at all levels, including college students. This year the Philanthropy team had the privilege of supporting over 800 students through The ELC Scholars program, collegiate investments and community impact programs.

ELC Scholars

The ELC awarded $3.2 million to 131 undergraduate and graduate students from over 40 educational institutions around the United States. Over the course of three months, more than 3,000 applications were carefully vetted by the scholarship selection committee and corporate sponsors. This rigorous process culminated in the selection of 131 new scholars, including 123 undergraduate students and eight graduate students, all committed to advancing their college and career goals. This year’s scholars represent a diverse number of fields with 80 percent pursuing either a STEM or business-related degree. Fifty-six percent of scholars identify as women and 62% hail from a long list of HBCUs and prominent universities. As ELC scholars, students gain access to a vast network of opportunities, including internships with companies that support The ELC Scholarship Program. They also attend the Honors Symposium, a transformative four-day event featuring developmental workshops designed to enhance their leadership and career readiness.

THE ELC WAS THRILLED TO HAVE THE SUPPORT OF 21 CORPORATE SCHOLARSHIP AND HONORS SYMPOSIUM PARTNERS TO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE. OUR 2024 CORPORATE SCHOLARSHIP PARTNERS INCLUDED: Accenture, Aptiv, Bank of America, Chevron, Comcast, Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC), ExxonMobil, Fiserv, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, HP Inc, HSBC Bank, Johnson & Johnson, Lowe’s, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, PepsiCo Foundation, Republic Services, RTX, Synchrony, The Coca-Cola Foundation, UnitedHealth Group, and Walmart.

MEET THE 2024 ELC SCHOLARS

Honors Symposium

ELC Scholars gathered in Washington, DC from over 40 universities to participate in a multi-day professional development experience comprising a series of events and meetings that connect and expose scholars to leading corporate executives and hiring managers from major global corporations. During this experience, scholars participated in career development opportunities and enriching networking activities.

Walmart served as Lead Sponsor of the Honors Symposium. From the main stage, Joy Fitzgerald, ELC Member, Senior Vice President & Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for UnitedHealth Group implored scholars to win being both authentic and strategic in their early careers. Melissa Butler, Founder and CEO of The Lip Bar, sat with Shamika Lee, COO of SOKO, for a fireside chat on leveraging early-careers in corporate America for entrepreneurial success. The conference concluded with Dr. Calvin Mackie, CEO and Founder of STEM NOLA, who charged scholars to steward their connection to The ELC.

On the putting green of Puttery DC, scholars networked with executives and peers during the Welcome Night Dinner and Reception, sponsored by APTIV. Senior leaders and ELC Members Ernest Nicholas, Chief Supply Chain Officer, HP Inc. and Lynton Scotland, Chief Supply Chain and Procurement Officer, ConEdison (retired) led candid conversations with scholars about their career journeys and lessons learned along the way. The scholars participated in workshops on topics such as: Networking for Success: Leveraging Relationships for Career Growth presented by Lowe’s, Leadership and Longevity: Balancing Career and Health presented by UnitedHealth Group, and Design Your Life: Applying Design Thinking to Your Career sponsored by Walmart.

The Class of 2024 attended a pinning ceremony at the National Museum of African American History and Culture and were pinned by ELC members and corporate executives to signify The ELC’s commitment to their development and the talent pipeline. Ann M. Fudge, ELC

Member and Former Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Young & Rubicam Brands, shared her experiences in a fireside chat . Michael C. Hyter, ELC President and CEO, and Gale V. King, ELC Board Chair, led the scholars and executives in pledges of collective achievement and individual determination.

OUR 2024 CORPORATE SCHOLARSHIP PARTNERS INCLUDED:

Accenture, Aptiv, Bank of America, Chevron, Comcast, Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC), ExxonMobil, Fiserv, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, HP Inc, HSBC Bank, Johnson & Johnson, Lowe’s, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, PepsiCo Foundation, Republic Services, RTX, Synchrony, The Coca-Cola Foundation, UnitedHealth Group, and Walmart.

FROM OUR SCHOLARS

“” “”

Being surrounded by such exceptional leaders from various industries left me not just inspired but truly changed. The growth I experienced through The ELC Honors Symposium will stay with me throughout my career.

In those 3 short days, I made deeper connections with people than I did my first year of college…I left D.C. more confident and self-assured that there are people in my generation who are focused, driven, and able to obtain success. I left with security knowing that when I reach the top, it will not be isolating.

The opportunity to immerse myself into The ELC Week experience was unforgettable and inspiring. The spectrum of exciting events and interactions ranged from building bonds with my fellow ELC Scholars to connecting with ELC Members, professionals, and executives. This conference helped me refresh my soft skills and identify my goals.

“” “”

The Honors Symposium provided numerous opportunities for scholars to engage and network with business professionals. Beyond connecting with companies, I had the chance to build meaningful relationships with my fellow scholars, for which I am deeply appreciative. Each event, keynote, and session were thoughtfully curated, offering both inspiration and valuable insights.

99% of Scholars were satisfied with the 2024 ELC Honors Symposium

85% of Scholars practiced networking during the 2024 ELC Honors Symposium

79% of Scholars identified skills needed to achieve a higherlevel of success in school/career

66% of Scholars considered different companies to pursue for internship/employment

60% of Scholars redefined short and long-term goals

41% of Scholars secured a follow-up meeting with a company

(49.7% SURVEY RESPONSE RATE)

Evaluating Impact

To further our commitment to the community and deepen our work in higher education initiatives, The ELC continues the Black Male Initiative (BMI). To date, the five-year pilot program has supported over 700 male students across the campuses of Delaware State University, Howard University and North Carolina A&T State University, providing academic and social wraparound support to improve GPAs and matriculation rates among Black men in college. This year, student representatives from all three campuses joined the scholarship recipients at Honors Symposium and student representatives were awarded $5,000 scholarship. BMI students now have greater access to academic tutoring, professional and peer mentoring, mental health support, internships and student support services to help them navigate day-to-day challenges and personal hardships. The 2024-25 academic year marks the fifth and final year of the Initiative.

Community Impact

The Philanthropy team continues to expand standards of community impact with the non-profit community. Community Impact Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations in conjunction with member events and meetings to the following organizations:

• NAACP Las Vegas, Branch #1111

• National Coalition on Black Civic Participation

• W.E.B. DuBois Museum Foundation

• Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School

• Harlem Jr. Tennis & Education Program

• African Gifted Foundation in support of the African Science Academy

To enhance the membership experience, the Philanthropy Committee was reinstated. In 2025, the Philanthropy Committee will align philanthropic and community efforts to gain viable partners to further The ELC’s objectives and expand our tangible

2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the scholarship program. Established in 1995, our flagship philanthropic initiative has supported scholars across the nation and across industry. Since 2021, nearly 500 scholars have been awarded $8.3M in scholarships, and within the past 5 years we have awarded more scholarships than the previous 10 years combined. This rapid growth is due to evolved interest of corporate sponsors and offering corporate named scholarship awards, rather than contributions to general scholarship fund, coupled with increased infrastructure and personnel to meet emerging needs.

The Philanthropy team will launch a campaign to reengage previous sponsors and members who have invested in the program, and reengage scholars who have participated in the program. If you have supported the scholarship program through the council or foundation, please contact Leah Wade, Sr. Director of Philanthropy, lwade@elcinfo.com, to be a part of the campaign.

We look forward to another record-setting year of scholarships in 2025. The upcoming scholarship application cycle will launch in January, in collaboration with our corporate sponsors. This cycle will feature approximately 15 undergraduate and graduate scholarship opportunities, along with two signature ELC scholarship programs: The Alvaro L. Martins Scholarship for young men and The Ann Fudge Scholarship for young women for students dedicated to civic responsibility and community engagement.

If you are interested in connecting your company with The ELC towards our philanthropic giving or programs, please complete The ELC Sponsorship interest form

New Ventures: Building for the Future

As the premiere membership organization focused on building an inclusive leadership pipeline, The ELC is building on a future that diversifies our ability to invest in the organization – both short and long term - and the broader community. An innovation this year was the creation of charitable giving through two new channels - ELC Annual Fund and ELC Endowment Fund. For the first time in our history, individuals and organizations can make charitable gifts through The ELC website. The ELC Annual Fund provides on-going unrestricted support for key operational initiatives. The ELC Endowment provides long-term permanent support to help advance the strategic initiatives within The ELC that protect and uplift diversity, equity and inclusion.

Both funds are active and receiving gifts today. The ELC Endowment, in particular, will fuel our philanthropic investments in perpetuity through community impact grants, scholarship support, and research initiatives. As a 501(c)(3) organization, The ELC is positioned to flex a new muscle and generate charitable resources from its membership, companies, foundations and anyone who identifies with the mission. We ask that each member play a significant role in considering personal contributions and taking advantage of corporate matching as well as partnering with us to leverage corporate giving through business units, and if applicable, your company foundation. We are taking bold, courageous steps so that we can continue to make an indelible impact.

As we continue to invest in the future, three key priorities are paramount:

• Build capacity for the organization to secure charitable resources

• Engage companies in multi-year commitments

• Maximize efficiencies and leverage membership to advance powerful outcomes

THE INSTITUTE FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH

The Power of Women at Work and Men in Leadership

The Power of Women at Work (POWW) and Men in Leadership (MIL) were equally powerful and compelling one-day virtual conferences that empowered professional men and women with community connections, skills, and practical strategies essential for success, all while encouraging them to be their authentic selves in a culturally relevant environment.

Each conference was designed with four core competencies at its foundation: business acumen, change leadership, influence, and communication. For POWW, members of The Executive Leadership Council, including Gena Ashe, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Anterix; Pia Flanagan, Head of Mass Markets at MassMutual; Telisa Toliver, General Manager of Renewable Energy at Chevron; and Monica Watson, Vice President and Legal Head of the Integrated Marketing Organization at Novartis, served as presenters and subject matter

“”

Invaluable gems in every session and the space allowed for transparent discussions about challenging topics that may not be possible in spaces where others who don’t share the same experience can relate.

—POWW 2024 ATTENDEE

experts. For MIL, Dr. Christopher P. Boone, Group Vice President of Research Services at Oracle Life Sciences; Oral Muir, Vice President of Partnerships, Experiences, and Distribution at Hilton; Gregory Oliver, Senior Vice President of Retail Marketing and Category Development for U.S. Sales at Colgate-Palmolive Company; and Martin Rodgers, Managing Director of Branch Network at Accenture LLP, served as inspiring subject matter experts and session leaders for participants.

“”

My soul is seriously overflowing with all the wisdom that was shared.

—POWW 2024 ATTENDEE

The leadership of the speaker’s journey will serve me and others as a beacon of hope and empowerment for others striving to overcome barriers and excel in their endeavors. Very inspiring and insightful speakers.

—MIL 2024 ATTENDEE

All of the speakers were outstanding. I could not have asked for a better experience than what was showcased and displayed.

—MIL 2024 ATTENDEE

Leadership Development Week

In June, over 150+ professionals gathered in New Orleans for the 2024 Leadership Development Week (LDW) to boost their executive-level visibility, take ownership of their career advancement, and accelerate their readiness for leadership roles in their organizations. Conducted over the course of four days, LDW participants engaged in a research based, intensive, rejuvenating leadership development experience led by experienced faculty and ELC Members.

HERE’S WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS HAD TO SAY:

“This immersion week has enriched my outlook on career pathways on so many levels. As our cohort went over the different materials each day, it led me to pivot my outlook and gain and embrace a wider, broader and deeper perspective.”

—LDW 2024 ATTENDEE

“To say that this experience was valuable would only be scratching the surface of the impact that it had on us. Being surrounded by strong Black leaders across various industries, who share similar journeys is invaluable.”

—LDW 2024 ATTENDEE

“The value is in the people, the fellowship, the connection, and willingness to be present, intentional, vulnerable, supportive, with a heart’s desire to create meaningful change and long-lasting relationships.”

—LDW 2024 ATTENDEE

C-Suite Academy

The ELC’s C-Suite Academy, in partnership with lead sponsor Accenture and supporting partner Synchrony, welcomed more than 50 senior-level executive leaders to a transformative leadership development experience. Designed specifically for senior executives and delivered by senior executives—including ICF-certified executive coaches, ELC members, and CEOs—the Academy provided unparalleled insights and guidance.

This year, participants had the privilege of learning lessons in leadership from renowned thought leaders and executives, including Chris Womack (CEO of Southern Company), Roz Brewer, Carol Tomé (CEO of UPS), Chloe Barzey (Senior Managing Director, Accenture), Marty Rodgers (U.S. Lead, Health & Public Service Client Group), Harvey Coleman, Deb Grant (Corporate Playbook, President and CEO), and John Nixon (Partner, Member of Partners Board).

HERE’S WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS HAD TO SAY:

“I felt like I was exposed to topics that I wasn’t as familiar with like Executive compensation and preparing for Corporate Board opportunities.”

—C-SUITE ACADEMY 2024 ATTENDEE

“The C-Suite academy was one of the most empowering experiences I’ve had. The testimonials of the speakers and facilitators will have lasting impacts.”

—C-SUITE ACADEMY 2024 ATTENDEE

Mid-Level Managers’ Symposium

The Mid-Level Managers’ Symposium (MLMS) was an extraordinary two-day professional development conference offered in-person and virtually and designed to connect, empower, and celebrate talent across industry and function. This year we featured compelling speakers Carla Harris (MD Morgan Stanley), Melissa Butler (CEO, The Lip Bar), Jovian Zayne (CEO, OnPurpose Movement) and Mark Mason (CFO, Citi) paired with over 18 breakout sessions focused around the four A’s of Success– Allies, Assignments, Ability and Attitude. MLMS offered participants executive speed coaching and the opportunity to network with over 1,500 mid-level and senior corporate professionals to sharpen their leadership skills and gain actionable tactics to elevate their careers.

WE ARE GRATEFUL TO OUR PARTNERS FOR THEIR DEDICATION.

2024 CORPORATE PARTNERS:

I now see the importance of recognizing and valuing the diversity of experiences in my team - it’s about fostering a space where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

—MLMS 2024 ATTENDEE

From panel discussions to breakout sessions, I took away tangible tools that I can put into practice immediately.

—MLMS 2024 ATTENDEE

Hearing Carla Harris discuss leadership and authenticity was empowering; I’m now rethinking how I lead my team.

—MLMS 2024 ATTENDEE

MEMBER SERVICES, INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE, AND BLACK ECONOMIC FORUM

Member Meetings

Our 2024 Winter Member Meeting was held in March in Las Vegas, with a diverse range of programming, including sessions on generative AI, wealth building, and voter engagement. Highlights included a keynote address from Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford. The discussions during the Winter Member Meeting set the stage for the Summer Member Meeting, which took place in Washington, D.C. A select group of members participated in a special session at the White House, where they met with key members of The Biden Administration. Additional sessions covered a variety of topics, including fostering voter engagement in local communities, a conversation with renowned pollsters Charlie Cook and Cornell Belcher, and a fireside chat with South Carolina Gamecocks Head Coach Dawn Staley.

We are excited to continue offering impactful programming that fosters camaraderie and support in 2025.

EmpowHER Panel Discussion and Networking Event

In July, members of The ELC and their guests gathered in New Orleans for the second installment of EmpowHER. The event centered on the importance of prioritizing mental health and self-care in the demanding world of corporate leadership. Participants enjoyed invigorating wellness experiences with Black women-owned vendors and engaged in a thought-provoking panel discussion on mental health and self-care in corporate leadership.

Member Convenings and Excursions

In June, 54 ELC Members embarked on a journey to Accra, Ghana, marking The ELC’s first-ever member excursion to the African continent. This journey to Ghana, represents a significant milestone for the organization as it deepens its commitment to global engagement and cultural exchange. The trip served as a powerful catalyst for expanding our brand and enriching the talent pool across the diaspora. By engaging with the rich cultural heritage and dynamic business landscape of Ghana, this journey fostered cross-cultural exchange, opening doors for collaboration and innovation. During the excursion The ELC visited the final resting place of W.E.B Dubois and donated $10,000 to The Museum Foundation to aid in the renovations and transformation of the museum. In August, ELC members traveled to Martha’s Vineyard for its annual gathering. The reception, drawing over 100 ELC members and guests, was sponsored by UHG. Over Labor Day weekend more than 90 ELC members gathered at the prestigious Arthur Ashe Stadium for the US Open. The evening included an ELC Community Impact Grant presentation and donation of $10,000 to the Harlem Jr. Tennis Association supporting their efforts to introduce the joy of tennis to Harlem’s next generation of athletes.

Lastly, The ELC Member Closing Brunch, a staple of ELC programming, took place at the end of ELC Gala Week, where over 75 ELC members gathered for networking and fellowship. Prominent topics of discussion included the 24-hour rule and the sense of community within the organization. It was a wonderful way to conclude an incredible week of programming and celebration.

CBN Cohort

The Corporate Board Navigator (CBN) program has been serving and enhancing the preparedness of ELC members for service on corporate boards since 2011. In 2023, CBN grew from supporting ELC members who are board-ready, to being inclusive of members navigating the corporate board landscape and seasoned board directors positioning themselves for board leadership. Over the course of 2024, the CBN program conducted six virtual programs, and in-person programs for ELC members. CBN hosted an in-person program for ELC members attending Gala Week where they engaged in conversations around understanding shareholder activism in the board landscape, building a robust board portfolio, and navigating the challenges of board leadership.

BELOW ARE A FEW QUOTES RECEIVED ABOUT OUR IN-PERSON PROGRAMMING AT GALA WEEK:

“Appreciate the candid, thoughtful discussion. The firsthand experience is valuable, and the facilitators have done an excellent job curating the panels. Thank you!”

“All presenters were very knowledgeable, informative, and welcoming of questions. The audience was very engaged throughout the day, as the topics were on point throughout.”

“Excellent program and I made several connections. Thanks for this valuable programming!”

In June 2024, the Corporate Board Navigator’s Board Readiness program welcomed 19 ELC members into Cohort 9, a more than 150% increase from 2023. Phases Two and Three also saw three highly attended virtual webinars this year. Each session boasted a 50 member+ registration. Webinar topics included:

• “Courage in the Boardroom”

• “A Guide to Shareholder Activism and Personal Liability”

• “Cybersecurity in the Boardroom”

Lastly, 2024 ended with CBN’s highly anticipated Black Directors’ Summit. This year’s program took place in Arlington, Virginia, with a registration of more than 150 Program topics spanned from a post-election analysis on the corporate board landscape, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in the boardroom, and the board opportunities that exist within the venture capital and private equity space. This year, we increased the number of strategic partners hosting informational interviews with our attendees from 10 in 2023 to 14 in 2024. Notably, four of the five leading search firms, known as the “SHREKS”—Spencer Stuart, Heidrick & Struggles, Russell Reynolds, and Korn Ferry—were in attendance. The presence of these strategic partners provided an unparalleled opportunity for ELC members to engage in one-on-one networking with professionals who have direct access to companies seeking to diversify their boardrooms.

New Member intake

In 2024, after narrowing our nomination criteria to focus specifically on executives in the Fortune 500, professional services firms and corporate boards, we received 143 nominations, a 16% increase in nominations

since 2023. After careful consideration we offered 61 candidates membership.

This year’s pool of new members includes one enterprise CEO, two corporate board directors, and 57 seniorlevel executives, 82% of whom represent Fortune 500 and Global 500 companies. This achievement reflects significant changes in the selection criteria implemented by The ELC Membership Committee, with a focus on increasing representation among the top 500 highperforming companies in the U.S. and globally.

MyELC Updates

Our key priorities for this year was to seamlessly distribute the annual membership dues invoices to our members via the MyELC membership management platform, increase engagement of the MyELC app, allowing our members to effortlessly receive first-hand information from The ELC and register for events. We successfully used MyELC to manage both the Winter and Summer Member Meeting.

Through MyELC we were able to collect 96% of our annual membership dues. Seventy-four percent of our 840+ members have opted in for MyELC, logged into their account via the web or downloaded the MyELC mobile application. We have hosted 23 events on MyELC with over 1300 attendees.

CEO GameChanger Conference®

The CEO GameChanger Conference® facilitates Honest conversation with Chatham House Rules prevailing and tackles the very real barriers to change faced by today’s CEOs and seeks to empower them to support and advance talent, break through barriers to change, and lead with purpose and impact.

This year’s conference, held during ELC Gala Week in October, featured a fireside chat with ELC CEO Michael Hyter and Target CEO Brian Cornell. The discussion centered around Target’s DEI progress and marketplace shifts. Invited CEOs had the opportunity to attend a closed-door session with JP Morgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon and Alicia Boler-Davis, ELC member, Alto Pharmacy CEO and JP Morgan Chase Board Director, on strategies to address DEI. Additionally, ELC members, for the first time ever engaged in a conversation with Janice Dupre, EVP of HR at Lowe’s and Gena Ashe, who shared insights on overcoming DEI challenges in today’s political climate. These discussions provided valuable insights and actionable strategies for driving meaningful change in corporate America.

UK BHM Convening

This year’s ELC UK Black History Month Convening held late October, included themes around the current geopolitical landscape and its implications on the UK and US, the similar challenges faced by UK and US-based corporate board directors, and the broad implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in corporate spaces. Members also had exclusive networking opportunities with UKbased leaders. This year also featured an impactful collaboration with industry leading companies such as Google, HSBC and Bloomberg, who were instrumental in helping to create engaging opportunities to connect with like-minded colleagues. The week ended with an elegant evening celebrating excellence and honoring influential leaders who drive impactful change across industries at the 19th annual Powerlist Black Excellence Awards and Gala. During this year’s ceremony Board Chair Gale V. King announced ELCs generous donation of $100,000 to the African Science Academy whose founder, Tom llube, is committed to transforming the landscape of education in Ghana through his groundbreaking STEM school for girls. By investing in the education of young African women, The ELC is contributing to a future where innovation, leadership, and excellence know no boundaries.

CBN

Board/Job Searches, Placements & Development

Average number of ELC members to apply for board and job searches: 7 members (75% increase from 2023)

THE ELC PARTNERED WITH THE FOLLOWING STRATEGIC PARTNERS TO OFFER MEMBERS ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL BOARD DIRECTOR ENGAGEMENT EVENTS:

• Deloitte

• The Ellig Group

• Gaingels

• African American Directors Forum

• Stripes PE

In 2024, 29 ELC Members earned 31 Corporate Board Seats (41% decrease from 2023 in members and 40% decrease in corporate board seats)

THE ELC HAS HELPED PLACE 6 BOARD DIRECTORS ON 5 BOARDS IN 2024:

Mike Smith Resilinc Advisory Board

Mason Ashe Cerebro Sports

Telisa Toliver Atmos Energy

Derric Gregory Agency Cybersecurity

Jamal Eason and Jared Jordan AceUp

NEW Website Launched in March of 2024.

ELC DEPARTMENT UPDATES

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

At The Executive Leadership Council, communication is more than just words—it’s a powerful tool for transformation. The Marketing and Communication (MarComm) team at The ELC has been at the forefront of shaping narratives, amplifying our mission, and driving impactful engagement across industries. From record-breaking social media campaigns to strategic storytelling that elevates excellence, the MarComm team has turned vision into action and action into measurable success.

Through innovative campaigns, high-visibility initiatives, and groundbreaking media collaborations, The ELC’s MarComm team has redefined what it means to tell the story of leadership. Whether it’s spotlighting the achievements of our members, engaging corporate partners, or creating dynamic content that resonates globally, this team ensures that The ELC’s voice is not only heard but leads the conversation.

In this feature, we dive into the milestones, the strategies, and the creativity that have propelled The ELC’s MarComm team to new heights. Get ready to explore how we are not just keeping pace but setting the standard for impactful communication in the world of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Website

A DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ACHIEVED: ELC’S NEW WEBSITE VISION

As The Executive Leadership Council continues to grow and expand its influence, ensuring that our digital presence aligns with our mission is critical. Our website is not just a platform—it’s a gateway to our brand, our values, and our work. Recognizing the importance of staying ahead in an increasingly digital world, we launched a strategic website redesign project designed

to enhance user experience, refine messaging, and optimize performance.

After a rigorous selection process, Social Driver, a certified minority-and LGBTQ-owned creative agency, was chosen as our trusted partner to lead this transformation. This decision marks a significant step forward in our mission to provide a seamless, impactful, and dynamic online experience for our members, partners, and broader audience.

The website redesign achieved three primary goals: Improved User Experience (UX), Enhanced Content and Messaging, and Optimized Performance and Functionality. With a strategy grounded in research, Social Driver emphasized a design philosophy that placed user needs and preferences at the forefront, ensuring an experience tailored to our audiences.

The website redesign project is more than a technological upgrade—it’s a commitment to our members and partners. By creating a digital presence that is engaging, accessible, and aligned with our mission, we are ensuring that The ELC continues to lead and inspire.

As we move forward, we invite you to stay connected and be part of this transformation. The new website, which launched March 2024, is a powerful tool that amplifies The ELC’s mission and strengthens our ability to foster excellence and leadership on a global scale.

Digital Campaigns

An increased digital presence across all platforms has been a cornerstone of this success. Over the past three years, The ELC has experienced exponential growth in its reach, adding nearly 180,000 followers across our social media platforms– LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

LinkedIn: Grew from 85,993 to 235,749 followers (174% increase), driven by strategic content and engagement spikes around key events like ELC Gala Week. LinkedIn has seen a standout 174% increase in followers. Since it launched in Dec 2022, we have seen a 62% increase in attendance from ~800 registrants to ~1,300, this last engagement dedicated to supplier diversity. This series, alongside the team’s broader outreach efforts, has demonstrated the power of strategic communication in driving dialogue, action, and measurable impact.

Instagram: Expanded from 7,695 to 13,154 followers (71% increase), with notable engagement during September-October due to event announcements and highlights.

Facebook: Increased from 17,240 to 21,528 followers (25% growth), with higher engagement coinciding with Gala Week content.

Youtube: Relaunched and grew to 1,230 subscribers, establishing a presence with content recaps and event coverage. The ELC’s YouTube channel, where the Ghana highlight video achieved an unprecedented 54,000 views in just one month—setting a new record for the organization.

Twitter/X: Gained 672 followers (9% increase), with stable engagement despite platform challenges.

The MarComm team’s innovative content has been pivotal, with highlights and candid discussions about the corporate experience, driving engagement across its platforms. Campaigns like “Members on the Move,” celebrating member career transitions and board

appointments, have significantly amplified organic reach, leveraged user-generated content and tapped into the algorithms of platforms like LinkedIn.

Collaborations with civic engagement initiatives such as “When We All Vote” and high-profile media partners, including BET and Paramount Global, have further elevated The ELC’s brand visibility. These partnerships have powered voter engagement campaigns and thought-provoking discussions on critical topics as part of the “What’s at Stake” series, which highlights the pressing issues facing DEI in today’s political climate. Events like the Juneteenth NASDAQ Bell Ringing, Martha’s Vineyard sessions, and virtual panels have cemented The ELC’s role as a thought leader in corporate and community activism.

The Speaker Series has featured prominent and influential figures such as New York Attorney General Letitia James, DNC Chair Jamie Harrison, Former Congressman Adam Kizinger, and Valerie Jarrett, CEO and board director of the Obama Foundation..

From spotlighting member achievements to addressing systemic challenges, the MarComm team has turned vision into action. Through innovative campaigns, groundbreaking collaborations, and a commitment to excellence, The ELC’s communications strategy not only tells the story of leadership but ensures that it continues to shape the future of the organization.

2024 YTD Social Media Analytics:

Data Pulled from Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube, Threads, and, X(formerly known as Twitter)

Stay connected with The ELC across social media by following us on:

Media Mentions

MTV is Working to Close the Community College Voting Gap OCTOBER 16, 2024 BY MEG LITTLE REILLY

Black C-Suite Execs are Persisting Despite Corporate DEI Rollbacks FEB 29, 2024 BY LYNZEE MYCHAEL

Delaware State University holds Black Male Iniatitve Conference FEBRUARY 23, 2024 BY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

BOARDROOM POWER 2023: Slower Progress in Black Representation with DEI Backlash – News On Media FEBRUARY 15, 2024 BY MATTHEW SCOTT

To Tell the Truth: The Business Value of DEI APRIL 11, 2024 BY LIBI SPROW RICE

NMSDC Reinforces Commitment to Advancing MBEs APRIL 4, 2024 BY MINORITY BUSINESS NEWS USA

Welcome to the Table MARCH 21, 2024 BY CORPORATE BOARD MEMBER

Black Enterprise Hosts Chief Diversity Summit with Top Execs JUNE 6, 2024 BY: NAHLAH ADBUR-RAHMAN

PRESS ROOM: Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote will Bring Voting to the Culture and Engage Voters Across the Country this Summer JULY 5, 2024 BY: TEXAS METRO NEWS

The 5-to-6 Figure Side Hustle That’s Perfect for Pretirement MAY 23, 2024 BY: TAMARA E. HOLMES

Standing by DEI and Chief Diversity Officers in the Workplace JUNE 6, 2024 BY: THE NEW YORK CARIB NEWS

Annual Chief Diversity Officer Summit and Honor JUNE 19, 2024 BY: HUDSON VALLEY PRESS

The Stakes for Business and the Ballot JUNE 19, 2024 BY: CIVIC NATION

DEI Sucess Ultimately Stems from Strong CEO Leadership, Survey Indicates JUNE 17, 2024 BY: CAROLYN CRIST

Survey of Top Black Executives in Corporate America Reveals Current State of DEI JUNE 10, 2024 BY: UNITYFIRST

Black Corporate Executives Weigh in on DEI Commitment JUNE 7, 2024 BY: AMARI APPLE

Black Corporate Execs Rate DEI Commitment in Executive Leadership Council’s Recent Survey JUNE 6, 2024 BY: JEFFREY MCKINNEY

ELC DEPARTMENT UPDATES

ELC NEW TEAM MEMBERS

The ELC Expands Its Team Across Key Departments

In our ongoing commitment to excellence and organizational growth, The Executive Leadership Council has made strides to expand its team by creating and filling new positions across four departments: Human Resources, The Institute, Finance, and Information Technology. These strategic efforts are designed to bolster our operational capabilities and further our mission to drive impactful leadership and innovation. We look forward to seeing the positive contributions of these additions to our dynamic organization.

HUMAN RESOURCES

PERRY BROWN, Director of Human Resources

Perry is responsible for strategically aligning business objectives with the employee & business need of The ELC staff and departments. This position formulates partnerships across the HR function to deliver value-added service to management and employees that reflects the business objectives of the organization.

THE INSTITUTE

MONICA MOODY MOORE, Director of Corporate Partner Engagement

Monica is leading and managing our partner engagement strategies, you will have immediate impact in bringing on new corporate partners and supporting the creation of a sustainable engagement strategy that enables our growth.

THE INSTITUTE

LAURA VAN OUDENAREN, Senior Instructional Designer

Laura designs, delivers, evaluates, and project manages impactful and engaging curricula for external-facing, open-enrollment, and bespoke corporate programs.

ELC DEPARTMENT UPDATES

FINANCE

The ELC’s Finance Department is responsible for the strategic annual operating planning process, management, oversight, and reporting of all financial activities of the organization. In addition to the dayto-day operations, the team also oversees financial reporting, capital management, regulatory compliance, budgeting, forecasting, information technology, and collaboration on strategic initiatives.

FY24 - Financial Performance

The ELC is currently forecasting for FY24 year over year (YOY) revenue growth rate of 4%, driven by strong member engagement and Gala table sales. Expenses are up by 7% driven largely by increased investments in our community impact through scholarships and donations, in addition to the increased costs of program delivery. Net asset growth was down vs FY23 from $1.9M in FY23 to $1.2M in FY24, due to increased program delivery costs associated with increased member engagement, growth in attendance at Gala and other events, in addition to increased costs due to inflationary pressure. In line with the 2024 strategic priorities, the organization continued to prioritize building a strong balance sheet. Institutionalized a robust cash management discipline around our revenue and billings cycle, ensuring advance collections of all program and gala revenue, building a stronger balance sheet for the organization.

FY25 - Annual Operating Plan/Budget

With support from all ELC departments, the annual operating and budget plan for 2025 is in the final stages of completion. We implemented and deployed the Workday/Adaptive software solution, streamlining the annual budget and planning process for the FY25 budget. The FY25 budget was presented to the finance committee on October 30, where the committee had an opportunity to do a deep dive with staff on the details of the budget, annual operating plan, and strategy. The

2025 budget will be presented by the finance committee to the full board at the Board’s December meeting.

In 2025, the annual operating plan aims to:

• Grow revenue by 12% and increase net assets by $2.2M.

• Prioritize Procurement and Events Management to leverage costs efficiencies

• Prioritize our investment in building the development, fundraising, & fee for service infrastructure

• Focus on targeted & strategic marketing for Institute Programs

• Shore up the organization for the incremental support

Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance

The department completed Phase II of the Cyber Security Risk Assessment, leveraging pro-bono support provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) focused on continuing to strengthen our cyber risk posture. Fully implemented recommendations arising from Enterprise Risk Assessment performed by EY, with assigned risk owners, leading to the hiring of our Director of Internal Audit and Risk Management in FY24. The 2023 Audit was finalized working with our external auditors, Mitchell Titus, leading to a clean audit opinion for the year. In addition, the department prepared and filed the organization’s annual IRS form 990, in addition to state solicitation, and other regulatory filings.

Information Technology

We continued to drive the four priority areas of the IT Strategy Roadmap, focused on Member Experience, Employee Experience, Stakeholder and Partner Experience, IT Infrastructure and Cyber Security, with focus in FY24 on the following:

• CRM Requirements Gathering and Vendor Sourcing through a competitive RFP process

• Strengthening our Cyber Security Posture

• Maturing our member journey on the MyELC Platform

• Successful enhancement of our in-office audio visual capabilities and media room

The ELC Welcomes New Team Members

DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL AUDIT & RISK MANAGEMENT

Angelinia Reed joined The ELC as our first ELC Director of Internal Audit & Risk Management. Angelinia is a seasoned Internal Audit and Risk Management leader with a proven history of partnering with C-level executives to develop and implement effective strategies for mitigating business and technology risks.

Prior to joining The Executive Leadership Council, Angelinia served as the Head of Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Management at Clark Construction Group, where she successfully built the Enterprise Risk Management program from the ground up. Before her tenure at Clark, Angelina held roles at Freddie Mac, Deloitte & Touche, Liz Claiborne, Johnson & Johnson and served as a member of the Chase Brexton Community Health Center Board of Directors for eight years, demonstrating her commitment to governance and strategic leadership. A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Angelinia earned an M.S. in Management of Information Technology from University of Virginia and holds dual undergraduate degrees—a B.S. in Accounting and a B.A. in Mass Communications— from Bennett College of Women.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL PLANNING & ANALYSIS

Paul Davis joined The ELC as our first Director of Financial Planning & Analysis to strengthen and enhance our annual operating planning process and support programmatic departments in the management of the business, leveraging data, and business intelligence. Paul comes to The ELC with 20+ years of experience in accounting, financial operations, and forecasting roles. Most recently he was the Director of FP&A at Harvard Business Publishing, which is part of the Harvard Business School. Paul holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Bryant University. During his career Paul has worked for both public, private, and non-profit organizations.

OFFICE OPERATIONS

The Finance Department celebrated returning to The ELC’s newly renovated office space with more employees taking advantage of the hybrid work environment that best fits their time and schedule and that of their teams.The office operations have provided the tools and resources available for a more collaborative work environment, allowing for more social interactions between employees working in collaboration with HR and Executive team.

FINANCE, RISK MANAGEMENT AND COMPLIANCE

The Department hired a new Director of Financial Planning and Analysis to leverage business intelligence and support departments in their management of the business.

A new Director of Internal Audit & Risk Management was hired to augment and strengthen internal controls and risk management posture across all areas within The ELC.

The department has a robust cash management discipline around our revenue and billings cycle, ensuring advance collections of all program and gala revenue, building a stronger balance sheet for the organization.

FY25 Annual Operating Plan and Budget was presented to the finance committee and is scheduled to be presented to the Board at the final meeting at the December 11-12.

The department completed FY23 audit and IRS Form 990 filing in a timely manner and received a clean audit opinion on the FY23 financial audit from our external auditors.

Finance fully implemented recommendations arsing from Enterprise Risk Assessment performed by EY, with assigned risk owners, leading to the hiring of our Director of Internal Audit and Risk Management in FY24.

ELC DEPARTMENT UPDATES

HUMAN RESOURCES

As you know, the real work behind any organization’s success lies in the dedication and vision of the teams that support it. The ELC’s mission to build a diverse and dynamic talent pipeline for corporate leadership is mirrored in the innovative programs and priorities we implement internally. From team member development to community engagement, our team has expanded and evolved to meet our members’ needs in meaningful and impactful ways. Here, we delve into the programs, innovations, and priorities that have propelled The ELC’s mission forward.

2024 Program Highlights

This year, The ELC has made significant strides in enhancing employee engagement and professional development, underscoring our commitment to excellence. Our Great Place to Work scores rose by 8%, an increase that reflects our dedication to improving employee experience through the creation of focus groups and a sustained Culture and Employee Engagement Committees. These initiatives give employees a voice, aligning their needs, career goals, and expectations with The ELC’s core values.

Our ELC Envision Internship Program expanded to nine participants this year, attracting a diverse talent pool from top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other prestigious institutions. This growth is a testament to our commitment to shaping future leaders; many of these interns have already secured meaningful employment across industries, while others continue to excel academically. The expanded program, which now includes undergraduates, MBA students, and PhD candidates, represents our focus on cultivating leadership and professional skills at every educational level.

Another standout achievement was the success of our first in-person CHRO cohort, hosted in partnership with Hyatt Hotels and led by distinguished professionals like Ginny Clarke, former Partner at Spencer Stuart and the former Director of Executive Recruiting at Google. With a cohort of CHROs and Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs), this April gathering and subsequent virtual sessions sponsored and hosted by Hedricks & Struggles, facilitated robust discussions on self-care, leadersip, collaboration, and the challenges of navigating an AIdriven world. This platform allowed senior leaders to connect, share insights, and find support in navigating today’s evolving workforce landscape.

Our team grew strategically with critical new hires in key areas, including Human Resources, Corporate Partner Engagement, and Risk Management. These

Director of Information Technology

We are thrilled to announce that Shekhar Jakhadi has recently joined our I.T. team on December 9th, 2024 as the new Director of Information Technology. With extensive expertise in implementing scalable systems, optimizing processes, and driving digital transformation, Shekhar is committed to aligning technology with ELC’s strategic goals. Reporting to Chief Financial Officer, Shekhar will be responsible for organization-wide IT operations as well as planning and implementing information systems to support the mission of the ELC. In addition to being a technology leader, the Director serves as a key partner to staff across the ELC and helps bridge the gap between technology solutions and business needs, and champions a culture of top-notch customer service and efficiency. Collaborates with crossfunctional leaders to develop and execute the organization’s overall strategy, serving as a strategic partner in driving business success.

Prior to joining The ELC, Shekhar held leadership roles in global organizations, where he successfully managed multi-million-dollar IT projects, led cloud migration strategies, and implemented large-scale ERP and data management solutions. Shekhar holds a Master of Science in Computer Applications and a bachelor’s degree in physics. He is passionate about utilizing technology to create meaningful change and empowering teams to excel. In his free time, Shekhar enjoys exploring emerging tech trends, mentoring aspiring IT professionals, and participating in community initiatives.

roles were essential in driving both internal and external growth, allowing The ELC to meet its goals in areas from strategic partnerships to organizational culture. Welcomed in 2024 a Director of People & Culture, Director of Corporate Partner Engagement, Director of Internal Audit & Risk Management, and a Sr. Instructional Designer.

Innovative Initiatives Driving The ELC’s Impact

Innovation is at the core of The ELC’s approach, reflected in our ongoing Day of Service initiatives and our expanded benefit offerings. These initiatives are designed to address

critical societal challenges, engage our team members in impactful community service, and offer robust solutions that best fit the needs of The ELC staff.

Each Day of Service initiative has a specific focus, allowing our team to connect with pressing issues in ways that bring both personal and professional fulfillment and create meaningful and lasting impact.

This spring, we partnered with Casey Trees to support environmental justice, directly contributing to urban reforestation efforts that improve air quality and community health. In the fall, we shifted our focus to combating childhood food insecurity by donating

$500 to No Kid Hungry, which helped provide 5,000 meals for students in need. Recognizing the link between nutrition and educational success, this initiative tackled a vital issue affecting young learners.

Our winter initiative is in partnership with DC Central Kitchen, where our team prepared ingredients for holiday meals that will be served to families in need. Beyond a simple act of service, this partnership supports DC Central Kitchen’s mission to equip underserved individuals with culinary skills that lead to meaningful careers in the hospitality industry and grow diverse leaders in the vein.

In alignment with promoting a healthy work-life balance, we introduced a new wellness benefit, ClassPass, allowing employees to access wellness resources, including personal training and therapeutic massage, to support their physical and mental well-being. These efforts highlight The ELC’s dedication to creating an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and supported in maintaining psychological safety and overall wellness.

Creating Unparalleled Experiences for Members

At the heart of our member engagement lies the successful CHRO cohort sessions, where CHROs and CDOs connect to address shared challenges and opportunities within the ever-changing corporate landscape. These sessions foster meaningful connections among peers, provide unique insights, and encourage collective problem-solving on issues that impact our entire membership base.

Our internship program also embodies The ELC’s mission of expanding opportunities for the next generation of leaders. By offering a platform for young professionals to gain hands-on experience, we not only shape future leaders but also invest in the continued growth and impact of our talent pipeline.

looking forward

Key Goals for 2025

As we look ahead to 2025, The ELC will continue building upon this year’s successes with a forward-thinking approach. A few of our goals include:

1

Enhancing Professional Development Programs: Expanding learning and development opportunities for The ELC team remains a priority, ensuring that each team member has access to resources that support their career growth and professional development.

2

3

Growing The ELC Team: To support our expanding mission, we plan to make strategic hires in critical areas, including a Director of IT and a Director of Marketing. These roles, amongst others, will strengthen our technical capabilities and extend our reach within the modern business landscape.

Fostering Psychological Safety and Wellness: Through our Culture Committee, focus groups, and employee engagement efforts, we aim to continuously refine our internal culture, ensuring a supportive environment where every voice is valued.

4

5

Expanding Community Impact: We remain committed to making a difference in the communities where our members and team live and work. Through our Day of Service, and other initiatives, we’ll continue to address vital issues and inspire positive change.

Developing Emerging Talent: We look forward to expanding our internship program and creating opportunities for young professionals to grow as the leaders of tomorrow.

Continuing the CHRO Cohort Programming: Building on the success of this year’s cohort, we will offer a new in-person CHRO session in 2025, complemented by ongoing virtual sessions. These gatherings are crucial in supporting HR leaders on the front lines, helping them navigate the complexities of the modern workforce with peer insights, shared strategies, and cutting-edge resources. 6

These priorities reflect The ELC’s unwavering commitment to building a legacy of leadership, community impact, and inclusive opportunity. We look forward to continuing this journey, empowered by the dedication of our team, the strength of our members, and the promise of an everbrighter future.

ELC MEMBERS ON THE MOVE

CAREER TRANSITIONS

Djouma Barry, Former VP of Retail Operations for Kroger, recently became SVP & Chief Retail Officer for SpartanNash.

Karen Carter, Former President, Packaging & Specialty Plastics at Dow, was promoted to Chief Operating Officer at Dow.

Nefertiti Greene, Former President of Mars Science & Diagnostics has been promoted to the role of Global President for Mars Veterinary Health

Dr. Kirk Taylor, EVP & Chief Medical Officer for Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics was named by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey as the new President & CEO of the Massachusetts Life Science Center.

BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS

Nefertiti Greene, Global President for Mars Veterinary Health has joined the board of UCB SA/NV.

Rosilyn Houston, Retired Senior EVP and CHRO for Santander US was named Board Chair and Interim President & CEO for the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Kevin Warren, Former EVP, Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer for UPS joined the board of Assurant

MAJOR AWARDS & RECOGNITION

The following four ELC members were named to the Essence 2024 Power 40 List: CORPORATE DIVISION

Dasha Smith, Executive VP, Chief Administrative Officer for the NFL

Calvin Butler, President and CEO, Exelon ENTREPRENEURSHIP DIVISION

Warren Thompson, Founder & CEO, Thompson Hospitality

Kimberly Blackwell, Founder & CEO of PMM Agency

Tiffany Eubanks-Saunders, Managing Director and Private Bank Head of Diverse Segments at Bank of America was honored at North Carolina A&T University’s Fall Convocation with an honorary degree.

Vivian Pickard, President & CEO of The Pickard Group, LLC received the Lifetime Humanitarian Award from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) honoring her contributions to the state through her efforts in education, healthcare, and community development, as well as her impactful work with the General Motors Foundation, where she served as president for over 30 years.

Darryl Riley, President of Total Quality & Sustainability Management LLC was honored with an Alumni Achievement Award during Homecoming ceremonies at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT).

Deborah Telman, EVP, Corporate Affairs & General Counsel, Gilead Sciences received the 2024 Legislative Award from The Black Women’s Agenda (BWA). She was honored for her public policy advocacy on behalf of Black Women.

Thasunda Brown Duckett, President & CEO, TIAA was listed in Fortune Magazine’s 2024 list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Business.

MEDIA MENTIONS

Ken Chenault, Chairman & Managing Director and Ken Frazier, Chairman of Health Assurance Initiatives for General Catalyst were part of a group of corporate leaders that co-wrote an Op-Ed on why they would be voting for Vice President Kamala Harris. They also highlighted the importance of DEI and why corporations shouldn’t attempt to curtail efforts in an exclusive interview with Black Enterprise in October.

Singleton McAllister, Counsel at Husch Blackwell has a feature article in the Winter 2024 issue of Savoy Magazine talking about her “Works for an Inclusive History with the National Women’s History Museum”

Clarence Otis, Former Chairman & CEO of Darden Restaurants was asked to dissect his former company and its recent troubles on CNBC’s The Exchange in late September.

John Rogers, Chairman, Co-CEO and CIO for Ariel Investments was a speaker at the online CNBC Financial Advisor Summit on December 10th, where he spoke about Finding Hidden Gems in the Stock Markets.

Keith Wyche, Former Corporate VP, Community Engagement & Support, Walmart was a keynote speaker as part of a virtual US/UK Summit on Race

The ELC Annual Recognition Gala received even more eyes than usual thanks to the attendance of actress and Founder of The Honest Company, Jessica Alba, and her husband, Movie producer and Cash Warren joined the audience of attendees for the Gala

The 2024 Winter edition of Savoy Magazine featured their list of The Most Influential Corporate Board Directors. The list included, 146 ELC members, representing 35% of the total list of board directors. Members included:

Agnes Bundy Scanlan, President at The Cambridge Group - Board of Directors for: AppFolio, Inc., iCapital, R1 RCM Inc., and Truist Financial Corporation

Alfred W. Zollar, Executive Partner at Siris Capital Group, LLC - Board of Directors for: BNY Mellon Corporation, IBM, and Nasdaq. Inc.

Alicia Boler Davis, Chief Executive Officer at Alto Pharmacy, LLC - Board of Directors for: JPMorgan Chase & Co.

André Branch, Senior Vice President & General Manager - MAC Cosmetics North America, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. - Board of Directors for: Signet Jewelers Ltd.

Antoinette (Tonie) Leatherberry, former Principal & Board Relations Leader at Deloitte - Board of Directors for: American Family Insurance and Zoetis Inc.

April Miller Boise, Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at Intel Corporation - Board of Directors for: Trane Technologies plc

Arlene Isaacs-Lowe, former Global Head of Corporate & Social Responsibility at Moody’s & President of The Moody’s Foundation at Moody’s - Board of Directors for: Compass Group PLC, Equitable Holdings, Inc., and Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.

Arnold W. Donald, President & Chief Executive Officer at Carnival Corporation & plc - Board of Directors for: Bank of America Corporation, MP Materials Corp., and Salesforce

Barbara A. Turner, former Chief Executive Officer at Ohio National Financial Services, Inc. - Board of Directors for: Envestnet, Inc. and The Standard

Barry M. Granger, Managing Partner & Co-Founder at B3 Technology Investments - Board of Directors for: Black Hills Corporation

Brenda J. Lauderback, Chairman, Board of Directors at Denny’s, Inc. - Board of Directors for: Denny’s, Inc., Sleep Number Corporation, and Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

Brett J. Hart, President at United Airlines - Board of

Byron Spruell, President, League Operations at National Basketball Association (NBA) - Board of Directors for: Aon

C. Edward (Chuck) Chaplin, former President & Chief Financial Officer at MBIA Inc. - Board of Directors for: Brighthouse Financial Inc., and MGIC Investment Corp.

C. Kim Goodwin, Managing Partner at Avanico Holdings LLC - Board of Directors for: General Mills, Popular, Inc., and The TJX Companies, Inc.

Cain Hayes, former President & Chief Executive Officer at Point32Health - Board of Directors for: DocuSign, Inc.

Calvin G. Butler, Jr., President and CEO at ExelonBoard of Directors for: Emerson, Exelon Corporation

Candace Matthews, former Chief Reputation Officer at Amway Corporation - Board of Directors for: AptarGroup, Inc. and MillerKnoll

Carla A. Harris, Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley - Board of Directors for: Cummins Inc. MetLife and Walmart Inc.

Carla Vernón, Chief Executive Officer at The Honest Company, Inc. - Board of Directors for: The Honest Company, Inc.

Charisse R. Lillie, Retired Vice President, Community Investment at Comcast Corporation - Board of Directors for: Exelon Corporation and Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company

Clarence Otis, Jr., former Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Darden Restaurants, Inc. - Board of Directors for: The Travelers Companies Inc., Verizon, and VF Corporation

Claude E. Wade, Executive Vice President, Chief Digital Officer & Global Head of Business Operations at AIGBoard of Directors for: Citizens Financial Group

Colleen Taylor, President, Merchant Services – U.S. at American Express - Board of Directors for: Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Craig Cuffie, Group Chief Procurement Officer at HSBC - Board of Directors for: Franklin Covey

Craig MacKay, former President & Chief Executive Officer at Carver Bancorp, Inc. - Board of Directors for: Equitable Holdings, Inc. and Carver Bancorp, Inc.

Craig Williams, President, Geographies & Marketplace at Nike - Board of Directors for: Capital One

Crystal E. Ashby, Executive Vice President, Chief People & Communications Officer at Independence Health Group - Board of Directors for: BAE Systems plc

Dale LeFebvre, Founder & Chairman at 3.5.7.11 - Board of Directors for: Lincoln Financial Group

Dalila Wilson-Scott, Executive Vice President & President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation at Comcast Corporation - Board of Directors for: OceanFirst Bank

Daphne E. Jones, former Senior Executive & Chief Information Officer GE Healthcare at GE - Board of Directors for: AMN Healthcare Services, Inc., Barnes Group Inc., and Masonite International Corporation

Daryl Roberts, Senior Vice President, Chief Operations & Engineering Officer at DuPont de Nemours Inc.Board of Directors for: American Electric Power

David Bozeman, President & Chief Executive Officer at C.H. Robinson - Board of Directors for: C.H. Robinson Worldwide

David L. Rawlinson II, President & Chief Executive Officer at Qurate Retail, Inc. - Board of Directors for: Discover Financial Services and Qurate Retail, Inc.

Deborah Telman, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs & General Counsel at Gilead Sciences, Inc.Board of Directors for: AtriCure Inc.

Debra A. Sandler, Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Mavis Foods, LLC - Board of Directors for: ADM, Dollar General Corporation, Gannett Co., Inc., and Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

Denise R. Singleton, former Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary at WestRock Company - Board of Directors for: Phillips 66 and Teledyne Technologies Inc.

Denise Russell Fleming, Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President, Technology and Global Services at BD - Board of Directors for: Parker Hannifin

Devin C. Johnson, President at Springhill Entertainment - Board of Directors for: Progressive Insurance

Dmitri L. Stockton, former Chairman, President & CEO, GE Asset Management at GE - Board of Directors for: Deere & Co., Ryder Systems, Inc., Target Corporation, and WestRock Company

Donald E. Frieson, Executive Vice President, Supply Chain at Lowe’s Companies, Inc. - Board of Directors for: Casey’s General Stores, Inc.

Donna Vieira, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer at Sallie Mae - Board of Directors for: Choice Hotels International

Dontá Wilson, Chief Consumer & Small Business Banking Officer at Truist - Board of Directors for: Signet Jewelers

Dwayne L. Allen, Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at Unisys - Board of Directors for: Cross Country Healthcare

Dwight Gibson, Operating Partner at Pritzker Private Capital - Board of Directors for: Interface, Inc.

Earl Newsome, Jr., Chief Information Officer at Cummins Inc. - Board of Directors for: Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.

Elliott Rodgers, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer at Foot Locker, Inc. - Board of Directors for: Levi Strauss & Co.

Eric L. Butler, Retired Executive Vice President at Union Pacific Railroad - Board of Directors for: Eastman Chemical Company and NiSource, Inc.

Ernest Nicolas, Chief Supply Chain Officer at HP Inc.Board of Directors for: Avient Corporation

Fred M. Lowery, Senior Vice President & President, Customer Channels at Thermo Fisher Scientific - Board of Directors for: DuPont

G. Scott Uzzell, Vice President & General Manager, North America Operating Unit at Nike - Board of Directors for: SC Johnson

Gail Peterson, former Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Ecolab Inc. - Board of Directors for: Sun Country Airlines

Gale V. King, former Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at Nationwide - Board of Directors for: AutoZone, Inc. and Unum Group

Gaurdie E. Banister, Jr., former President & Chief Executive Officer at Aera Energy LLC - Board of Directors for: Dow Inc., Enbridge, and Russell Reynolds

Gena Ashe, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at Anterix Inc. - Board of Directors for: Insurance

George A. Willis, former President, U.S. Operations at UPS - Board of Directors for: Vulcan Materials Company

Glenda G. McNeal, Chief Partner Officer at American Express - Board of Directors for: Nordstrom, Inc.

Gloria R. Boyland, former Corporate Vice President, Operations & Service Support at FedEx - Board of Directors for: Aurora Innovation, Inc., United Natural Foods, Inc., and Vontier Corporation

Gregory E. Deavens, President & Chief Executive Officer at Independence Health - Board of Directors for: BCS Financial Corporation

Gregory Morrison, former Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Cox Enterprises - Board of Directors for: Amerisure Insurance, Rollins, Inc., and Veritex Holdings, Inc.

Gunther Bright, former Executive Vice President & General Manager Global and U.S. Large Enterprises at American Express - Board of Directors for: TPG, Inc

Henry McGee, former President, HBO Home Entertainment at Time Warner - Board of Directors for: Tegna, Inc.

Herman E. Bulls, Vice Chairman – Americas at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) - Board of Directors for: American Campus Communities, Inc., Comfort Systems USA, Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., and USAA

Hilda Pinnix-Ragland, former Vice President, Corporate Public Affairs at Progress Energy - Board of Directors for: OnCourse Home Solutions and RTI International

Howard E. Woolley, former Senior Vice President, Wireless Policy & Strategic Alliances at Verizon - Board of Directors for: Allianz Life Insurance NA, Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc., and Somos, Inc.

Jacqueline D. Woods, Chief Marketing Officer at Teradata - Board of Directors for: Avaya Holdings Corp. Winnebago Industries

Jamere Jackson, Chief Financial Officer at AutoZone, Inc. - Board of Directors For: Eli Lilly and Company

Jeffery S. Perry, Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Lead Mandates LLC - Board of Directors for: Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc., Equitable Funds, and MasterBrand, Inc.

Jerri L. DeVard, former Executive Vice President & Chief Customer Officer at Office Depot - Board of Directors for: Cars.com, Root, Inc., The Dow Chemical Company, and Under Armour, Inc.

Jesse J. Tyson, Retired President & Chief Executive Officer, Inter-Americas at ExxonMobil - Board of Directors for: The Williams Companies, Inc.

Jill Pemberton, Chief Financial Officer, North America at LVMH Inc. (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) - Board of Directors for: The Toro Company

John W. Rogers, Jr., Chairman, Co-Chief Executive Officer & Chief Investment Officer at Ariel Investments, LLC - Board of Directors for: Nike Inc., Ryan Specialty Group Holdings, The New York Times Company, and Ariel Investments, LLC

Joia M. Johnson, Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at Hanesbrands Inc.Board of Directors for: Global Payments Inc., Regions Financial Corporation, and Sylvamo Corporation

Joy Brown, Senior Vice President & Chief Digital Information Officer at Boston Medical Center Health System - Board of Directors for: Huron Consulting Group Inc. and Tractor Supply Company

Julia M. Brown, former Chief Procurement Officer at Mars Wrigley - Board of Directors for: Perrigo Company plc, Shutterfly, Inc., Solo Brands, Inc., and The Molson Coors Beverage Company

Juliette Pryor, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary at Lowe’s Companies, Inc. - Board of Directors for: Genuine Parts Company

Kathleen Wilson-Thompson, former Executive Vice President & Global Chief Human Resources Officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. - Board of Directors for: Tesla, Inc. and Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

Kathy N. Waller, Executive Director at Atlanta Committee for Progress - Board of Directors for: Beyond Meat, Inc., CGI, Inc., and Delta Air Lines, Inc.

Kaye Foster, former Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources at Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Board of Directors for: Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Keith H. Williamson, President, Centene Charitable Foundation at Centene - Board of Directors for: PPL Corporation

Keith R. Wyche, Retired Vice President, Community Engagement & Support at Walmart, Inc. - Board of Directors for: The Brink’s Company

Kelly Baker, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Thrivent - Board of Directors for: Ferguson plc

Kellye L. Walker, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, Global Law Services & Regulatory Affairs Deere & Company at Deere & Company - Board of Directors for: Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and T. Rowe Price Funds

Kenneth Robinson, former Senior Vice President, Audit and Controls at Exelon Corporation - Board of Directors for: Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Occidental Petroleum, and Paylocity Holding Corporation

Kevin E. Bryant, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Evergy, Inc. - Board of Directors for: Winnebago Industries, Inc.

Kevin M. Warren, former Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer at UPS - Board of Directors for: Fiserv, Inc. and Assurant

Kim Crawford Goodman, Chief Executive Officer at Smarsh - Board of Directors for: Charter Communications, Inc. and Smarsh

Kim Harris Jones, former Senior Vice President & Corporate Controller at Mondelēz International, Inc. - Board of Directors for: Caesars Entertainment, TrueBlue, Inc., and United Rentals, Inc.

Kimberley A. Newton, Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Alexis Enterprises, LLC - Board of Directors for: Big Lots, Inc.

Kimberly A. Nelson, former Senior Vice President, External Relations at General Mills - Board of Directors for: Colgate-Palmolive Company, Cummins Inc., and Tate & Lyle PLC

Kourtney Gibson, President at Loop Capital MarketsBoard of Directors for: MarketAxess Holdings Inc.

Lakecia Gunter, former Chief Technology Officer, Global Partner Solutions Team at Microsoft Corporation - Board of Directors for: IDEX Corporation

Larry Quinlan, former Global Chief Information Officer at Deloitte - Board of Directors for: Booking Holdings Inc., Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc., and ServiceNow

Laysha Ward, former Executive Vice President & Chief External Engagement Officer at Target CorporationBoard of Directors for: Denny’s Corporation, United Airlines Holdings, Inc.

Leslie T. Thornton, Retired Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at WGL Holdings, Inc. - Board of Directors for: Perdoceo Education Corporation and Southwest Gas Holdings

Lester Owens, former Head, Operations at Wells Fargo & Company - Board of Directors for: The Chef’s Warehouse and RWJ Barnabas Health

Linnie Haynesworth, Retired Sector Vice President & General Manager at Northrop Grumman Corporation - Board of Directors for: Automatic Data Processing, Inc., Eastman Chemical Company, Micron Technology, Inc., and Truist Financial Corporation

Lionel L. Nowell III, Retired Senior Vice President & Treasurer at PepsiCo - Board of Directors for: Bank of America Corporation, Ecolab Inc., and Textron, Inc.

Lloyd H. Dean, Chief Executive Officer at CommonSpirit Health - Board of Directors for: Golden Arrow Merger Corp., McDonald’s Corporation, and Progyny, Inc.

Lloyd M. Yates, President & Chief Executive Officer at NiSource, Inc. - Board of Directors for: Marsh & McLennan, NiSource Inc.

Lori George Billingsley, former Global Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at The Coca-Cola CompanyBoard of Directors for: Shake Shack Inc.

Louis A. Parker, Executive Vice President & Chief Operational Officer at Visible Men Academy - Board of Directors for: The Brink’s Company

Marc A. Howze, former Group President, Lifecycle Solutions & Chief Administrative Officer at Deere & Company - Board of Directors for: Dover Corporation, Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company

Mark A. Tatum, Deputy Commissioner & Chief Operating Officer at National Basketball AssociationBoard of Directors for: General Motors

Mark Mason, Chief Financial Officer at Citi - Board of Directors for: Microsoft

Marvin R. Ellison, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Lowe’s Companies, Inc. - Board of Directors for: FedEx Corporation and Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Melody Birmingham, Executive Vice President & Group President of Utilities at NiSource Inc. - Board of Directors for: 1st Source Corporation

Mia Mends, Chief Executive Officer, C&W Services at Cushman & Wakefield - Board of Directors for: H&R Block

Michael C. Hyter, President & Chief Executive Officer at The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) - Board of Directors for: Dine Brands Global Inc.

Michael Conway, Executive Vice President & President, International Licensed Markets at Starbucks Corporation - Board of Directors for: McCormick & Company

Michael Dubose, former President, Fisher Healthcare Division at Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. - Board of Directors for: Watts Water Technologies

Nadia Rawlinson, Co-Owner & Operating Chairman at Chicago Sky (WNBA) - Board of Directors for: J.Crew Group, Inc. and Vail Resorts, Inc.

Orlando D. Ashford, Chief People Officer at FanaticsBoard of Directors for: Perrigo Company plc

Phyllis S. Anderson, former Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Sentara Healthcare - Board of Directors for: Andersen Corporation

Quentin Roach, Chief Procurement Officer at The Estée Lauder Companies - Board of Directors for: US Foods, Inc.

Racquel Oden, Head of Wealth & Personal Banking at HSBC - Board of Directors for: National Life Group

Rayford Wilkins, Jr., former Chief Executive Officer, Diversified Businesses at AT&T - Board of Directors for: Caterpillar, Inc., Morgan Stanley, and Valero Energy Corporation

Rhoman J. Hardy, former Senior Vice President, Shell Chemicals and Products, U.S. Gulf Coast at Shell USA, Inc. - Board of Directors for: Comfort Systems USA and HF Sinclair Corporation

Rhonda Mims, former Executive Vice President at Centene Corporation - Board of Directors for: Kymera International

Robin L. Washington, former Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Gilead Sciences, Inc.Board of Directors for: Alphabet Inc., Honeywell International, Inc., Salesforce.com, Inc., and Vertiv Holdings Co.

Rodney C. Adkins, former Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy at IBM - Board of Directors for: Avent, Inc., PayPal Holding, Inc., UPS, and W.W. Grainger, Inc.

Rodney Williams, former President, Diageo Beer Company & President, Diageo Canada at DiageoBoard of Directors for: Caesars Entertainment, Inc.

Rosalind (Roz) Brewer, former Chief Executive Officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. - Board of Directors for: United Airlines Holdings, Inc.

Russell Noles, former Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Nuveen - Board of Directors for: Jackson Financial Inc. and Consumer Reports

Russell Stokes, President & Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Engines & Services at GE AerospaceBoard of Directors for: UPS

Salaam Coleman Smith, former Executive Vice President at ABC - Board of Directors for: Gap Inc. and Pinterest, Inc.

Sandra R. Rogers, former Vice President, Supply Chain at Hillrom - Board of Directors for: Northwestern Mutual, U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc.

Sharon R. Barner, Vice-President, Chief Administrative Officer & Corporate Secretary at Cummins Inc. - Board of Directors for: Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

Shaundra Clay, former Global Vice President, Finance at Beam Suntory, Inc. - Board of Directors for:

Sheila G. Talton, President & Chief Executive Officer at Gray Matter Analytics - Board of Directors for: Deere & Co., OGE Energy Corporation, and Sysco Corporation

Shelley Stewart, Jr., Managing Partner/Founder at Bottom Line Advisory, LLC - Board of Directors for: Clean Harbors Inc., Kontoor Brands, Inc., and Otis Worldwide Corporation

Singleton B. McAllister, Partner at Husch Blackwell LLP - Board of Directors for: Anterix and Chart Industries

Stephanie C. Hill, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Business Transformation at Lockheed Martin - Board of Directors for: S&P Global Inc.

Steven A. White, former President, Comcast West Division at Comcast - Board of Directors for: Hormel Foods Corporation and W.W. Grainger, Inc.

Susan E. Chapman-Hughes, former Senior Vice President, U.S. Large Markets - Global Corporate Payments at American Express Company - Board of Directors for: The J. M. Smucker Company

Suzan Kereere, President, Global Markets at PayPal, Inc. - Board of Directors for: 3M

Telisa L. Yancy, Enterprise President at American Family Insurance - Board of Directors for: American Family Insurance and Deluxe Corp.

Terry S. Thomas, Chief Growth Officer at Flowers Foods - Board of Directors for: McCormick & Company

Thasunda Brown Duckett, President & Chief Executive Officer at TIAA - Board of Directors for: Nike, Inc.

Titi Cole, former Head, Legacy Franchises at CitiBoard of Directors for: Datadog

Todd Walthall, Chief Growth Officer at Optum Health - Board of Directors for: AllianceBernstein L.P.

Toni Townes-Whitley, Chief Executive Officer at SAIC - Board of Directors for: Nasdaq and SAIC

Victor Crawford, former Chief Executive Officer, Pharmaceutical Segment at Cardinal Health, Inc.Board of Directors for: The Hershey Company

Willie A. Deese, former Executive Vice President & President of Merck Manufacturing Division at Merck & Co. Inc. - Board of Directors for: Dentsply Sirona USA and Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

Yvette Hollingsworth Clark, Executive Vice President & Global Chief Compliance Officer at State Street Corporation - Board of Directors for: Air Lease Corporation

Yvette S. Butler, former President, Private Bank & Wealth Management at SVB - Board of Directors for: Voya Financial, Inc.

2025 ELC Calendar of Events

Winter Member Meeting

March 5 - 7, 2025 | Washington, DC

Power of Women at Work

March 25, 2025 | Virtual

Men in Leadership

April 8, 2025 | Virtual

Corporate Board Navigator Cohort Launch

( Summer Member Meeting )

June 3 - 4, 2025 | Philadelphia, PA

Summer Member Meeting

June 4 - 6, 2025 | Philadelphia, PA

Leadership Development Week

June 23 - 27, 2025 | Chicago, IL - Virtual

C-Suite Academy

July 14 - 17, 2025 | Washington, DC

Women's Leadership Forum

July 17 - 19, 2025 | Washington, DC

ELC Member Reception at The Vineyard

August 11, 2025 | Martha's Vineyard, MA

Summer Executive Workshop:

August 13 - 14, 2025 | Martha's Vineyard, MA

Honors Symposium

September 30 - October 3, 2025

National Harbor, MD

Mid-Level Managers’ Symposium

October 1 - 2, 2025

National Harbor, MD - Virtual

Corporate Board Navigator

October 1, 2025 | National Harbor, MD

CEO GameChanger Conference ®

October 2, 2025 | National Harbor, MD

ELC Recognition Gala

October 2, 2025 | National Harbor, MD

ELC Member Closing Brunch

October 3, 2025 | National Harbor, MD

ELC UK Convening

October 2025 | United Kingdom

Board Directors' Summit

December 2025 | TBD

To learn more about how to get involved, event details & more.