Vernon Jordan, E. Stanley O'Neal, Verizon Inc. honored at Executive Leadership Council dinner

Jet, Oct 28, 2002

Renowned attorney Vernon Jordan, Jr., Merrill Lynch & Co. President, COO and CEO-designate E. Stanley O'Neal and Verizon Communications Inc. were honorees at the recent Executive Leadership Council's (ELC) 14th annual Recognition Dinner in Washington, D.C.

More than 1,600 guests, including major corporate executives, government leaders and Black college, presidents, gathered at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel to laud the honorees who've helped to advance the ELC's mission of "developing Black corporate leaders from the classroom to the boardroom."

The theme of the gala was Remembering Our Legacy, Building Our Future. The Exxon Mobil Foundation and Reebok Human Rights Foundation served as co-sponsors.

Jordan accepted the Alvaro Martins Heritage Award in recognition of his advocacy on behalf of Blacks and women in corporate America and public policy. The award is named for ELC's founding member.

Jordan is senior managing director of the New York investment house Lazard Freres & Co., LLC and was a former president of the National Urban League.

Merrill Lynch's O'Neal was presented the Achievement Award for lifetime career achievements as a corporate business pioneer.

Verizon Communications CEO Ivan Seidenberg accepted the Corporate Award for his company's success in making diversity an integral part of its business practices.

Founded in 1986, the Executive Leadership Council is the nation's premier organization of Black senior corporate executives in Fortune 500 companies.