Executive leadership council celebrates 20th anniversary

Jet, Nov 20, 2006 by Kevin Chappell

Boasting some 70 Fortune 500 CEOs in attendance, the Executive Leadership Council (ELC) recently honored a business icon and a pioneer educator-and recognized the 19 founding members who created the advocacy organization in 1986 to provide a platform and a voice for African-Americans to excel in top corporate positions-at its 20th Anniversary Recognition Dinner in Washington, D.C.

More than 2,500 people attended the black-tie gala held at the Washington Hilton. Tim Reid and his wife Daphne emceed the event, which was the culmination of three days of meetings and workshops that highlighted past victories and future challenges.

"The council membership continues to grow. We now stand more than 400 members strong," said Carl Brooks, ELC's president and CEO.

The council presented the Alvaro Martins Heritage Award to Johnnetta Cole, president emerita of Spelman College and president of Bennett College for Women. The award, named for the council's founding member, recognizes one whose life has been dedicated to promoting minority economic empowerment.

"I thank you, not from the top, not from the middle, but from the bottom of my heart," Cole said to the gathering. "I thank you for this tremendous honor."

Clarence Otis Jr., CEO of Darden Restaurants, received the Achievement Award in recognition of his historic leadership of a company with household brands like Red Lobster, Olive Garden and Smokey Bones Barbeque.

Altria Group, the parent company of Kraft Foods and Philip Morris USA, was honored for its efforts to advance diversity in leadership positions.

AIG was the lead sponsor of the dinner, donating upwards of $350,000 for it. "It's a great honor to be the lead sponsor of this significant event," said Martin Sullivan, chairman and CEO of AIG.

Grammy Award-winner John Legend, an MBA who rose through the ranks of the business world before his pursuit of his singing career, provided the entertainment.

Earlier in the week, the council's Institute for Leadership Development held graduation ceremonies for 34 Black senior executives from 22 companies. The graduates were a part of the year-long "Strengthening the Pipeline" program, which extensively trains high-potential leaders to be future CEOs. A CEO Diversity Summit also was a part of the anniversary event.

Several students were given scholarships, including four students from historically Black colleges in New Orleans who were named Ann Fudge Scholars. Ann Fudge, a member of the ELC, is chairman and CEO of Young & Rubicam Brands, an advertising and media services firm.