CHARLOTTE, NC, July 28, 2009– The Diversity Forum, a new Charlotte-based non-profit founded by A. Michelle Fish, CEO of Bankston Partners, has expanded their Board of Advisors in an effort to amplify their reach to various business sectors. It was announced today that Bernie Smith, VP of Talent Acquisition, Diversity and Human Resources at Lowe’s Companies, Inc., has been added to their advisory board. “I am truly honored to be involved with a community-based organization that recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion – and comprehends that it is not simply about race or ethnicity.” said Smith. The complete Board of Advisors is as follows:
• Bernie Smith, VP of Talent Acquisition, Diversity and Human Resources, Lowe’s. Companies, Inc
• Max Siegel, Partner & CEO, The 909 Group
• Kevin Henry, Chief Human Resources Officer, Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated
• Fred Whitfield, President & COO, Bobcats Sports & Entertainment
• Ronnie Bryant, President & CEO, Charlotte Regional Partnership
• Joe Machicote, VP, Diversity & Inclusion, Lance, Inc.
• John D. Cole, Partner, Ogletree Deakins
• Chiquitha Lloyd, M/W/SBE Administrator, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
• Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President, Taylor Holdings of Broward Inc.
• Debra Plousha-Moore, SVP, Human Resources, Carolinas HealthCare System
• Debra White, Chief Diversity Officer & VP Employee Relations, Premier Healthcare Alliance
• Al Minter, Wealth Manager, Merrill Lynch
• Izzy Justice, President/CEO, EQmentor
Fish is equally excited about Smith’s participation on the Board. “I cannot put into words how astonished I am with the level of support The Forum is receiving!” said Fish. The first board meeting will be held on Thursday, July 30.
The Diversity Forum is also preparing for the next event which will be held on October 14, 2009 at 7:30 a.m. The Keynote will be delivered by Kevin Henry, Chief Human Resource Officer for Coca-Cola Bottling Consolidated. Nominations are currently being accepted for the 1st annual “Diversity Awards.” Selections will be made for a Champion Award to the individual who has exemplified leadership in Diversity & Inclusion; and a Trailblazer Award to a company that has made great progress in implementing successful Diversity & Inclusion programs. Applications can be downloaded from the following website: www.TheDiversityForum.org.
About The Diversity Forum
The Diversity Forum is a new Charlotte-based non-profit committed to connecting business leaders, educating the community and finding tactical solutions on how diversity and inclusion can spur business innovation and create sustainable growth opportunities. The organization hosts networking/speaking events, workshops, and webinars on a number of topics. For more information, please visit www.TheDiversityForum.org.
The Diversity Forum
4601 Charlotte Park Drive
Suite 150
Charlotte, NC 28217
Contact: Jessica Best
jbest@TheDiversityForum.org
(704) 405-0607
• Bernie Smith, VP of Talent Acquisition, Diversity and Human Resources, Lowe’s. Companies, Inc
• Max Siegel, Partner & CEO, The 909 Group
• Kevin Henry, Chief Human Resources Officer, Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated
• Fred Whitfield, President & COO, Bobcats Sports & Entertainment
• Ronnie Bryant, President & CEO, Charlotte Regional Partnership
• Joe Machicote, VP, Diversity & Inclusion, Lance, Inc.
• John D. Cole, Partner, Ogletree Deakins
• Chiquitha Lloyd, M/W/SBE Administrator, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
• Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President, Taylor Holdings of Broward Inc.
• Debra Plousha-Moore, SVP, Human Resources, Carolinas HealthCare System
• Debra White, Chief Diversity Officer & VP Employee Relations, Premier Healthcare Alliance
• Al Minter, Wealth Manager, Merrill Lynch
• Izzy Justice, President/CEO, EQmentor
Fish is equally excited about Smith’s participation on the Board. “I cannot put into words how astonished I am with the level of support The Forum is receiving!” said Fish. The first board meeting will be held on Thursday, July 30.
The Diversity Forum is also preparing for the next event which will be held on October 14, 2009 at 7:30 a.m. The Keynote will be delivered by Kevin Henry, Chief Human Resource Officer for Coca-Cola Bottling Consolidated. Nominations are currently being accepted for the 1st annual “Diversity Awards.” Selections will be made for a Champion Award to the individual who has exemplified leadership in Diversity & Inclusion; and a Trailblazer Award to a company that has made great progress in implementing successful Diversity & Inclusion programs. Applications can be downloaded from the following website: www.TheDiversityForum.org.
About The Diversity Forum
The Diversity Forum is a new Charlotte-based non-profit committed to connecting business leaders, educating the community and finding tactical solutions on how diversity and inclusion can spur business innovation and create sustainable growth opportunities. The organization hosts networking/speaking events, workshops, and webinars on a number of topics. For more information, please visit www.TheDiversityForum.org.
The Diversity Forum
4601 Charlotte Park Drive
Suite 150
Charlotte, NC 28217
Contact: Jessica Best
jbest@TheDiversityForum.org
(704) 405-0607
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