The Executive Leadership Council (ELC)

#ThrowbackThursday: We would like to highlight the profound group of nineteen corporate executives – eighteen men and one woman, who formed The Executive Leadership Council. The executives united to save Bishop College and soon realized the power of the network they had formed. The network became the catalyst for a corporate civil rights movement that brought together early political supporters such as Congressman Charles Rangel and Senator Edward Kennedy. The rest is a rich history of supporting, developing and nurturing Black excellence — from the university classroom to the corporate boardroom. Today, three of our founding members remain involved with The ELC, seeking to assist the organization wherever possible. We admire and value Milton Irvin, Jim Kaiser and Elynor Williams. The Executive Leadership Council exemplifies perseverance and philanthropy. Black excellence: It is our legacy. ELC Founders: Jerome Bartow*, Vernon Ford, Kenneth Hill, Milton Irvin, James Jackson*, Mannie Jackson, Clarence “Buddy” James*, Gary Jefferson, Robert Johnson, Cyrus Jonson*, Jim Kaiser, Cleve Killingsworth, Alvaro Martins*, Jarred Metze, Arthur Page*, Hugh Robinson*, Earl Washington, Elynor Williams #ELC #BlackLeadership #BlackExecutives

#BlackFirsts: Congratulations to Melesa Johnson for becoming the first Black female prosecutor in Jackson County, Kansas. “Jackson County, this victory belongs to all of us who dared to dream of safer neighborhoods and a stronger community,” Johnson said. “Over these 14 months, your resilience, your stories, and your relentless support started a powerful movement. Together, we’ve proven that there is an incredible power of a united Jackson County. I am honored to carry your voices with me as we fight for real justice, fairness, opportunity, and lasting change. Thank you for believing in our vision and in each other but this is just the beginning — now the real work begins.” Read more at https://lnkd.in/ejcrFp6D #BlackWomenLead #BlackLeadership

Happy Thanksgiving from The Executive Leadership Council! 🍂 As we reflect on the power of gratitude and community this season, we want to take a moment to honor and thank the incredible Black leaders, professionals, and future generations who inspire us every day. Your dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence help pave the way for greater opportunities and successes, both today and for those who will follow. At the ELC, our mission is to increase the number of successful Black executives, domestically and internationally, by adding value to your leadership, development, and philanthropic efforts across every stage of your career. Thank you for your vision, your work, and your unwavering impact on the world. Together, we continue to rise higher. 🙏🏾✨ #ELC #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #BlackExcellence #BlackLeadership #BlackProfessionals

#BlackExecutives: Congratulations to Donald Felix, who was named President and CEO of Carver. He will also serve as a member of the Carver Board. Mr. Felix is an accomplished banking executive with over 25 years of global banking and broad C-level experience. In his most recent role at Citizens Financial Group, Inc. as Executive Vice President and Head of National Banking & Expansion, Mr. Felix drove increased profitability and grew deposits by $3B. "Carver has been a driving force in economic empowerment in Greater New York City for more than seven decades doing some of the most impact-driven work in banking. I look forward to advancing Carver's growth, creating value for our stakeholders, and promoting greater financial inclusion and economic mobility," said Felix. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e73BjAz4 #BlackMenLead #BlackProfessionals #BlackLeadership

#BlackExecutives: Congratulations to Roger A. Fairfax, Jr., who was named dean of the Howard University School of Law. He began his tenure earlier this year. Dean Fairfax previously served as the 19th Dean of the American University Washington College of Law, the first Black man to lead that law school. “I have long admired and championed the Howard University School of Law’s indispensable mission, and I am humbled by the opportunity to steward and lead this extraordinary community,” said Fairfax. “It will be a tremendous honor at this critical time to follow in the footsteps of those who have assumed the solemn responsibility of leading one of the most consequential institutions in the history of legal education and the legal profession.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/eDmCzGNc #BlackMenLead #BlackProfessionals #BlackLeadership

#BlackMenLead: #ELCMembers Marvin Ellison, Chairman, President, and CEO of Lowe's Companies, Inc., and Russell Stokes, President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services, GE Aerospace, were selected as the Top Black CEO of 2024! These Black men leaders are transforming their industries and redefining the essence of business leadership. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gqBbrWDd #BlackMenLead #BlackLeadership #BlackExecutives #BlackCEOs

#BlackInitiatives: Kean University's Center for Africana Studies recently hosted the New Jersey Coalition of Africana Studies Summit, a landmark event that launched a new statewide initiative to expand and enhance African American studies in higher education. “This Summit marks a significant moment,” said David Jefferson Jr., Ed.D., acting director of Kean’s Center for Africana Studies. “We gather here, not only to celebrate the profound contributions of Africana studies but to deepen our collective commitment to advancing this field.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gTWyYc_z #BlackStudies #HigherEducation

#BlackExecutives: Congratulations to Angel Shelton Willis, who was named Global General Counsel and Corporate Affairs Officer at Kraft Heinz. Willis is currently Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary at Sealed Air Corporation, where she leads the global legal, ethics and compliance, regulatory and corporate affairs functions, and serves as its corporate secretary. "I'm thrilled to join Kraft Heinz at such a pivotal time for the company and the industry," said Angel Shelton Willis. "I’m inspired by Kraft Heinz’s mission to lead the future of food, and I look forward to collaborating with the talented team to navigate the evolving legal landscape and help drive the next chapter of growth." Read more from the official press release: https://lnkd.in/gbtTtXac #BlackWomenLead #BlackProfessionals #BlackLeadership

The NAACP has launched a “fund of funds” to scale impact within communities of color. According to a news release, NAACP Capital was formed with the support of Kapor Capital, the Kapor Center, and nine venture fund managers. It seeks to raise $200 million to fulfill its goal of investing in fund managers connected to sectors such as education, healthcare, and finance, with a focus on supporting underserved communities. Beyond capital, the initiative aims to close racial equity gaps and increase diversity within the tech industry. As part of this mission, resources and support will be provided to fund managers and founders. “As an ever-evolving legacy organization, the NAACP knows that innovation is borne out of inclusivity. Impact investing has the power to drive historic financial returns and uplift overlooked communities,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gkJ7pRpQ #DEI #Diversity #NAACP #BlacksInTech #RacialEquity

Ericka Pittman breaks down the 3 types of impressions to raise awareness for your brand! 🚨 Building brand awareness isn’t just about being seen; it's about creating the right kind of impact. Ericka Pittman, a seasoned marketing and branding expert, shares invaluable insights on the three key types of impressions you need to focus on to elevate your brand presence. Source: @vsgent @erickampittman @earnyourleisure via Instagram #TipsFromBlackProfessionals #BlackBusiness #Branding #BlackLeaders