Influential African-American leaders serving on Texas boards

The message is clear. If the national economy is to flourish, a diverse talent pool must be assembled to help guide the best practice procedures among Fortune 500 corporations, public sector agencies, institutions of higher education, the government and non government organizations. These entities understand that diversity is the fabric by which we live, grow and prosper and as a result, they look to minority participation at the board of directors to help connect with a diverse community and customer base.

A recent study conducted by Spencer Stuart, a global executive recruiting firm, showed that of the 2,357 directors at the top 200 S&P 500 companies, 15 percent are minorities. The 2006 Board Diversity Report also found that 90 percent of S&P 200 companies had at least one minority director. CEOs see the value in looking at those with diverse backgrounds to broaden the perspective with regard to core business initiatives.

Bringing awareness to the forward-thinking practices wheeled in motion by public and private entities, MBN Texas magazine has compiled The Influential African-American Leaders in Texas, a sampling of African-American leaders serving on Texas-based boards of directors. Influencing change – diversifying leadership – and building a better tomorrow, these individuals are impacting policy at the highest levels. They are making a difference in the way these entities conduct business, giving a voice to the communities they serve.