THE MEMBERS of the new TALI Corporate CEO Council (Photo by Brian Cook Sr.)
by Christian Morrow, Courier Staff Writer
The Advanced Leadership Initiative (TALI) marked another milestone in its ongoing mission to create a pipeline of African American executive-level talent for corporations and organizations throughout the Pittsburgh region with the announcement last month that it has established a new Corporate CEO Council. It’s peopled with 15 chief executives who’ve confirmed their commitment to improve the regional presence of African Americans in leadership roles.
“We couldn’t be more excited,” said TALI Managing Director Robert Young. “It shows the collective commitment—not just by these individuals personally, but by their companies and organizations—to building a diverse and prosperous business community and raising the external impression of the region as well. The Council really moves that forward.”
Those committed leaders are:
•Leroy Ball, chairman and CEO—Koppers;
•Ray Betler, chairman and CEO—Wabtec;
•Jeff Broadhurst, president and CEO—Eat’n Park Hospitality Group;
•Randy Dearth, President and COO—GCP Applied Technologies;
•Bill Demchak, President, Chairman and CEO –PNC;
ªMichele Fabrizi, CEO— MARC USA;
•Cain Hayes, president and CEO—Gateway Health;
•Diane Holder, President and CEO—UPMC Health Plan;
•David Holmberg, president and CEO—Highmark Health;
•Laura Karet, president and CEO — Giant Eagle;
•Jerry MacCleary, chairman and CEO—Covestro (Retired);
•Bob McDonald, chairman and CEO—Proctor and Gamble (Retired);
•Robert McNally, president and Chief Executive Officer—EQT Corporation;
•Greg Spencer, president and CEO, Randall Industries;
•Lara Washington, President and CEO, Allegheny Housing & Rehabilitation Corporation.
Spencer, who also co-chairs TALI with founder and Senior VP of Community affairs for
Highmark Health, Evan Frazier, said the CEO Council can play a huge role in furthering TALI’s mission.
“When we had our first meeting, I was truly impressed with intensity and commitment of those attending,” he said. “It’s important because they are the ones who make decisions on hiring executives. What are the qualities and experiences they look for when deciding if someone is a good candidate? So they not only give their support, they also give critical feedback to the program.”
Since TALI is also about making connections, MacCleary hosted a reception for the Council members at the Duquesne Club on May 8, and the first cohort of graduates from TALI’s Executive Leadership Academy also attended. The Academy is run in partnership with the Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business and is an 8-module executive education program designed to prepare African American executives for advancement and promotion.
“This is unique for Pittsburgh and the African American community,” said Frazier. “It sends the message that compaies are investing in our future and in diverse executive-level talent. It really sets the tone for the future of the region.”
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