Preeminent Organization for Black C-Suite Leadership Selects Seasoned Thought Leader of Diversity and Inclusion Strategies that Drive Corporate Growth
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) today announced the appointment of Michael C. Hyter as the organization's President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 1, 2021. The ELC is the preeminent global membership organization for Black current and former CEOs, senior executives, and board members of Fortune 1000 and equivalent companies, top-tier entrepreneurs, and global thought leaders.
At this pivotal time in society, as corporations transform their governance and leadership strategies to address longstanding structural gaps in racial and gender equity and opportunity, Mr. Hyter assumes leadership of the 35-year-old organization whose mission encompasses increasing the number of Black corporate CEOs, C-Suite executives, and board members, and building the pipeline of the next generation of Black corporate leaders.
"On behalf of our more than 800 members around the world, I am very pleased to welcome Michael Hyter as President & CEO," said ELC Board Chair, Lloyd W. Brown II, Corporate Community Reinvestment Act Officer for Citigroup. "Mike's demonstrated track record of advocating for Black Excellence in Corporate America and innovating measurable D&I strategies to improve corporate governance and performance is inspiring."
Mr. Hyter joins The ELC from Korn Ferry, where he most recently served as Chief Diversity Officer of the global organizational consulting firm and previously served as the Managing Partner of the firm's Washington, DC office. A recognized thought leader on diversity and inclusion-driven corporate growth strategies, for more than 25 years he has served as a trusted counselor and advisor to Fortune 1000 companies across multiple industries and their boards. Mr. Hyter's most recent publication is The Power of Choice: Embracing Efficacy to Drive Your Career. He is also co-author of The Power of Inclusion: Unlock the Potential and Productivity of Your Workforce, published by Wiley. He has published extensive articles in publications, including the Handbook of Business Strategy, Director's Monthly, Profiles in Diversity Journal, and Inc.
"As an advisor to corporations, boards, and CEOs, I have seen firsthand The ELC's positive impact on Black executives, the Black talent pipeline, and the communities we serve," said Mr. Hyter. "It is an honor to begin my leadership tenure as The ELC turns 35, at a time when our purpose and impact have never been more relevant and urgent."
Mr. Hyter was selected following a comprehensive search process during which the committee of ELC members, led by Laysha Ward, Executive Vice President and Chief External Engagement Officer for Target, and representing a diverse cross section of industries, defined the skills, competencies and experience required. Mr. Hyter is a corporate director of Dine Brands Global Inc. (NYSE:DIN), and serves on its Audit Committee. He was recognized by Savoy Magazine in 2016 and 2018 as one of the most influential Blacks in Corporate America. He was inducted as a member of The ELC in 1994.
"The ELC's mission is as relevant today as it was when the organization was founded nearly 35 years ago. 2020 proved this, as companies were confronted with the hard realities of racial and social unrest. Having worked with Michael Hyter for several years, I know he will elevate the impact and value of The ELC," said Marvin Ellison, President and CEO of Lowe's. "Mike's technical expertise and insights provide CEOs with actionable ideas to advance diversity and inclusion, professional development, and innovation."
"Michael Hyter is a steadfast advocate for inclusive and innovative strategic thinking, and he is ideally qualified to lead The ELC," said Frank Bisignano, President and CEO at Fiserv, a leading global provider of payments and financial services technology. "Mike is a seasoned executive with a demonstrated track record of counseling companies and shaping environments that drive diversity, inclusion, and growth."
Mr. Hyter succeeds Crystal E. Ashby, who served as Interim President & CEO for the past 14 months. Ms. Ashby most recently served as The ELC's Vice Chair and stepped down from its Board to serve as Interim President and CEO in order to assist the organization at a critical time. She is an Independent Director on the Board of Texas Reliability Entity, Inc. (Texas RE), and an NACD Fellow. Ms. Ashby serves on the University of Michigan College of Engineering Dean's Leadership Advisory Board.
"The ELC extends our immeasurable appreciation and gratitude to Crystal for her commitment to our organization during a critical time of transition," said Mr. Brown. "Crystal's intellect and integrity were instrumental as we navigated the global pandemic and civil unrest of 2020. The entire ELC community proudly stands with Crystal and supports her in her external board work and leadership endeavors."
The Failure of Bill Maher's Teachable Moment
“Denying racism is the new racism.” - Bill Maher
Last Friday night’s episode of "Real Time with Bill Maher" was the host’s first since he dropped the ’n-bomb’ during an interview with Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse and caused major outrage. The highly-anticipated post-faux-pas episode featuring Ice Cube, Dr. Micheal Eric Dyson and Symone Sanders did not help Maher’s image. The episode seemed more like a public relations stunt rather than a sincere apology and dialog.
Rather than Dr. Michael Eric Dyson taking Maher to the woodshed as I’d read several times on social media and Ice Cube schooling Bill Maher, the host was defensive, arrogant and tone deaf. It is difficult for rich, white liberals to come to terms with the racist reality of their patronizing, condescending actions when dealing with black people. It doesn't help when black folks fail to recognize the historic relationship dynamics of relationships between blacks and whites in America. Since Maher was publicly given a pass by several black celebs who are his "friends," a valuable lesson for Maher and others was definitely not learned.
Maher said he grew up in New Jersey in the 50’s and 60’s and race wasn’t even an issue. Really? C’mon, Bill. New Jersey is not Alabama. Really? There was no racism and no racial incidents in northern states? Maher went on to try to marginalize and excuse his use of the racial slur by saying that it only happened once, it’s not like he made a career of it. Hello. Bill Maher needs some real black friends to school him. Yes, he does. He some folks who are not looking to profit from appearing on his show to really break things down for him. No. No. No. No. No. Bill Maher, you do not get a pass even if you only dropped the 'n-bomb' once. [insert eye-roll]
Regardless of how “down” Maher thinks he is, how much money he contributed to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign and how many black women he has dated, he does not get a pass. Maher’s arrogance was showing when Ice Cube said Maher sometimes sounds like a redneck trucker. Maher had obviously had enough of black folks lecturing him as he tried to shut down and dismiss Ice Cube’s comments.
Ice Cube posed the most important question during the show when he asked why Maher felt so familiar and so comfortable that he felt he could even use that word. That question was never truly explored in any depth. I, like many other black people, noticed how easily the n-bomb rolled off Maher’s tongue. Yes, we did.
Whether it's Maher or Dog the Bounty Hunter or Don Imus or Michael Richards or Donald Trump, only black people are expected to accept racial insults followed by apologies from someone of another ethnic group. Continuously apologizing for the same civil rights violations is not acceptable. Black people are expected to just move on. Really? I don’t think so.
Let me close with this quote by Joe Madison for you to think on:
#wakeUP #STAYwoke
Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2017 at 11:40 AM in Commentary, Entertainment, Racism, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)
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