FAIRFIELD, Conn. — GE announced that Deborah Elam, chief diversity officer and president of the GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of GE, will retire from GE at the end of the year. Elam has greatly advanced GE’s diversity and philanthropy efforts.
Under Elam’s leadership, GE has received significant recognition from notable organizations including Working Mother Media, Fortune Magazine, the Human Rights Campaign, Military Times, GI Jobs, The National Urban League, Asia Society, Black Enterprise, The Executive Leadership Council, Points of Light, The US Chamber of Commerce, The US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and many more. Elam has also personally received numerous significant awards and accolades over the course of her career.
Jeff Immelt, chairman and CEO, GE said, “Deb has always been a strategic advisor to me as we have developed the culture of GE. Her unparalleled ability to make connections in diverse communities and provide insight and advice on key issues has been so valuable to GE’s growth.”
Susan Peters, vice president, human resources, GE said, “At GE we see diversity, inclusiveness and philanthropy as essential parts of our productivity, creativity and competitive advantage. Deb’s commitment and hard work over the last 30 years has made GE a better place to work.”
Ann R. Klee, who leads Environment Health & Safety (EHS) for GE and Boston Development & Operations for GE’s headquarters, will lead the GE Foundation going forward. Klee joined GE in 2008 and has more than 25 years of experience in law. She came to GE from the law firm of Crowell & Moring LLP, based in Washington, D.C. Prior to that, Klee served as EPA general counsel from 2004-2006 after working as a counselor and special assistant to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior from 2001 to 2004.
Jack Ryan, who leads Executive Development & Learning for GE, will be responsible for diversity. Given GE’s work to continuously develop a diverse talent pipeline and further integrate diversity with our culture, executive development and Crotonville curriculum, Ryan is a great fit to take on this important work.
Deb Elam’s network and influence is far-reaching outside of GE. She is a member of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC) – an organization of the top African Americans in Corporate America, and the National Black MBA Association. She is a member of The Links, Incorporated, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
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