Fort Smith-based ArcBest Corp. and its president and CEO, Judy R. McReynolds, were honored Nov. 19 by the Women’s Forum of New York at the third biennial Breakfast of Corporate Champions for achieving at least 20 percent female representation on their board.
ArcBest’s board is 27.3 female. The company was applauded as a corporate game changer for making special efforts to advance women in the boardroom.
“I’m pleased that ArcBest is being recognized for its strides toward a more diverse board,” McReynolds said. “We believe in appointing the best people to the board and at the executive level. We’ve been fortunate to have strong women candidates fill these positions. As long as companies focus on putting the best people in leadership, we’ll see more women occupying those roles.”
ArcBest board members include McReynolds, Janice E. Stipp and Kathy D. McElligott. Stipp, who serves on the boards’ Audit Committee, is chief financial officer of Rogers Corporation, a global leader in engineered materials that enable clean energy, Internet connectivity and protection applications. McElligott is executive vice president and chief information and technology officer of McKesson Corp., the largest pharmaceutical distributor in North America.
“We commend ArcBest Corporation and their work towards achieving a greater gender balance in their boardroom,” said Janice Ellig, Co-CEO of Chadick Ellig and chair of the event. “ArcBest knows that more women on boards is smart business and their success is an inspiration to others.”
The event brought together an audience of over 500, including CEOs and board directors, along with business leaders, government officials, thought leaders and influential media in special recognition of forward-thinking companies.
Following the awards presentation, Judy Woodruff of “PBS NewsHour” moderated a CEO panel discussion on why and how top U.S. companies should strive for gender parity. Additionally, this year’s breakfast expanded to include a follow-up symposium co-sponsored by the Committee for Economic Development of the Conference Board which included moderated sessions by Moira Forbes of ForbesWomen, Cyrus Sanati of Fortune.com and Susanna Schrobsdorff of TIME magazine. The symposium was a true “call to action” for all CEOs, and Nom/Gov Committees to accelerate the number of women into the board room by providing insights from the Board, Investors and other global influentials.
