notebook editor’s notebook editors notebook
Companies Share How They Navigate
Rough Waters
James R. Rector PUBLISHER
I
John Murphy
MANAGING EDITOR
In this issue, I want to draw your attention to a few significant features. The first is our cover story about ArvinMeritor, a global automotive and commercial vehicle supplier. Charles G. (Chip) McClure, the company’s chairman, CEO, and president, has a long history in the automotive sector. We all know how difficult the environment has been for the manufacturing sector. It would be easy, maybe even understandable, for companies like ArvinMeritor to focus on operations before diversity. But under McClure’s leadership, the company continues to move forward with a solid commitment to diversity and inclusion, unfazed by a sluggish economy. Others should follow ArvinMeritor’s lead. We are also featuring the winners of this year’s International Innovation in Diversity Awards. Again, we were delighted and impressed by the efforts of those companies who chose to share with us the best of what’s working in their organizations. Take a close look at the creativity and imagination shown by these diversity drivers. You’ll be impressed! We also present a capsule look at corporate philanthropy. Frankly, this feature is bound to pick up your day. Each of the companies featured in this report have a big heart. How they go about improving the lives of people in their communities is inspiring. These are prime examples of selfless giving. Philanthropy is, indeed, alive and well in the boardrooms of some of our finest companies. Finally, we’d like to introduce you to Wal-Mart’s Susan Chambers. We’re featuring her in our Front-Runner in Diversity Leadership Series for her work leading a raft of diversity initiatives at the giant retailer. You can find her story on page 81. Enjoy the issue!
Cheri Morabito
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Damian Johnson
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Laurel L. Fumic
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Alina Dunaeva
O verseas C orrespondent
Jason Bice
WEB MASTER
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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John Murphy Managing Editor
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edit@diversityjournal.com Photos & Artwork:
art@diversityjournal.com On the Cover: ArvinMeritor Executives (clockwise from front): Rhonda Brooks, Rakesh Sachdev, Victoria Jackson, Lin Cummins, Vernon G. Baker II, Chip McClure, Joe Anderson, and Mary Lehmann. 2
Pro f i les i n D i ve rsit y Journal
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