CHICAGO, Nov. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Chicago United will honor James S. Metcalf, former chairman, president and chief executive officer, USG Corporation, and Kelly Grier, vice chair, Central Region managing partner, EY, as its 2016 Bridge Awards recipients on November 17, 2016. The awards are given to companies that demonstrate and model a holistic approach to advancing corporate diversity and inclusion. The executives will accept the awards at Chicago United’s 2016 Bridge Awards Dinner to be presented by Hyatt Hotels Corporation and held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
Chicago United will recognize Metcalf for his intentional efforts to create a more diverse workforce and board of directors at USG. The Bridge Award represents the first national award that honors a chief executive who is an advocate for multiracial diversity in corporate governance and executive level management. The award brings visibility to those who are leading change and inspiring others to follow.
EY will be honored as the Bridge Advocate Award recipient for actively recognizing the importance of diversity to our country’s economy and global competitiveness and for their invaluable contributions in the development of Chicago United’s 2012, 2014, and 2016 Inside Inclusion Featuring the Corporate Diversity Profile publications. The biennial report revealed trends and growth in the racial composition of executive ranks and senior leadership positions of the top 50 Chicago-headquartered companies, providing clear and measurable insights for organizations to use as they drive diversity as a business imperative.
“Through our Bridge Awards, Chicago United proudly salutes corporate leaders who get results through diverse and inclusive business practices,” said Gloria Castillo, president and CEO of Chicago United. “USG and EY are examples of companies that have had impact beyond their employee population by leveraging diversity and inclusion in the building and professional services consultancy industries. We’re very pleased to honor two executives who are outstanding leaders in these areas.”
To learn more about the Chicago United Bridge Awards Dinner, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.chicago-united.org or call 312.977.3060.
About Chicago United
Chicago United is a corporate membership and advocacy organization whose mission is to achieve parity in economic opportunity for people of color by advancing multiracial leadership in corporate governance, executive level management, and business diversity. Founded in 1968, the organization is focused on transforming the Chicago region into the most inclusive business ecosystem in the nation by engaging the top publicly and privately held corporations in leading talent management and inclusive diversity practices. Chicago United’s signature programs include its Business Leaders of Color publication which showcases a diverse pool of corporate director candidates and the Five Forward Initiative™, designed to invigorate job creation in communities of color by increasing the scale of large MBEs in the Chicago region.
