FAIRFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE [NYSE:GE] Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt announced today the appointment of Deb Elam as president of the GE Foundation and chief diversity officer for GE. Bob Corcoran, who currently leads the philanthropic arm of GE, has announced his retirement. The appointment is effective October 1, 2013.
Elam has been GE’s chief diversity officer since 2002. Prior to that, she was the managing director of Human Resources at GE Capital Commercial Finance. Previously, she held Human Resources roles in GE Consulting Services, GE Capital Mortgage Corp., GE Capital Insurance Services and GE Capital Markets Services. She joined GE in 1987 as an intern and is a graduate of GE’s Human Resources Leadership Program. Elam was appointed a GE company officer in 2006, making her one of the most senior women in the company.
Elam holds leadership roles in GE’s African American Forum and the GE Women’s Network. 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.
“I have chosen Deb to lead the GE Foundation, in addition to GE’s diversity outreach, given her proven ability to connect employees and drive our impact locally around the world,” said Immelt. “In her new expanded role, Deb will help bring GE employees closer to their communities while maintaining diversity and inclusiveness as an essential part of our productivity, creativity, innovation and competitive advantage.”
Corcoran is a 34-year GE veteran and has led the philanthropic arm of the company since 2003. GE’s Board of Directors elected him a Corporate Officer in 2000.
Immelt said, “Bob has been a strong leader for GE’s philanthropic arm of the company for 10 years and is seen as an expert in his space both internally and externally. His passion for philanthropy has helped GE make a deep impact in our communities. We wish him well in his retirement and we will continue to build on this success.”
About GE
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About the GE Foundation
The GE Foundation works to solve some of the world's most difficult problems. In coordination with its partners, GE Foundation supports U.S. and international education, developing health globally, the environment, public policy, human rights, disaster relief and community success around the globe. Through the Developing Futures™ in Education program, GE Foundation has committed nearly $200 million to seven U.S. school districts to improve student achievement through a rigorous math and science curriculum, professional development opportunities for teachers and management capacity improvement. For more information visit the Foundation's website at www.gefoundation.com.
