Washington DC – October 25 – The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Board Chair William J. Moon announced today that Susan Phillips Bari, WBENC President, will assume the role of President Emeritus, stepping out of the day-to-day management of the organization effective November 1, 2006. Moon, who is Vice President of Global Sourcing for UPS, also announced that WBENC Vice President, Linda Denny, will serve as Interim President. A national search will be conducted to identify a permanent president.
As President Emeritus, Bari will pursue special projects and provide counsel to WBENC’s new President and Board Chair.
“Susan has made immeasurable contributions to WBENC over the last ten years, ever since WBENC’s committee of founders engaged her to create the original business plan in November 1996, she has been an essential partner with the Board in directing its growth to become the nation’s leading advocate of women’s business enterprises and third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women,” Moon commented. “Susan has helped us build a dynamic organization that is experiencing strong growth and that is financially stable.”
Bari will also author a third book on behalf of WBENC called "I Can Do That". The two other books she has written for WBENC are “Partnering for Profit: Success Strategies for Tomorrow’s Supply Chain,” which was published in June 2005 and “Breaking Through: Creating Opportunities for America’s Women and Minority-Owned Businesses,” published in June 2004, with a second edition published in March 2006.
“I have been blessed during my tenure as WBENC President to work with creative and dedicated individuals every single day. I have learned from women entrepreneurs, corporate executives and leaders in the social entrepreneurship world – our affiliate organizations and the leaders of women’s business and diversity organizations as well. I thank a dedicated staff and Board for helping to create a successful and meaningful organization that is a source of pride to us all,” Bari said. “I look forward to continuing my relationship with WBENC and helping the organization to grow and prosper.”
Linda Denny, who will serve as Interim President, joined WBENC three and a half years ago as Vice President after a long history of success as a corporate manager and officer. “She managed her own manufacturing and wholesale distribution company before becoming a highly regarded corporate executive so Linda fully understands both the WBE and the Corporate perspectives. She has been actively involved in WBENC’s growth and day-to-day management. Linda is a consummate professional, and I have every confidence in her ability to step in and lead the organization during this interim period,” commented Moon.
About Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC):
- Founded in 1997, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is the nation’s leading third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women, and the leading advocate of women’s business enterprises (WBEs) as suppliers to corporate America.
- The average WBENC certified company has revenues of $7.5M, 49 employees and 14 years of experience.
- More than 60 WBE firms have revenues in excess of $100M, and seven certified WBE companies have revenues in excess of $1 billion.
- 238 US corporations are active members of WBENC and representatives of 36 corporations sit on the WBENC Board of Directors, along with nine representatives of its partner organizations and nine Women’s Business Enterprises.
- WBENC certification is accepted by more than 700 corporations, representing America’s most prestigious brands, as well as government entities at the state, local and Federal levels.
- WBENCLink is an internet database, accessed by WBENC corporate members and certified women’s business enterprises, which contains information on certified WBEs for purchasing managers nationwide.
- WBENC also has developed several highly regarded initiatives for recognizing excellence in corporate supplier diversity targeting WBEs ( America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises, The WBENC Applause Awards) and women’s business enterprises (WBENC’s Woman-Owned Business Stars).
- WEBuy@wbenc.org is an online marketplace where corporations and government agencies, as well as WBEs, post RFPs, sources sought, and RFIs.
- WBENC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks and accepts donations form corporations, foundations and individuals that support its mission and priorities.
# # #
For press inquiries, please contact E. Denise Stovell at Stovell Marketing and Public Relations, WBENC's marketing and press consultant at denise@stovellmarketingpr.com or (202) 588-9875.