Corporate Equality Index: 2009 Statements from Employers that Rated 100 Percent
American Airlines
Denise Lynn, vice president, diversity and leadership strategies, American Airlines
“All of us at American Airlines are sincerely proud to earn this national recognition. We learned long ago that our corporate reputation is earned every day through the hard work of our employees and a sustained commitment from our management. We are thrilled to share this with our LGBT employees and the loyal customers and diverse communities we serve.”
Betty Young, manager for LGBT marketing and sales Rainbow TeAAm, American Airlines
“Our 100 percent score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index gives us all a shot in the arm and explains why I love the job I do and serving the community in every way. It is a powerful feeling to know that we have a company that stands consistently for the values of fairness, inclusion and equality – and that other airlines now are following our path.”
Sam Santiago, director of workforce volunteerism and giving and chairman of GLEAM (LGBT employee resource group), American Airlines Inc.
“American Airlines has long been recognized as an industry leader when it comes to fairness, inclusion and equality. American was the first major airline to implement same-sex domestic partner benefits, first to implement both sexual orientation and gender identity in its workplace nondiscrimination policies, and first to have a recognized LGBT employee resource group.”
Ameriprise Financial Inc.
Seema Shah, vice president of diversity, Ameriprise Financial Inc.
“As longtime supporter of the LGBT community, Ameriprise Financial is proud to be recognized with another perfect score on the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index. Our company is a great place to work because our employees bring their unique identities and perspectives to our workplace. Diversity enriches our corporate culture, helps us meet the changing needs of our clients and enhances our reputation as a financial services company of choice.”
Aon Corp.
Greg Case, chief executive officer, Aon Corp.
“Aon is committed to providing a diverse and productive work environment, and we are honored to achieve this recognition from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for the second year in a row. This award is indicative of our position as the destination of choice for the best talent, not only in the insurance and human consulting industries, but within the global business community.”
Baker & Daniels
Tom Froehle, chair and chief executive partner, Baker & Daniels
"Diversity and inclusion are among our core values at Baker & Daniels, and we are focused on maintaining a collegial, supportive and inclusive work environment for all. We're proud of our 100 percent rating and will continue to invest in diversity initiatives in our offices and communities."
Barnes & Noble Inc.
Michelle Smith, vice president of Human Resources, Barnes & Noble Inc.
“We are extremely proud to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation with a 100 percent rating on its Corporate Equality Index. Barnes & Noble was one of the first retailers to offer domestic partner benefits to our booksellers more than 13 years ago. Today, we pride ourselves in attracting the best and most diverse talents and will continue to offer and expand such benefits to our more than 40,000 booksellers. Our stores are not only a place where our dedicated booksellers can grow and prosper, but also community centers that provide valuable resources to our customers. We offer a wide selection of books, music, DVDs and other merchandise, as well as host more than 100,000 community events nationwide that support and reflect the diversity of the communities that we serve.”
Chevron Corp
Joe Laymon, vice president of Human Resources, Chevron Corp
“Chevron Corporation is proud to receive the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index award with a ‘perfect score’ for the fifth consecutive year. Two important components of this award – diversity and inclusion – are integral attributes of Chevron’s core company values. These are attributes we honor on a daily basis as part of “The Chevron Way.” We are extremely proud to accept this distinction in recognition of Chevron’s diversity and inclusion efforts, and the outstanding contributions our GLBT employees and the Chevron Pride Employee Network have made to the company.”
Clifford Chance US LLP
Craig Medwick, managing partner for the Americas, Clifford Chance US LLP
"HRC is such a widely respected organization that receiving its top ranking is a great source of pride for all of us. Clifford Chance has long been committed to fostering a supportive work environment in which all employees can develop to their fullest potential. This recognition from HRC confirms we're on the right track.”
Covington & Burling
Timothy Hester, chair, management committee, Covington & Burling
“We are very pleased to have earned the top rating in the 2009 Corporate Equality Index. While we are proud of the steps we already have taken, we understand that the job of promoting diversity is never complete. We are constantly examining our progress, improving our efforts, and searching for new ways to create a more diverse work environment.”
Cummins Inc.
Lisa Gutierrez, executive director of global diversity, Cummins Inc.
"This is great news for our Company. It's all about our core values and creating the right environment for success for all employees."
Dell Inc.
Gil Casellas, vice president of corporate responsibility, Dell Inc.
Dell is celebrating our perfect score on HRC’s corporate equality index for the fifth year in a row. Recognition always pushes Dell to move to the next level and so we’ll continue our efforts advocating for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered equality. It’s part of our global diversity efforts, which aren’t just corporate goals, rather they are a critical component of our leadership and business success.
Deloitte LLP
Barry Salzberg, chief executive officer, Deloitte LLP
"We are honored to be recognized for creating an inclusive workplace that is welcoming to all our people. Our continued top ranking on this index plays a significant role in helping Deloitte remain competitive in attracting the very best talent and the very best clients. The LGBT community is an active component of the Deloitte environment and the CEI provides an excellent benchmark for us to measure ourselves within the market and review our policies, practices, and culture to ensure we are embracing this critical talent segment."
Diageo North America
Ivan Menezes, president and chief executive officer, Diageo North America
“This rating confirms that Diageo continues to make progress in our diversity and inclusion goals. It encourages us to intensify efforts and provides an environment where our employees feel authentic and bring their true selves to work every day.”
Neil Tallantire, senior vice president of innovation and Rainbow Network chair, Diageo North America
“Achieving this rating motivates us to continue raising awareness among our entire employee base as well as our GLBT consumers. This rating also reflects a long-standing relationship between Diageo and HRC. In keeping with DC&E’s commitment to equal rights for all, BV became the featured wine of HRC and the official toast of many of the national fundraising galas. This was not only the right thing to do but also a good way to demonstrate support for the GLBT community.”
Dickstein Shapiro LLP
Michael Nannes, chairman, Dickstein Shapiro LLP
“We are committed to fostering a work environment in which diversity is not only accepted, but valued and celebrated. I believe that it is the Firm’s atmosphere of inclusion and respect that attracts new talent and motivates current attorneys and staff to stay and grow with the Firm.”
Esurance Inc.
Gary Tolman, chief executive officer, Esurance Inc.
“Esurance is honored to achieve 100 percent from the Human Rights Campaign for our second year. Good business is all about treating all of our associates and customers fairly and equally, and we are very proud to be included in the ranks of the great businesses honored by the Human Rights Campaign.”
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Ken Doran, managing partner, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP
“We are proud to receive this recognition from the HRC Foundation. Gibson Dunn is committed to offering the best possible work environment, one that truly fosters diversity and inclusion. We believe that diversity is key to our continued success as one of the leading law firms in the world.”
Haynes and Boone LLP
Felicity Fowler, partner, Labor and Employment Practice Group and chair of Diversity Committee, Haynes and Boone LLP
“Striving for equality for all employees is an ongoing initiative at Haynes and Boone. The firm is committed to diversity and to continuing efforts aimed at embracing and valuing all of our employees.”
Nicholas Even; partner, Securities Litigation and Diversity Committee member, Haynes and Boone LLP
“Haynes and Boone recognizes that our lawyers and staff must reflect the diversity of our clients and the communities in which we live. We strongly believe that such inclusiveness enhances innovation and the delivery of quality service to a diverse marketplace. We are proud of the efforts we have made and we thank the Human Rights Campaign for this recognition.”
Heller Ehrman LLP
Richard DeNatale, shareholder and member of Firm’s LGBT Taskforce, Heller Ehrman LLP
“Heller Ehrman is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee is respected and valued. Diversity is deeply rooted in our culture and is something we have always taken seriously. We are proud of our efforts and are happy to be included on HRC’s index for a third consecutive year.”
ING North American Insurance Corp.
Tom McInerney; chairman and chief executive officer, ING Americas; member, executive board of ING Group
“ING is committed to attracting and retaining top talent. This commitment is the foundation to ensuring that we develop strong diversity and inclusion practices that promote equal opportunities for every individual in our organization. We are proud to receive recognition specific to our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) initiatives as it affirms our position that ING has created a welcoming environment in which individuals feel valued and respected.”
Debbie Holcombe, head of U.S. Workforce Diversity, ING North American Insurance Corp.
“Achieving a perfect score for the third year in a row is very encouraging. With the help of our Gay and Lesbian Employee Network, we are constantly challenging ourselves to integrate diversity into everything we do to realize a more inclusive culture and produce sustained organizational impact and growth. Our continued focus on improving programs and policies that address the needs of our employees and LGBT community stakeholders is critical to our success.”
J.C. Penney Co. Inc.
Wilson Dunnington, vice president and director of inclusion and diversity, J.C. Penney Co. Inc.
“We are extremely honored that the Human Rights Campaign has again recognized our Company’s efforts to build an inclusive and diverse environment for our Associates and Customers. Maintaining a perfect score demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing Company programs and policies that address the needs of our entire work force, which is critical to achieving our goal of becoming the preferred shopping choice for Middle America."
Johnson & Johnson
Anthony Carter, vice president of diversity and inclusion, chief diversity officer, Johnson & Johnson
“We are proud to have earned a 100% rating in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for 2009. This recognition, which we have achieved every year since 2005, reflects the steadfast commitment of the men and women throughout the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies to the principles outlined in Our Credo, which states that we must consider everyone as an individual and respect their dignity and recognize their merit.”
Lora Yates; director, Therakos Integration, Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc; co-chair, GLOBAL (Gay and Lesbian Organization for Business And Leadership)
“We are thrilled with our HRC rating. In the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, we have embraced the Corporate Equality Index as one measure of our success, and we continue to expand our efforts for GLBT employees in our own companies, as well as supporting GLBT efforts globally.”
Ron Falcon, MD; senior director, Tibotec Therapeutics Clinical Affairs Division of Centocor Ortho Biotech Services LLC; co-chair, GLOBAL
“Scoring 100% on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index is a clear demonstration of the commitment of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies to GLBT employees. It shows the GLBT community and consumers that Johnson & Johnson companies are diverse and inclusive employers, and makes our companies more attractive places to work for high quality GLBT candidates researching prospective employers.”
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Andrew Nagel, partner and chair of the Firmwide Diversity Committee’s GLBT Subcommittee, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
“We are pleased to see an impressive surge in the number of law firms committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment for GLBT attorneys and other employees. Kirkland is proud to be a leader in our profession in this respect and to remain at the forefront, both in policy and practice, of firms dedicated to developing and advancing GLBT workplace equality.”
KPMG LLP
Bruce Pfau, Vice Chair, Human Resources, KPMG LLP
“KPMG LLP is honored that the Human Rights Campaign continues to recognize our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. KPMG LLP is extremely proud to have been named one of HRC’s Best Places to Work and Best Companies for the fourth consecutive year, and we appreciate the HRC’s continued support of our efforts to foster an environment that values lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality.”
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
Paul S. Pearlman, managing partner, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
“We are honored to be recognized with a perfect score on the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index for the second year in a row. The top rating is a testament to the firm’s commitment to GLBT equality and a reflection of our initiatives that support this commitment, both in terms of community involvement and employee benefits.”
Norman C. Simon, litigation partner and member of the Firm’s diversity committee, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
“I am proud to be part of a firm that is committed to attracting and retaining talented GLBT lawyers and, through its pro bono efforts, advancing the cause of equality.”
Littler Mendelson PC
Marko Mrkonich, president and managing director, Littler Mendelson PC
“Littler is dedicated to diversity in the workplace and we are proud to have earned a top rating and to be designated one of the Best Places to Work by the HRC Foundation. We are continually striving to implement and execute programs that ensure Littler is a progressive, welcoming place to work and to create an environment that is inclusive for today’s diverse employee groups.”
Lockheed Martin Corp.
Ken Disken, senior vice president, Lockheed Martin Corp.
"Lockheed Martin is committed to providing the most supportive and inclusive environment for all employees. Ensuring a positive, respectful workplace and robust set of benefits for everyone is critical to retaining employees and helping them develop to their fullest potential. Our efforts to provide the best environment possible for all employees support the corporation's business objectives and the professional aspirations of employees as we support our nation and its allies."
Morgan Stanley
Marilyn F. Booker, managing director, global head of diversity & work-life, Morgan Stanley
"We are proud that the Human Rights Campaign has continued to recognize Morgan Stanley's commitment to diversity both in the workplace and in the community. Because our people are the Firm's most valuable resource, we are dedicated to providing a work environment that celebrates all of our employees, and this is one of the things that distinguishes us as an employer of choice."
Jeffrey Siminoff, executive director, legal and compliance, and chair of the Pride Employee Network, Morgan Stanley
"Morgan Stanley is proud of its ongoing recognition by the HRC as a leading employer of choice for LGBT employees. Our global top-down commitment to diversity, including LGBT diversity, ensures that each member of the Morgan Stanley family is able to bring his or her full self to the table as a valuable contributor. We appreciate the endorsement of our strong and unwavering commitment to our diverse employees, both in terms of another 100% CEI score and formal recognition by the HRC as a "Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality."
Motorola Inc.
Jeanette Kilo-Smith, vice president of global inclusion and diversity, Motorola Inc.
“Motorola is honored to be recognized for the sixth consecutive year by the Human Rights Campaign as a company that promotes and supports initiatives for our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees. At Motorola, inclusion and diversity are critical elements of the way we do business in every region and in every country around the world. Our goal is that every commitment we make to our employees, customers, shareholders and the communities in which we live and work, will be inclusive of everyone. It’s smart business, but more importantly it is the right thing to do.”
Nixon Peabody LLP
Karen B. Greenbaum, chief operating officer of Nixon Peabody LLP
“We, as a firm, have strived to be at the forefront of raising awareness of diversity in the workplace and have long been focused on implementing innovative human resources practices. We are committed to attracting, developing and retaining the best talent and promoting diversity is an integral part of accomplishing this important goal.”
Richard F. Langan, Jr. chief executive officer and managing partner of Nixon Peabody LLP
“Our diverse people and points of view allow us to attract the best people and the best clients, and provide a rich and stimulating work environment. It’s an honor to be acknowledged by an organization such as the HRC for our diversity efforts and we’re pleased to receive this recognition for the third consecutive year.”
Orbitz Worldwide Inc.
Steve Barnhart, president and chief executive officer, Orbitz Worldwide Inc.
“Since our company’s inception, Orbitz Worldwide has been a leading supporter of the LGBT community. We’re proud to be honored by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, and proud to be recognized as a leader in promoting a non-discriminatory workplace, and one that continues to be proactive in its efforts to best serve the LGBT segment of the market.”
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Joseph Evall, partner and vice-chair of diversity committee for LGBT initiatives, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
"We are thrilled to be recognized for the third consecutive year for our LGBT diversity efforts. We intend to continue developing and implementing best practices so that Orrick's LGBT community can continue to thrive."
Pfizer Inc.
Sally Susman, senior vice president and chief communications officer, Pfizer Inc.
“Pfizer is proud to once again achieve a perfect score in the Corporate Equality Index, which has long been recognized as the barometer of how a corporation recruits, retains and advances its GLBT colleagues. At Pfizer, we value an inclusive workplace that promotes diversity and prohibits discrimination of any kind. We applaud the HRC for its work in advancing equality based on sexual orientation and gender expression.”
Raymond James Financial Inc.
Court James, director of Human Resources, Raymond James Financial Inc.
“Raymond James is proud to be recognized for our workplace policies of equality, diversity and non-discrimination. To be ranked among some of America’s most admired companies reinforces what we already acknowledge is just good business, both for our associates and our clients. At Raymond James, we are dedicated to an inclusive and diverse environment where differences are understood, respected and valued. Our commitment enables us to successfully embrace the diverse markets we serve and capitalize on the talents of all our associates. This culture is the driving force behind our continued ability to put each client’s financial well being first.”
Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi LLP
Marla R. Butler, partner and diversity committee chairperson, Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi LLP
"Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi LLP is delighted to receive a top-rating by the Human Rights Campaign for our practices, policies and efforts in the recruitment, retention, advancement and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender firm members. Diversity is a core value at our firm and we recognize that the diverse backgrounds of firm members bring necessary and varied perspectives that enrich our practice of law. We are proud of what we have accomplished in diversity so far. We continue to work hard to improve our efforts by always looking for new ways and ideas to diversify our workplace and reach our goal of institutionalizing diversity as part of our firm culture."
Subaru of America Inc.
Tomohiko Ikeda; chairman, president and chief executive officer; Subaru of America, Inc.
“We are very proud to accept this recognition. Due to the diverse insights, talents and perspectives our employees contribute, we have built a culture that is cohesive in operation, strong at heart and a company where our employees work with pride. Together we hope to create a reputation of distinction, service and respect.”
Texas Instruments Inc.
Darla Whitaker, senior vice president and worldwide manager of Human Resources, Texas Instruments Inc.
“At TI we believe that our ability to fully engage employees – so they can bring all of their talents to bear in solving customers’ problems – is absolutely critical to our success. One of the things we try to do is to create an inclusive environment so all employees feel like they can bring their complete selves to work every day. One of the tools that’s proven to be quite helpful to us in understanding if our environment is as inclusive as we’d like it to be is the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.”
Beth Richard, co-chair of the TI Pride Network, Texas Instruments Inc.
“Changes to TI's written policies have aligned them to our existing business practices. These changes allowed TI to take credit for our efforts and receive the perfect CEI score. TI has long been a leader in the Dallas community, and receiving a 100 percent CEI score tells the world that TI truly is a global leader in inclusive environments, enabling all of our employees to craft the best, most creative solutions for our customers.”
Andy Smith, co-chair of the TI Pride Network, Texas Instruments Inc.
“I’m proud to be part of a company that embraces diversity, and creates an open and inclusive work environment. Scoring 100 percent on the HRC CEI is exciting and underscores TI’s commitment to ensuring that GLBT TIers can be open about who we are, advance in our careers, and fully contribute to growth and winning in the marketplace.”
Brian Bonner, chief technology officer and an executive sponsor for the TI Pride Network, Texas Instruments Inc.
“TI values the contributions of our GLBT employees. We are thrilled this year to receive a score of 100 on the CEI index. That sends a strong message to TIers, suppliers and customers that TI is a work-friendly environment for GLBT employees, as well as a company that values diversity through all of our actions.”
Mike Hames, senior vice president and manager of Application Specific Products and an executive sponsor of the TI Pride Network, Texas Instruments Inc.
“TI has long been recognized for its leadership in technology. It’s exciting to be recognized for our leadership in diversity with the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. The important thing is to really get the empowerment of all or our employees. I think this initiative will go a long way toward achieving our business results.”
United Business Media LLC
Alix Raine, senior vice president of communications North America, United Business Media LLC
“Our employees drive our success. We recruit people from diverse backgrounds to create an innovative and collaborative environment where everyone is valued and focused on achieving our business objectives. We are very proud to be recognized once again by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for this outstanding achievement along with our customers like Dell, Hewlett-Packard, IBM and Intel.”
Visteon Corp
Donald J. Stebbins, president and chief executive officer, Visteon Corp
“We are proud to be recognized for our commitment to maintaining an environment in which all employees are treated with respect. We work to foster an inclusive environment that provides equal opportunity to our employees, customers, suppliers and the community at large.”
Wells Fargo & Co.
Julie White, director of Human Resources, Wells Fargo & Co.
"This is the fifth year in a row that we’ve received a perfect rating on the Corporate Equality Index, and this outstanding recognition is a testament to our longstanding commitment of creating an inclusive and progressive environment for all our team members. We offer fair and equal policies for LGBT employees, provide great services and customized financial advice to our diverse customers, and our team members are actively involved in LGBT non-profit organizations and community programs. We’re proud of our score and will continue to invest in all aspects of diversity for our team members and our customers."
White & Case LLP
Elaine Johnston, partner and chair of Diversity Committee, White & Case LLP
“We are proud of the strides we have made in recent years in identifying and putting in place policies and programs for recognizing and supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender lawyers. For example, in addition to supporting an active LGBT Affinity Group, we offer written protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation as well as gender identity, and we provide health insurance for domestic partners and wellness benefits for transgender employees.”
Hugh Verrier, chairman, White & Case LLP
“White & Case is committed to fostering diversity and an inclusive environment for all of our employees, including those in the LGBT community. We are pleased to see our commitment recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.”
Yahoo! Inc.
David Windley, chief human resources officer, Yahoo! Inc.
Here at Yahoo!, we believe it is a true honor to receive a perfect ranking on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for the second year in a row. We have always been committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment for all of our employees and one of our top priorities is to continue offering progressive employment policies and benefits to each and every one of our employees.
