Retired Top Exec for Russell Corporation and Former Atlanta City Attorney Named Executives-in-Residence at Robinson's Southern Institute for Business and Professional Ethics
Note: On September 1, 2007, the name of the Institute was changed to The Center for Ethics and Corporate Responsibility.
March 1, 2007 - (ATLANTA, GA) - John F. (Jack) Ward, former chairman and chief executive officer of Russell Corporation and Linda K. DiSantis, former City Attorney of Atlanta, will join the Southern Institute for Professional and Business Ethics at the J. Mack Robinson College of Business as the Institute's first-ever Executives-in-Residence. They will work with the College and Institute to provide their expertise in areas including strategic planning, teaching, and faculty and curriculum development.
Ward, who recently left Russell Corporation following Berkshire Hathaway's acquisition of the company, has been heralded for expanding the Corporation's business from primarily a domestic active wear apparel company to a global sporting goods company. He began his career in 1966 with Procter & Gamble. In 1972, he joined the Hanes Corporation and, after serving in several executive positions, was named CEO in 1993. Prior to joining Russell, he was president of the J. F. Ward Group, an apparel and textile consulting company. In addition, Ward served as an executive-in-residence and taught ethics at Wake Forest University's Calloway School of Business and Accounting. He is currently co-chairman of the major gifts campaign for the new Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center and is a member of its Foundation Board. In 2004, Ward was one of 10 national business leaders recognized by the Diversity Best Practices and Business Women's Network for his outstanding commitment to diversity.
DiSantis, a Georgia State College of Law alum, served as chief legal officer for the City of Atlanta until recently. She was appointed to the post in 2002 by Mayor Shirley Franklin and was responsible for handling all civil legal matters for the City. Prior to becoming City Attorney, DiSantis served as vice president and managing attorney in the United Parcel Service Corporate Legal Department. In her role, she led the team that created the company's Business Conduct and Compliance program and served as chair. In addition, DiSantis served on the CEO's Strategic Initiatives Task Force and was instrumental in the creation of the company's Corporate Social Responsibility program. She is a member of the Board of Quantum Leaps, a non-profit corporation serving as a global accelerator of women's entrepreneurship. In 2006, DiSantis was awarded the Ben F. Johnson, Jr. Public Service Award from her alma mater for her work as City Attorney. DiSantis will have a joint appointment between the Robinson College of Business and the College of Law and will work to develop courses that bridge the gap between business and law.
"Jack and Linda bring vast experience and exceptional credentials to these key positions within our organization," said John Knapp, director of the Southern Institute. "We look forward to them playing a meaningful role in the College's mission to develop ethical leaders for the global business marketplace."
The Southern Institute for Business and Professional Ethics is one of the nation's leading centers promoting professional integrity and global corporate responsibility. It was founded as an independent, community-based initiative, supported by leading corporations, professional firms, small businesses and individuals and became a unit of the Robinson College in January 2007.
