CEO to Participate on Distinguished Panel Discussing Benefits of Gender Diversity 

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH., October 25, 2011 – In recent years, research has shown that women are taking more seats at the corporate table in top Fortune 500 companies around the world. Among these companies that have embraced women in leadership roles is Steelcase Inc. (NYSE:SCS), a global office environments manufacturer. The company recently received the Inforum Board Access™ Award in recognition of its high percentage (36.36 percent) of women directors on its board along with fellow Michigan-based companies General Motors and Kelly Services.

“We see women in leadership as a real strength at Steelcase,” said Steelcase Inc. Chief Executive Officer James Hackett. “I’ve seen a number of women rise through the ranks and bring major contributions to the company that has significantly impacted our business in a positive way.”

"The good companies keep getting better," said Terry Barclay, president and CEO of Inforum and Inforum Center for Leadership. "While progress for women in corporate leadership has been slow, it has been steady. General Motors, Kelly Services and Steelcase have made gender diversity a priority. That commitment shows in the representation of women on their boards of directors."

Inforum’s Board Access provides resources and networking opportunities to develop qualified women candidates for seats on public and private corporate boards of directors. The initiative is expected to help retain Michigan’s top female executive talent, enhance corporate decision-making processes and improve board diversity.

Today, the Inforum Center for Leadership will host a Board Access workshop to discuss the growing number of women on Michigan's corporate boards. Hackett will participate in a panel of distinguished executives offering tips for female business leaders.

Learn More About Steelcase

Learn More About Inforum