Big in ‘09

by Kitty Taylor

In a recent post I mentioned the role of CSR/corporate citizenship professionals in these tough economic times. As the keepers of stakeholder relationships, I argued, these professionals can bring long-term vision and value to their companies. Needless to say, I think CSR/corporate citizenship is going to be really big in 2009. So do the "corporate do-gooders" featured in this recent Fortune article.

That’s why I’m proud and pleased to announce that our executive director, Stephen Jordan, has been asked to join the board of governors of the prominent Corporate Responsibility Officers (CRO) Association. The association counts as its members at least 133 companies representing 400 professionals (with plans to more than double this year), all dedicated to the professions of corporate citizenship, sustainability, social impact, ethics, and philanthropy. 

As part of the 15-person board, Stephen is in the company of other notable corporate citizenship professionals from places such as FedEx, IBM, KPMG, and Harvard, among others. They are charged with governing the organization and influencing the evolution of and the professional practices within this rapidly growing field.

According to the association, more than 100 people inquired about serving on the board of governors. As Jay Whitehead, publisher of the association’s CRO Magazine, said: "With economic scandal and loss all around, suddenly, corporate responsibility is sexy."

Arguably, at no other time has the field of corporate citizenship offered so much promise at the same time that it receives so much mainstream attention. The energy in this field is high, as each corporate citizenship professional knows that his or her job can make a difference in a life or a community. What a year this is going to be for our field – I’m glad BCLC is tackling it in partnership with the CRO Association.