ArcBest honored by Women’s Forum of New York for gains in gender parity

Fort Smith-based ArcBest Corp. and President and CEO Judy McReynolds were honored Thursday (Nov. 19) by the Women’s Forum of New York at the third biennial Breakfast of Corporate Champions for achieving at least 20% female representation on their board.

ArcBest, which has a representation of 27.3% women on the board, was applauded as a corporate game changer for making special efforts to advance women in the boardroom.

“I’m pleased that ArcBest is being recognized for its strides toward a more diverse board,” McReynolds said. “We believe in appointing the best people to the board and at the executive level. We’ve been fortunate to have strong women candidates fill these positions. As long as companies focus on putting the best people in leadership, we’ll see more women occupying those roles.”

ArcBest board members include McReynolds, Janice Stipp and Kathy McElligott. Stipp, who serves on the boards’ audit committee, is chief financial officer of Rogers Corporation, an engineered materials company that supports clean energy, Internet connectivity and protection applications. McElligott is executive vice president and chief information and technology officer of McKesson Corp., the largest pharmaceutical distributor in North America.

“We commend ArcBest Corporation and their work towards achieving a greater gender balance in their boardroom,” said Janice Ellig, co-CEO of Chadick Ellig and chair of the event. “ArcBest knows that more women on boards is smart business and their success is an inspiration to others.”

The event brought together an audience of more than 500, including CEOs and Board Directors along with business leaders, government officials, thought leaders and influential media in special recognition of forward-thinking companies.