2010 Best-in-Class Board Diversity For Profit


The FirstEnergy Board of Directors currently has 13 members (12 outside, independent members and the FirstEnergy CEO). Members include two African-American males and one African-American female, representing 23 percent of the full Board.

The Board recognizes that a diverse board ties into the company’s corporate vision of having a company driven by the leadership, skills, diversity and character of its employees. Board candidates are reviewed based on a matrix of skills and experiences to ensure that an appropriate balance exists among Board members. Effective strategies include:

  • Incorporating the company’s commitment to diversity in its Corporate Vision: “FirstEnergy will be a leading regional energy provider, recognized for operational excellence, customer service and its commitment to safety; the choice for long-term growth, investment value and financial strength; and a company driven by leadership, skills, diversity and character of its employees.”
  • Identifying diversity as an assessment criteria used by the Corporate Governance Committee (per FirstEnergy’s Corporate Governance Policies). The charter of the Corporate Governance Committee further supports diversity as a requirement in any assessment of a prospective Board or committee candidate.
  • Creating and utilizing a “Female and Minority Candidates for Consideration” list, which is updated and discussed regularly at Corporate Governance Committee meetings. The Corporate Governance Committee, supported by the Corporate Governance Policies and Charter, actively seeks and reviews such candidates for recommendation to the full Board.
  • Encouraging all Board members to participate in training programs that include, as available, director programs that encompass diversity and inclusion issues. Information about available programs are communicated monthly to Board members.
  • The Corporate Governance Policies and Charter of the Corporate Governance Committee are publicly available and posted on the Company’s Web site. Any assessment of a prospective Board or committee candidate includes, at a minimum, issues of diversity, age, background and training; business or administrative experience and skills; dedication and commitment; business judgment; analytical skills; problem-solving abilities; and familiarity with the regulatory environment.
  • At the annual Board of Directors Strategy Retreat, the Board reviews a Workforce Update that specifically addresses staff diversity.

“FirstEnergy recognizes that a diverse board is consistent with the company’s Corporate Vision of being driven by the leadership, skills, diversity and character of its employees. We are committed to ensuring that our leaders and decision makers possess a wide range of perspectives and experiences, which, in combination, enable us to excel as a leading regional energy provider.”

Anthony J. Alexander
President and Chief Executive Officer
FirstEnergy