KeyBank working to improve on Diversity 

CLEVELAND, Ohio, –KeyBank has earned the #44 place on the 2016 Top 50 Companies for Diversity list, which DiversityInc announced at a keystone event at Cipriani Wall Street on Tuesday, April 19.

“We are proud to be recognized by DiversityInc as a leader in diversity and inclusion. We recognize that diverse individuals bring with them unique backgrounds, experiences, and ideas, which make KeyBank stronger,” said Poppie Parish, SVP and head of Diversity and Inclusion at KeyBank. “At Key, we are each held accountable to ensure employees feel respected, valued, and supported. Beyond diversity, the power of inclusion means all employees are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work each day.”

DiversityInc’s annual survey – tracking the nation’s top companies when it comes to hiring, retaining and promoting women, minorities, people with disabilities, LGBT and veterans – is the most rigorous, data-driven survey of its kind, gauging detailed demographics based on race/ethnicity and gender at some of the largest U.S. employers.

“It’s clear that corporate America understands how diversity and inclusion strengthens everything from recruiting and retention to overall business success,” said Luke Visconti, DiversityInc’s founder and CEO. “We saw more than 1,000 companies submitting for contention on the list. It’s a sign of their commitment and dedication to diversity management.”

Companies with more than 1,000 U.S.-based employees are eligible to enter, and there is no cost to compete. Each company’s rank is based on an objective analysis of 183 separate factors, based on data from a 300-question survey. The four equally weighted areas of measurement are Talent Pipeline, Equitable Talent Development, CEO/Leadership Commitment and Supplier Diversity.

The announcement dinner Tuesday included a keynote address from Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art; a sponsor address by Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr.; and an after-party with entertainment from Kool & The Gang.