On August 20th, Seattle Rotarians convened for a fireside panel discussion featuring Phyllis Campbell and Deanna Oppenheimer, Chair of IHG Hotels and Resorts, with Mark Wright as moderator. The event focused on the significance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today’s business and civic environments, exploring why diverse leadership is essential for organizations and communities.
Rotary president Jan Levy opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and reaffirming the club’s commitment to civic engagement and inclusive leadership. She acknowledged that DEI efforts have faced challenges in recent times but stressed that bringing diverse voices to the table leads to more innovative and effective solutions.
The meeting also celebrated the introduction of two new members. Allison Webel was recognized for her dedication to community health, shaped by her work fighting rheumatic heart disease in Uganda and her leadership as a nursing research dean. Her story highlighted a family tradition of hard work and service. Dr. Joshua Lieberman, a retired US Navy flight surgeon, was welcomed for his distinguished medical and military career, adventurous spirit, and ongoing involvement in Seattle’s civic and arts organizations. Both were warmly received as valuable additions to the Rotary community.
After the musical opening and new member introductions, the panel discussion began. Mark Wright set the tone by emphasizing that true business success is measured not just by profits, but by leadership and positive impact within the community. This idea framed a conversation that blended personal stories, practical advice, and data-driven insights.
Deanna Oppenheimer shared her leadership journey, shaped by a family ethic that values learning, earning, and ultimately giving back. She stressed that boards should reflect the diversity of their employees, customers, and communities, and that representation is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity for effective governance.
Phyllis Campbell echoed these themes, drawing on her background in banking and philanthropy. She recounted how early mentors recognized her potential and championed diversity long before it became a corporate priority. Campbell emphasized that making a difference and leaving a legacy are at the heart of leadership, and that organizations thrive when they foster diversity of thought, background, and experience.
The panelists discussed the founding of Board Ready, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing board diversity through data analytics and talent development. Oppenheimer explained that the organization was born out of concern that the Pacific Northwest lagged behind the rest of the country in board diversity. Board Ready now maintains a “talent vault” of over 1,000 diverse candidates and works with companies to match them with board opportunities, using data to drive change and measure progress.
Campbell noted that diversity is not about checking boxes, but about fostering innovation and better decision-making. She described ongoing research with the University of Washington on best practices for inclusion, highlighting that new or underrepresented board members often struggle to have their voices heard. Both panelists agreed that it is incumbent on board members and leaders to mentor others, create safe environments for participation, and ensure that all perspectives are valued.
The discussion also addressed structural barriers to diversity, such as the lack of term limits and the insular nature of many boards. Oppenheimer advocated for adopting global best practices, noting that in many countries, corporate codes and term limits help refresh board membership and encourage new perspectives. She contrasted this with the U.S., where age limits are more common but may not be as effective in promoting diversity.
Audience questions touched on executive compensation and the role of institutional investors in driving change. Oppenheimer pointed out that in the UK, binding shareholder votes on executive pay policies have made a tangible difference, suggesting that similar mechanisms could be considered in the U.S. to promote accountability and fairness.
As the meeting drew to a close, both panelists offered words of inspiration and practical advice. Oppenheimer encouraged attendees to take chances early in their careers and to give opportunities to others as they advance. Campbell urged everyone to ask questions about diversity and inclusion, to model inclusive practices, and to ensure that new voices are welcomed in every setting.
President Jan Levy wrapped up the meeting by reminding members that diversity should not be seen as a box to check, but as a deeply held value that benefits everyone. She echoed a popular saying: diversity is being invited to the party, while inclusion is being asked to dance. The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming Rotary events, including a Zoom meeting with Seattle Foundation CEO Alesha Washington, a volunteer blueberry glean for Harvest Against Hunger, a lunch meeting on economic development, an evening at FareStart, and a panel on economic issues facing young professionals. Members were encouraged to consult the Rotary newsletter for details and to bring guests to these enriching gatherings.
-Thanks for another excellent report, Logan!
