The National MultiCultural Institute Appoints Cross-Cultural Expert John Kirksey As President

Organization Announces New National Opinion Research Survey Tracking Attitudes About Growing Diversity in the U.S.

WASHINGTON, July 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National MultiCultural Institute (NMCI), a Washington, DC-based consulting, organizational development and training organization, announced today the selection of cross-cultural expert John R. Kirksey as its new president.  NMCI serves and counsels government, corporate and not-for-profit entities on a wide range of multicultural and diversity issues and helps them maximize the opportunities associated with the demographic and cultural changes taking place in our society.

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Mr. Kirksey, a former senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer for financial giant AXA Equitable, becomes only the second president of NMCI in the organization's 27-year history, replacing founder Elizabeth P. Salett in that position.  Ms. Salett will remain on the NMCI board of directors.  

NMCI's work focuses on the nation's ever-changing demographics in our workplaces and communities. It was among the first organizations to have recognized the need for new services, knowledge and skills in the growing field of multiculturalism and diversity. NMCI partners with educational institutions, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations and corporations to facilitate the systemic change necessary to seamlessly integrate diversity, inclusion and cultural competency into an organization's culture.

"I'm delighted that John has agreed to join NMCI," said Ms. Salett.  "His experience in diversity issues is unparalleled.  I have great respect for his leadership skills and the fresh approach and ideas he brings to NMCI, which will surely enhance our offering.  NMCI is fortunate to have John as our new leader."

Mr. Kirksey is a widely-regarded expert in the areas of diversity, human resources and organizational culture, and has served corporations in financial services, manufacturing, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, electronics, entertainment/media, education and healthcare.  In addition to his tenure at AXA Equitable, he previously served as vice president and chief talent management officer for Marsh & McLennan, and was a partner and practice leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), leading PWC's Global Cultural Inclusion and Diversity Consulting and Entertainment/Media HR Consulting Practices.  He has been a consultant and advisor to many of the largest companies in the United States, Europe and Asia.  Mr. Kirksey serves on the Board of Directors of New York University's Polytechnic Institute, is a fellow of the Foreign Policy Association and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council.

"NMCI has achieved an extraordinary record of success over the last three decades," said Mr. Kirksey.  "Diversity in the American and global workplace and other settings is increasing at an astounding rate, a phenomenon that presents both challenges and opportunities in the private and public sectors. I view NMCI's work as essential, and I look forward to building on our portfolio of services as we promote the organizational benefits of developing multicultural competencies.  Diversity drives innovation, engagement and productivity.  To succeed in the future, organizations must focus on the strengths and opportunities created by a diverse workforce and consumer base."

New Research to Measure Attitudes Toward Diversity; NMCI Annual Awards Program Grows

Mr. Kirksey will lead two new initiatives NMCI has planned for 2010.  In advance of its semi-annual conference in Washington, DC, November 10-13, NMCI will conduct a national survey with the global market research company Opinion Research Corporation that will track changing attitudes and public opinion on diversity.  NMCI will announce the results of the research at its fall conference, and intends for this to be an annual survey that tracks changes over time.

NMCI will also substantially increase the scope of its "Leading Lights Diversity Awards" program, which traditionally has recognized diversity leadership in the not-for-profit sector.  "Moving forward, our national awards program will expand to include the government and corporate sectors, focusing on those individuals and organizations which have initiated or instituted programs of excellence that will prepare us for the future of our multicultural society," said Mr. Kirksey.

About The National MultiCultural Institute

Founded in 1983, the National MultiCultural Institute (NMCI) pioneered organizational development and building cultural competence among professionals and leaders in the diversity field.  More than 50,000 participants from around the world have attended its national conferences and on-site workshops, and hundreds of organizations have benefited from NMCI's customized consulting and training services and used its publications and resources.  NMCI's proven methods help individuals and organizations gain the knowledge and skills necessary to seamlessly integrate effective diversity and inclusion practices into their organizational culture. Its clients include educational institutions, government agencies, corporations, associations and health and human services organizations. For more information, please visit www.nmci.org.

SOURCE National MultiCultural Institute