Tonie Leatherberry, principal, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and president of the Deloitte Foundation, has recently been elected chair of The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), the pre-eminent global organization composed of current and former black CEOs, senior executives, and board members of Fortune 1,000 and equivalent companies, top-tier entrepreneurs, and global thought leaders.

The focus of ELC, elcinfo.com, is the development of a pipeline of global black executives for C suites, corporate boards and global enterprises to leverage the full power of diversity and inclusion (D&I).

Leatherberry's term as chair extends through December 31, 2020.

“After serving on The ELC board for several years and developing programs such as The ELC CEO Academy, I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue my service and work with ELC members to expand The ELC’s reach and influence,” states Leatherberry.

“Given my passion for leadership development and understanding the critical need to help prepare the next generation of black and women of color C-suite executives, I’m proud of the work we’ve done together. I look forward to playing a larger role in helping advance the impact of The ELC and its programs on industry, the marketplace, our communities and beyond." 

Leatherberry succeeds Orlando D. Ashford, president of Holland America Line in Seattle, WA, who served as ELC board chair in 2017-2018. 

For nearly 30 years with Deloitte, Leatherberry has worked with Fortune 100 manufacturing, retail and consumer business clients and supported key accounts across strategy, enterprise risk, human capital, and technology services. 

As the board relations leader for the risk and financial advisory practice, she’s responsible for marketplace positioning and opportunities via innovation, thought leadership and engagement that can help corporate board directors and senior executives address their needs.

Leatherberry is also the president of the Deloitte Foundation, with a mission to drive initiatives that help develop future talent by accelerating education innovation to meet the pace of business.

Programs include undergraduate and graduate student competitions, Ph.D. and professor seminars that offer teaching development and resources, and STEM curriculum for underserved high-school youth. 

“Through her experience working across Deloitte and with multiple client organizations, Tonie understands what it takes to be an effective leader,” remarks Mike Fucci, chairman of the board of Deloitte and chairman of the Deloitte Foundation.

“I have no doubt she’ll bring these qualities to her role as ELC chair and will continue to develop a strong pipeline of future leaders. Tonie’s passion for education at the intersection of diversity and helping others succeed to their full capacity has been a driving force of the Deloitte Foundation’s efforts for the past three years. I’m so proud of Tonie, and I’m confident she’ll excel in this new role.”

In addition to her role as chair of ELC, Leatherberry serves on several advisory boards, including Widener University board of trustees, Boston University College of Engineering advisory committee and Boston University board of overseers.

“Tonie has been an enthusiastic and engaged member of The ELC since 2009 and has served on The ELC board of directors for several years,” says Skip Spriggs, president and CEO of ELC.

“Her fellow board directors recognized and rewarded Tonie for her leadership with this appointment. In addition to continuing her support for The ELC’s CEO Academy and our work with the Alliance for Board Diversity, Tonie will lead efforts to increase the visibility and impact of the organization, and its value to our members.”

Leatherberry heads the executive committee of The Executive Leadership Council board of directors, which includes former BP executive Crystal E. Ashby, vice chair, Leilani M. Brown of K12 Inc., secretary, and Gregory E. Deavens of Independence Health Group, treasurer.

Board directors of Washington, DC-based ELC include Chloe Barzey, Julia M. Brown, Billy Dexter, Thomas R. Harvey, Marc A. Howze, Arlene Isaacs-Lowe, Gale V. King, Kenneth B. Robinson, Sharon C. Taylor, Geri P. Thomas, Jeffrey G. Webster and Donna M. Wilson.

Ex-officio members of The ELC board are Orlando Ashford, immediate past chair, and Skip Spriggs, president and CEO.