For immediate release
Contact: Frank Guglielmi, 734-844-2781
frank.guglielmi@meijer.com
April 4, 2012
Meijer Executive Karen Morris Recipient of The Network Journal’s 2012 25 Influential Black Women in Business Awards
Senior Vice President of Human Resources recognized for commitment, character and accountability
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Meijer Senior Vice President of Human Resources Karen Morris has been named among the 25 influential black women in business in 2012 by The Network Journal, a New York-based monthly African American business magazine aimed at professionals and business owners.
The award honors women whose professional achievements have significantly impacted an industry or profession, and who have also made an important contribution in their community. The Network Journal began recognizing influential black women in 1999.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized for doing something I thoroughly enjoy,” said Morris, who has held the top HR position at the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based supercenter since 2007.
The Battle Creek native is responsible for Meijer corporate team and labor relations, talent acquisition, talent development and organizational capability, and benefits and compensation. She has visited all seven continents and 33 countries, but remains “grounded in small-town familiarity and continuity” by living by her parents’ lessons.
Morris was recognized for those life lessons – commitment, focus, character, accountability, trustworthiness and make a positive difference – that have helped shape her professional achievements at the annual “25 Influential Black Women in Business Awards Luncheon” held last month in New York.
Morris is a human resources veteran of Tyco International, Starwood Hotels and Resorts and General Mills Inc. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in labor and industrial relations from Michigan State University, and a master’s of business administration from Northwestern University. She also studied personnel management systems in Stockholm, Sweden.
In 2011, Morris was inducted into the MSU School of Criminal Justice Wall of Fame. She serves on the advisory board of the MSU School of Human Resources and Labor Relations, the board of directors of Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids, and the advisory committee for Spectrum Health Community Commitment. She currently lives in Grand Rapids, Mich.
For more information on The Network Journal’s 25 Influential Black Women in Business Awards, please visit www.tnj.com.
About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 197 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the "one-stop shopping" concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.
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