When Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC), a National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce® (NGLCC) corporate partner, started its Inclusion Network program last spring, the company was looking to attract a broader, more diverse talent pool to its workforce.
Since its launch, the program—managed by Chicago-based leadership advisory firm, Heidrick & Struggles—has succeeded in recruiting six minority-, LGBT- or women-owned search firms to assist MMC in its nationwide diversity efforts.
One of those six firms is NGLCC-certified McCormack & Associates. Specializing in search services for senior executives and board members for not-for-profit organizations, the California-based McCormack & Associates was one of the first search firms to concentrate on diversity recruitment.
"This is another great example of the added value NGLCC certification brings to LGBT business owners," said Justin Nelson, co-founder and president of the NGLCC. "When we see our corporate partners coming together with LGBT-certified suppliers to develop rewarding business relationships, the promise of the NGLCC and certification are realized."
Today, when MMC wants to ensure that candidates for top leadership positions at the company include LGBT talent, McCormack & Associates collaborates with Heidrick & Struggles to conduct searches for LGBT executive candidates.
"The Inclusion Network with Heidrick & Struggles opens the door to these larger companies for us," said Joe McCormack, managing partner at McCormack & Associates. "It is also gratifying recognition that it's time to break through the lavender ceiling for LGBT executives and to ensure that they are considered for top management roles in major U.S. companies that engage in the Inclusion Network."
With the Inclusion Network, MMC is not only looking to expand diversity in its own workforce, but is also diversifying its vendor set by bringing on minority-, LGBT- and women-owned search firms to assist in its efforts to diversify the company internally.
"For MMC, the strong industry knowledge and global network of Heidrick & Struggles, combined with the specialized networks and expertise of our Inclusion Network firms, make this an ideal program for identifying and attracting the broad talent base we need to compete effectively, while also broadening our diverse supplier base," said Kathryn Komsa, chief diversity officer at MMC.
