Who's in Charge?
What it takes to manage diversity.



© JENNIFER TRENCHARD

Ten years ago, a chief diversity officer or vice president of diversity was almost unheard of, but today about one in five Fortune 1000 companies have diversity managers, according to DiversityInc cofounder Luke Visconti.

There are no hard or fast qualifications for the job, diversity managers and consultants agree. Most have a background in human resources, says AstraZeneca senior director of diversity Orlando Ceaser. However, Ceaser's own training lies in sales and marketing, Wyeth vice president of diversity Daphne Mobley is a veterinarian and scientist by training, and Case Western Reserve University faculty diversity officer Beth McGee is an associate professor of theater and dance.

Having the experience and training most valued by the culture in which they wish to work will help a diversity manager gain acceptance more quickly from that culture, says Damon Williams, assistant vice...

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