At the Women’s Forum of New York at its 2017 Breakfast of Corporate Champions, TravelCenters of America (TA) received special recognition for its gender parity efforts. 40% of TA’s Board of Directors’ seats are held by women.
Lisa Harris Jones and Barbara D. Gilmore are independent directors on TA’s Board. Harris Jones is a founding member of the Baltimore-based law firm of Harris Jones and Malone, has served as a member of the Board at TA since 2013 and is chair of TA’s nominating and governance committee. Gilmore has served as a clerk to Judge Joel B. Rosenthal of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Western Division of the District of Massachusetts, since 2001 and was previously a partner of the law firm of Sullivan & Worcester LLP from 1993 to 2000. She has served on TA’s Board since 2007 and is Chair of TA’s Compensation Committee.
Launched in 2011, the biennial Breakfast of Corporate Champions salutes Fortune 1000 and S&P 500 companies where at least 25% of board seats are held by women. The event focuses attention on the ongoing lack of gender diversity within listed companies, while honoring companies that are making progress and demonstrating leadership in this area.
“We are honored to receive this distinction from the Women’s Forum of New York,” said Tom O’Brien, managing director, president and chief executive officer of TA. “We believe having diverse perspectives is essential to ensuring a well-functioning board and we are committed to continued leadership in gender diversity.”
“Good corporate decision-making requires the ability to hear and consider different points of view, which results from people of different backgrounds and perspectives coming together,” said Harris Jones. “Companies like TA that are taking the proactive steps to increase board representation by women are leading by example. On behalf of TA, I would like to thank the Women’s Forum of New York for highlighting this important topic.”
Gilmore added, “I am proud serve on the board of TA. Advancing and supporting the representation of women in the boardroom and in the business community in general, should be an important priority for all companies. I hope more companies take steps towards embracing diversity and inclusion in the boardroom.”
