The Whirlpool Foundation has named Deb O’Connor as Managing Director. O’Connor also serves as the Director of Corporate Reputation and Community Relations for Whirlpool Corp. In her role, she helps lead multiple programs supporting the local communities in which Whirlpool Corp. is located.
Whirlpool Foundation President Michael Todman said, “Deb was the perfect choice for this role due to her strong ties to the local community in southwest Michigan and track record of work on donations and volunteerism for organizations such as the United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Habitat for Humanity International, Benton Harbor, Lakeshore and St. Joseph schools, and the First Tee program to name just a few.”
The Whirlpool Foundation follows a collective impact model within its House + Home strategy, and contributes to social concerns impacting the company’s home communities through grants, volunteerism and leadership.
In addition to its support of charitable organizations, the Foundation supports Whirlpool Corp’s Racial Equality Pledge—a multi-year commitment to improve Black representation by 50 percent at all levels within the company, and equality initiatives that can demonstrate progress for helping all in need, especially Black residents, to have better access to programs that can improve their lives. Volunteers working on the pledge support 16 different work streams focused on Inclusion and Diversity, Education, Housing, and Business and Community Support.
The Foundation Trustees and staff include:
Michael Todman, retired Whirlpool Corp. Vice-Chairman — Foundation President
Pam Klyn, Sr. VP, Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability — Volunteer Trustee
Dani Brown, Sr. VP and Chief Information Officer — Volunteer Trustee
Donald D’anna, VP Global Tax — Volunteer Trustee
Carey Martin, Sr. VP and Chief Human Resources Officer — Volunteer Trustee
Bridget Quinn, Associate General Counsel — Volunteer Counsel
Jennifer Powers, VP and Treasurer — Volunteer Treasurer
Michael Mullin, Director, Business Travel Center — Volunteer Controller
Deb O’Connor, Dir. of Corp. Reputation and Community Relations — Managing Director
Rosa Keszler, Manager, Community Relations — Volunteer Program Coordinator
Sarah Rodgers, Part Time Administrative and Compliance staff
More information on the Foundation can be found at: whirlpoolcorp.com/whirlpool-foundation.
