Courtesy of Spelman College
Spelman College is pleased to announce the retirement of distinguished alumna Rosalind (Roz) Brewer, C’84, from the College’s Board of Trustees after 17 years of service. She joined the Board in 2006, and has served as Board chair for the past 12 years. Brewer will assume a new title on June 1, 2023, as chair emerita, the first former Board chair to receive this designation. She will be succeeded by another prominent alumna and Board member, Lovette Twyman Russell, C’83.
“I look forward to continuing to support my Spelman sisters as chair emerita,” said Brewer. “I truly value all the lifelong friendships I made as an undergrad and, years later, the sisterhood among our esteemed alumnae, and the sense of community and trust I felt during my 17 years serving on the Board. Thank you, Spelman College; thank you, Spelman students, faculty and staff. Thank you, Spelman presidents emeritae Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum and Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, who served as presidents and partners during my time as chair, and thank you to all of my fellow trustees on the Board. Thank you, and special congratulations, to Dr. Helene Gayle and Lovette Russell on your appointments. I am proud to be a Spelman sister for life!”
Brewer is CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (WBA). She is one of two African American women CEOs on the Fortune 500 list. Prior to WBA, she was chief operating officer and group president for Starbucks. Before that, she was president and CEO of Sam’s Club. During her tenure as board chair, Brewer has led efforts to raise more than $425 million for Spelman, culminating in the College’s successful Ascends campaign. She has led trustee giving to 100 percent each year for 12 years in a row. She has also led two search committees and investiture ceremonies for two Spelman presidents – Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell and Dr. Helene Gayle.
Brewer is one of the most prominent alumnae in the history of Spelman College and has brought national attention and prominence to the College through interviews on campus by media outlets, such as “The Today Show,” PBS and her “MasterClass” on business innovation. She created the Rosalind Gates Brewer scholarship for first generation students, and has mentored countless undergraduate students and alumni over the years.
“Spelman’s chair emerita, Roz Brewer, is an embodiment of Spelman’s legacy of excellent and dynamic leadership,” said Helene Gayle, President of Spelman College. “Thank you for your leadership and commitment to helping the College ascend to unprecedented heights. Your wisdom and support have helped solidify Spelman’s position as one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges.”
Russell, an Atlanta native, has been a senior consultant with Coxe Curry & Associates for nine years. Coxe Curry & Associates provides professional counsel to help greater Atlanta nonprofit organizations attract resources, accomplish their missions and serve the community. Earlier in Russell’s career, after earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Spelman College, Russell worked as a computer programmer for a small firm and then went into sales and marketing for the Xerox Corporation. She is also a community advocate and volunteer who is committed to working for children’s causes. Russell was elected to the Spelman College Board of Trustees in 2009.
“Spelman College has long been a leader in educating, empowering and shaping the lives of young women. My experience as a Spelmanite provided me with an incredible educational foundation and a powerful sisterhood that continues to enrich my life today,” Russell said. “I am honored that my colleagues have entrusted me with the responsibility to serve as chair of Spelman’s Board of Trustees. As a member of the board for more than 10 years, I am committed to building upon our successes and leveraging new opportunities to deliver leadership that supports this exceptional institution and our students.”
Russell has been actively involved in fundraising for a number of charitable organizations, including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Talent Development Program and the YWCA’s “Open Your Purse” fundraiser. Russell is also involved in fundraising for Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta’s annual fundraiser, “The Beastly Feast,” the High Museum’s David Driskell Prize and recently served as Southeast co-chair of Spelman College’s Capital Campaign.
“As the College moves forward with charting a new strategic plan and capital campaign, Board Chair Lovette Russell’s experience and insight as an alumna, longstanding Board member and advocate throughout the Atlanta metro area will be a guiding force in this process,” said President Gayle. “We look forward to her leadership as we build upon Spelman’s 142-year history of academic excellence and student success.”
