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Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation welcomes three new board of directors members

EAST ST. LOUIS – The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation has added three new members to its board of directors. Kendall Norris, chief executive officer of Global Leadership Forum, Steve Barr, Osborn Barr chairman, and Robert Chambers, president of Huntleigh Securities Corp., all recently joined the board.

norris kendallThe Global Leadership Forum promotes state-of-the-art programs that produce workforce-ready talent and fosters entrepreneurialism in technology. Prior to joining it, Norris was a global managing director with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and sat on the Global Technology Executives Council. Additionally, his background includes more than 20 years serving in technology leadership positions with several global corporations.

Norris (top left) said he wanted to become involved with the JJK Foundation for several reasons, “First, I love Jackie. I love everything that she stands for, in addition to her athletic accomplishments. Her willingness to come back to East St. Louis and work to improve the lives of others in this community speaks volumes for her character. Secondly, the mission is what is important. The mission of the JJK Foundation is in direct alignment with what I do professionally at the Global Leadership Forum. Helping others to succeed and realize their dreams is the greatest feeling in the world.”

barr steveBarr (right)  is the chairman of Osborn Barr, a marketing communications agency with offices in St. Louis, Kansas City and Nashville. With more than 45 years of marketing and communications experience, Barr has produced marketing communications vehicles and programs for leading international corporations and associations, including Deere & Company, Monsanto, the United Soybean Board and many more.

“As I’ve had the honor to get to know Jackie these past few years, it becomes obvious that her passion and dedication to serving the youth in East St. Louis matches and even exceeds her historic athletic accomplishments. And once you visit the JJK Foundation Center and get to know the staff and see the children participating in enrichment and sports classes one thing becomes clear: Jackie and her foundation have created a unique and world-class resource that serves our youth and their families in a significant and powerful way. I look forward to helping build that legacy,” said Barr.

chambers robertChambers (below left) is the president of Huntleigh Securities Corp. and managing director of Huntleigh Advisors, Inc. With more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, he has been involved in the establishment and management of many businesses in the area. He has extensive experience in financial securities, banking and engineering.

CEO and Founder of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, said all three new additions to the Board will add a wealth of knowledge and experience that will benefit the kids they serve.
“Robert, Steve and Kendall are all very successful business leaders in their own right and will be able to offer our Foundation new insight about how our organization should grow into the future. They also really believe in the important work we’re trying to accomplish at the JJK Center, and with their help, I believe we’ll reach even more kids. I am very thankful that they are willing to devote their time to serving on our Board,” said Joyner-Kersee.

The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation is committed to ensuring that all children have access to high quality after-school programs, safe recreational places within their communities, and caring adults to help them achieve their dreams.

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