SJI Names Shawn Abner-Purnell its First Chief Diversity Officer
Newsroom >
South Jersey Industries News
FOLSOM, NJ, October 26, 2022 – SJI (NYSE:SJI) is committed to creating a work culture built on inclusion and belonging, where every employee feels comfortable bringing their whole selves to work each day. To further this commitment, SJI is proud to announce that it has appointed Shawn Abner-Purnell Chief Diversity Officer.
As the first Chief Diversity Officer in the company’s history, Abner-Purnell will continue to align SJI and its subsidiaries with the organization’s corporate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) priorities. Prior to her promotion, Abner-Purnell served as SJI’s Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement since July 2021.
“SJI serves more than 700,000 customers diverse in experience, background and thought, which means our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is inextricably linked to the work we do each day,” said Mike Renna, president and CEO, SJI. “Shawn’s leadership in this space has ensured that these values are not only reflected in our work, but also in how we treat each other. I’m confident that as Chief Diversity Officer, Shawn will continue to leverage ways for us to better serve each other, our customers and our communities.”
Under Abner-Purnell’s leadership, SJI has taken measurable steps to strengthen its commitment to this area of strategic importance. Structurally, SJI has instituted several internal teams to aid in administrating its DEI Strategy, including a newly-formed Diversity and Inclusion team positioned within its Human Resources department. In addition, SJI supports five Employee Resource Groups and a cross-disciplinary committee called the Diversity Council, which oversees and champions DEI efforts across the organization. Finally, since joining SJI, Abner-Purnell has implemented several new initiatives, such as listening sessions, an annual engagement survey and the SJI Diversity Corner, an internal hub that offers insights into various backgrounds, cultures and heritages reflective of SJI’s workforce. These programs enable employees to share their varied perspectives, foster understanding and encourage further action.
“As Chief Diversity Officer, I look forward to continuing SJI’s work to create an empowered workforce, where our more than 1,100 employees feel safe, accountable, and equipped with the resources and support necessary to uphold our shared commitment to inclusion, care, and belonging,” said Abner-Purnell.
In addition to celebrating her new role, today, Abner-Purnell joined other leading diversity, equity and inclusion professionals in accepting The Forum of Executive Women’s “Champion of Board Diversity” award at the Forum’s annual Leadership Breakfast in Philadelphia, PA. The honor recognizes the top public companies in the Philadelphia region with 30 percent or more women on their respective boards.
To learn more about the company’s commitment to DEI, visit SJI’s 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance Report by clicking here. For more information about SJI and its subsidiaries, please visit sjindustries.com.