Webster Walker Alumna Joins Exclusive Fortune 500 Club

16-Dec-11
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It is with great pride that the Walker School of Business announces the promotion of alumna Kathleen Mazzarella to President and CEO of Graybar. Ms. Mazzarella's appointment makes her one of only 16 female CEOs of Fortune 500 companies nationwide and the only one in the St. Louis area. Ms. Mazzarella takes over the top spot June 1st.

"The Webster University community congratulates Kathy Mazzarella, our distinguished alum, on her appointment as Graybar's next president," said Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble, president of Webster University. "This region has long benefitted from her singular accomplishments, and we take pride in the unusual position of leadership she will occupy regionally and nationally with this presidency of a Fortune 500 company."

"Kathy's accomplishments exemplify the global leadership and citizenry we value most here at Webster and for our graduates," says Dr. Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean of the Walker School of Business. "It is our job as educators to open the world of knowledge to our students. Kathy has taken that knowledge to new heights not only for herself but for business women everywhere. We couldn't be more proud to call her one of our own."

Ms. Mazzarella's personal philosophy has always been to "earn trust through integrity, build a strong team, and expect only the best from yourself and those around you." While moving forward professionally at Graybar through multiple customer service, sales, marketing and management positions she also pushed herself to advance personally with an MBA in 2002 from Webster University. That has allowed this leader, whose passions include supporting children's charities, advocating for minority businesses and formulating networking groups for other women in business, to continue her investment in the development of others.

"It is an honor to be appointed as the next President and CEO of Graybar," said Ms Mazzarella. "As an employee-owned company, Graybar takes pride in working to the advantage of its customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders and the communities where we do business. I wholeheartedly support Graybar's mission and am committed to sustaining the culture of integrity that makes it such a remarkable organization. I also have the utmost respect for Graybar's senior leadership team and look forward to working with them to build a bright future for the next generation."

"For those of us at Webster, Kathy is more than the newest member of the Fortune 500 CEO list. She's more than one of our outstanding graduates," says Dean Akande, who was also one of Ms. Mazzarella's Webster professors. "She is an exceptional individual dedicated to her industry and committed to those around her. She's now the one teaching us what great leadership looks like."