lward@nul.org

Laysha Ward is executive vice president and chief external engagement officer for Target and a member of the company’s executive leadership team. She leads Target’s enterprise-wide approach to engage and deepen relationships with external stakeholders to drive positive business, social and environmental impact.

Ms. Ward serves on the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Advisory Board and the Stanford Center for Longevity Advisory Council, and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council, the Economic Club of New York, the Economic Club of Chicago, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and The Links, an international women's service organization. She also sits on the for-profit board of directors for Denny’s Corporation.

She was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve on the board of the Corporation for National and Community Service, and continued through the Obama Administration, where she served as board chair.

Ms. Ward received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University and a master’s degree in social services administration with an emphasis in management and public policy from the University of Chicago. She also received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs.