Laysha Ward Bio

Ward began her career with Target in 1991 as a member of the store sales and management team of Marshall Field’s in Chicago. She was named director of community relations in 2000 and promoted to vice president of community relations and Target Foundation in 2003. She served as executive vice president, chief corporate social responsibility officer, before being named chief external engagement officer.

In 2008, President Bush nominated and the U.S. Senate confirmed Ward to serve on the board of directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the nation’s largest grantmaker for volunteering and service. She continued on the board under the Obama administration, when she served as board chair.

She is a member of the Economic Clubs of Chicago and New York, Executive Leadership Council, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Black Women on Boards, and Women Corporate Directors—Tampa Bay Chapter. Ward also serves on the nonprofit boards of the Minnesota Orchestra and the Northside Achievement Zone, as well as the board of Minnesota Sports and Events and the for-profit boards of Denny’s Corp. and United Airlines Holdings Inc.

In addition to her degree from Indiana University, Ward earned a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and an honorary doctorate of law from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs.