Difference between revisions of "Kathryn Fuller"

From Powerbase
Jump to: navigation, search
m (typos/grammar)
m (Notes)
 
(7 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
 
{{Template:Climate badge}}
 
{{Template:Climate badge}}
 
[[Image:Kathryn fuller large.jpg‎|thumb|right|Kathryn Fuller]]
 
[[Image:Kathryn fuller large.jpg‎|thumb|right|Kathryn Fuller]]
[[Kathryn Fuller]] was [[World Wildlife Fund]] President and Chief Executive from 1989-2005. She left the organisation to chair the [[Ford Foundation]] and sit on the Executive board of aluminium company [[Alcoa]], which has been accused of multiple environmental and human rights abuses<ref>Jaap Krater and Miriam Rose, [http://savingiceland.puscii.nl/?tag=climate-change&language=en 'Development of Iceland’s geothermal energy potential for aluminium production– a critical analysis'],In: Abrahamsky, K. (ed) (2009). Sparking a World-wide Energy Revolution: Social Struggles in the Transition to a Post-Petrol World. AK Press, Edinburgh.</ref>.
+
[[Kathryn Fuller]] was [[WWF|WWF-US]] President and Chief Executive from 1989-2005. In 2001 Fuller joined the board of aluminium corporation [[Alcoa]],<ref>'[http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/news/news_detail.asp?newsYear=2001&pageID=fuller Kathryn S. Fuller Appointed to Alcoa Board of Directors]', 15 November 2001, accessed 26 August 2011</ref> in exchange for Alcoa's donation of $1m to [[WWF|WWF-US]], and their joining the environmental organisation's exclusive "Corporate Club".<ref>Severin Carrell, '[http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/wildlife-donor-linked-to-bird-threat-597799.html Wildlife donor linked to bird threat], 16 February 2003, accessed 30 August 2011</ref> Despite publicly opposing [[Alcoa|Alcoa's]] highly controversial Icelandic Reydarfjordur smelter project,<ref>'[http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/press_releases/?2599/WWF-condemns-plans-by-aluminium-giant-Alcoa-that-would-destroy-great-Icelandic-wilderness WWF condemns plans by aluminium giant Alcoa that would destroy great Icelandic wilderness]', 27 June 2002, accessed 30 August 2011</ref> rather than voting against the project in Alcoa's boardroom, Fuller instead abstained.<ref>Severin Carrell, '[http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/wildlife-donor-linked-to-bird-threat-597799.html Wildlife donor linked to bird threat], 16 February 2003, accessed 30 August 2011</ref>
  
According to [[Alcoa]]'s website:
+
==Improving Alcoa's image, and environmental performance?==
  
:Ms. Fuller, 63, was elected to the Board of Directors in 2002 and is a member of the Compensation and Benefits Committee.  She is the Chair, The [[Ford Foundation]], a nonprofit organization, since May 2004. Ms. Fuller retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of [[World Wildlife Fund]] U.S. (WWF), one of the world’s largest nature conservation organizations, in July 2005, after having served in those positions since 1989. Ms. Fuller continues her affiliation with WWF as President Emerita and an honorary member of the Board of Directors.<ref>Alcoa website, corporate governance, Directors [http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/about_alcoa/corp_gov/directors/Kathryn_Fuller.asp Kathryn Fuller] Accessed 17/05/10</ref>
+
Fuller's profile on [[Alcoa|Alcoa's]] website reveals how her presence and environmental credibility have been useful to the 'reputation of the company':
  
:Ms. Fuller was a Public Policy Scholar at the [[Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars]], a nonpartisan institute established by Congress for advanced study of national and world affairs, for a year beginning in October 2005.<ref>Alcoa website, corporate governance, Directors [http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/about_alcoa/corp_gov/directors/Kathryn_Fuller.asp Kathryn Fuller] Accessed 17/05/10</ref>
+
:Ms. Fuller has led two internationally recognized and respected organizations—having served as the chief executive officer of [[World Wildlife Fund]] and currently serving as the Chair of The [[Ford Foundation]]. Her experience in managing world-class organizations, combined with her proven leadership skills, international experience and environmental focus have all contributed to the diversity and richness of the board’s deliberations.
 +
 
 +
:Recently, Ms. Fuller, together with Dr. Gueron and Mr. Schacht, personally provided direct supervision of policies regarding sustainable community relationships and environmental stewardship for the company’s new Juruti bauxite mine located in the Amazon region of Brazil. This work was undertaken as part of the Public Issues Committee’s oversight of matters that may affect the reputation of the company.<ref>Alcoa website, corporate governance, Directors [http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/about_alcoa/corp_gov/directors/Kathryn_Fuller.asp Kathryn Fuller] Accessed 17/05/10</ref>
 +
 
 +
:The company has long recognized the need to earn the right to continue to do business in the communities in which it operates, and as a result, the board seeks the input of directors, such as Ms. Fuller, who have a broad perspective of sustainable development.<ref>Alcoa website, corporate governance, Directors [http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/about_alcoa/corp_gov/directors/Kathryn_Fuller.asp Kathryn Fuller] Accessed 17/05/10</ref>
 +
 
 +
The Juruti mine which [[Alcoa]] refer to is the company's third largest deposit, will strip 150 hectares of tropical rainforest per year, as well as 800 hectares in initial instalment<ref>Aline Ribeiro, Epoca Negocios Global [http://epocanegocios.globo.com/Revista/Epocanegocios/0,,EDR86082-8384,00.html A Promise for Juruti] Accessed 17/05/10</ref> which was accused of water contamination leading to a Hepatitis A outbreak, and almost caused a suspension of its mining license. 40,000 people live in the area to be affected by the mine.<ref>Reuters, Wed June 20, 2007 [http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2029508620070620 Alcoa Juruti mine risks license suspension - Sectam] Accessed 17/05/10</ref>
  
:Ms. Fuller had various responsibilities with WWF and The [[Conservation Foundation]] from 1982 to 1989, including executive vice president, general counsel and director of WWF’s public policy and wildlife trade monitoring programs. Before that, she held several positions in the [[U.S. Department of Justice]], culminating as Chief, Wildlife and Marine Resources Section, in 1981 and 1982.<ref>Alcoa website, corporate governance, Directors [http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/about_alcoa/corp_gov/directors/Kathryn_Fuller.asp Kathryn Fuller] Accessed 17/05/10</ref>
+
==Defending and conflicting with Alcoa==
  
 +
When questioned about her dual relationship to [[WWF]] and [[Alcoa]], and [[WWF|WWF's]] [[Alcoa Foundation]] funded fellowship programme, Fuller responded:<ref>Grist, '[http://www.grist.org/article/fuller/P2 Kathryn Fuller, president of WWF, answers questions]', 1 November 2004, accessed 26 August 2011</ref>
  
==Fuller improving Alcoa's image. Also their environmental performance?==
+
::First, I strongly believe that engaging with the private sector is essential if we are serious about addressing environmental problems at scale. Serving on a board provides an opportunity to shape policies and practices that complements outside advocacy. My experience with [[Alcoa]] has convinced me that the company has a strong commitment to sustainability, including energy efficiency, recycling, and habitat protection. The company is making substantial progress toward its ambitious environmental targets.
  
Fuller's profile on Alcoa's website reveals how her presence and environmental credibility have been useful to the 'reputation of the company':
+
::As to the Alcoa Foundation, [[WWF]] received funds from many sources, including corporations, and was a grantee of the Alcoa Foundation before I joined the Alcoa board. Needless to say, the continuation of funding for our education and training work was thoroughly scrutinized by [[Alcoa]] and by [[WWF]] to ensure that the grant met the highest ethical standards. And, by the way, [[WWF]] actively and very strongly opposed [Alcoa's] dam project in Iceland during my tenure as president of [[WWF]].
  
:Ms. Fuller has led two internationally recognized and respected organizations—having served as the chief executive officer of [[World Wildlife Fund]] and currently serving as the Chair of The [[Ford Foundation]]. Her experience in managing world-class organizations, combined with her proven leadership skills, international experience and environmental focus have all contributed to the diversity and richness of the board’s deliberations.
+
Whilst on the board of [[Alcoa]] and as president of [[WWF|WWF-US]], Fuller claimed to oppose the controversial [[Alcoa]] aluminium smelter project in Reydarfjordur, and its Karahnjukar dam power station. Press release published by [[WWF|WWF-International]], 27 June 2002:
 +
 
 +
::The CEO of WWF-US, Kathryn S. Fuller, sits on Alcoa's board and has raised WWF's opposition to the project with the company at the highest level.<ref>'[http://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/press_releases/?2599/WWF-condemns-plans-by-aluminium-giant-Alcoa-that-would-destroy-great-Icelandic-wilderness WWF condemns plans by aluminium giant Alcoa that would destroy great Icelandic wilderness]', 27 June 2002, accessed 26 August 2011</ref>
  
:Recently, Ms. Fuller, together with Dr. Gueron and Mr. Schacht, personally provided direct supervision of policies regarding sustainable community relationships and environmental stewardship for the company’s new Juruti bauxite mine located in the Amazon region of Brazil. This work was undertaken as part of the Public Issues Committee’s oversight of matters that may affect the reputation of the company.<ref>Alcoa website, corporate governance, Directors [http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/about_alcoa/corp_gov/directors/Kathryn_Fuller.asp Kathryn Fuller] Accessed 17/05/10</ref>
+
Yet she abstained from voting on the issue in Alcoa's boardroom.<ref>Severin Carrell, '[http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/wildlife-donor-linked-to-bird-threat-597799.html Wildlife donor linked to bird threat], 16 February 2003, accessed 30 August 2011</ref> [[Claude Martin|Dr Claude Martin]], head of [[WWF|WWF-International]], is said to have suggested that [[Kathryn Fuller|Fuller]] should resign from [[Alcoa]]. Instead [[Kathryn Fuller|Fuller]] responded, "you have an opportunity to steer the ship if you're on the bridge."<ref>Severin Carrell, '[http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/wildlife-donor-linked-to-bird-threat-597799.html Wildlife donor linked to bird threat], 16 February 2003, accessed 30 August 2011</ref> She elsewhere argued that Alcoa holds "a strong commitment to sustainability, including energy efficiency, recycling, and habitat protection."<ref>Grist, '[http://www.grist.org/article/fuller/P2 Kathryn Fuller, president of WWF, answers questions]', 1 November 2004, accessed 26 August 2011</ref> Fuller stepped down as president of [[WWF|WWF-US]] in 2005, but remains on its board,<ref>'[http://www.worldwildlife.org/who/board/index.html#roberts WWF Board membership]', accessed 26 August 2011</ref> as well as on [[Alcoa|Alcoa's]].<ref>'[http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/about_alcoa/corp_gov/directors_overview.asp Alcoa directors overview]', accessed 26 August 2011</ref>  
  
:The company has long recognized the need to earn the right to continue to do business in the communities in which it operates, and as a result, the board seeks the input of directors, such as Ms. Fuller, who have a broad perspective of sustainable development.<ref>Alcoa website, corporate governance, Directors [http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/about_alcoa/corp_gov/directors/Kathryn_Fuller.asp Kathryn Fuller] Accessed 17/05/10</ref>
+
==Career in NGOs, philanthropy, museums and mining==
 +
Fuller sits on the boards of [[WWF]],<ref>'[http://www.worldwildlife.org/who/board/index.html#roberts WWF Board membership]', accessed 26 August 2011</ref> [[Alcoa]],<ref>'[http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/about_alcoa/corp_gov/directors_overview.asp Alcoa directors overview]', accessed 26 August 2011</ref> [[Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History]] (chair),<ref>'[http://www.mnh.si.edu/about/executive_staff.htm Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Executive Staff & Board]', accessed 26 August 2011</ref> and the [[Robert Wood Johnson Foundation|The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation]].<ref>[http://www.rwjf.org/newsroom/product.jsp?id=71748 Kathryn S. Fuller, JoAnn Heffernan Heisen and Willard D. Nielsen Join Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Board of Trustees]', 24 January 2011, accessed 26 August 2011.</ref> She was chair and member of the [[Ford Foundation]] board from 2004 until 2010, having been a trustee of the foundation since 1994.<ref>'[http://www.fordfoundation.org/newsroom/news-from-ford/381 Ford Announces Irene Hirano Inouye as Next Board Chair]', 28 May 2010, accessed 26 August 2011</ref> She sat on the board of [[Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars]] from 2005-2006.<ref>'[http://www.rwjf.org/about/trusteebio.jsp?id=350 RWJF: Kathryn S. Fuller profile]', accessed 26 August 2011</ref> Prior to [[WWF]] Fuller held various responsibilities at the [[Conservation Foundation]].
  
The Juruti mine which [[Alcoa]] refer to is the company's third largest deposit, will strip 150 hectares of tropical rainforest per year, as well as 800 hectares in initial instalment.<ref>Aline Ribeiro, Epoca Negocios Global [http://epocanegocios.globo.com/Revista/Epocanegocios/0,,EDR86082-8384,00.html A Promise for Juruti] Accessed 17/05/10</ref> and has been accused of water contamination leading to a Hepatitis A outbreak, and almost causing a suspension of their mining license. 40,000 people live in the area to be affected by the mine.<ref>Reuters, Wed June 20, 2007 [http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2029508620070620 Alcoa Juruti mine risks license suspension - Sectam] Accessed 17/05/10</ref>
+
==The Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Fund==
 +
The Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Fund is one of the three funds and programmes run by [[WWF]], aiming to '[advance] the science of conservation' with a fellowship scheme (Fuller Fellowships), symposia for 'world leaders' (Science for Nature Symposium), and bi-monthly conservation seminars (Science for Nature Seminars).<ref>'[http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/fellowships/fuller/item22744.html The Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Fund]', accessed 26 August 2011</ref>  
  
 +
WWF's other fellowship programmes are the [[Alcoa Foundation Conservation and Sustainability Fellowships]],<ref>'[http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/fellowships/alcoa/ Alcoa Fellowship]', accessed 26 August 2011</ref> sponsored by [[Alcoa]] and [[The Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program]], named after former [[WWF]] president [[Russel Train|Russell E. Train]].<ref>'[http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/fellowships/train/item1825.html Train Fellowship]', accessed 26 August 2011</ref>
  
 
==Resources==
 
==Resources==
Line 32: Line 44:
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
  
[[Category:Climate]]
+
[[Category:Climate|Fuller, Kathryn]]
 
[[Category:Aluminium Industry|Fuller, Kathryn]]
 
[[Category:Aluminium Industry|Fuller, Kathryn]]
[[Category:Mining and Metals: Industry People]]
+
[[Category:Mining and Metals: Industry People|Fuller, Kathryn]]
[[Category:Industry-Friendly Experts]]
+
[[Category:Industry-Friendly Experts|Fuller, Kathryn]]
[[Category:Mining and Metals]]
+
[[Category:Mining and Metals|Fuller, Kathryn]]

Latest revision as of 17:23, 21 February 2012

Mining-alcans-60px.jpg This article is part of the Mining and Metals project of Spinwatch
Global warming.jpg This article is part of the Climate project of Spinwatch.
Kathryn Fuller

Kathryn Fuller was WWF-US President and Chief Executive from 1989-2005. In 2001 Fuller joined the board of aluminium corporation Alcoa,[1] in exchange for Alcoa's donation of $1m to WWF-US, and their joining the environmental organisation's exclusive "Corporate Club".[2] Despite publicly opposing Alcoa's highly controversial Icelandic Reydarfjordur smelter project,[3] rather than voting against the project in Alcoa's boardroom, Fuller instead abstained.[4]

Improving Alcoa's image, and environmental performance?

Fuller's profile on Alcoa's website reveals how her presence and environmental credibility have been useful to the 'reputation of the company':

Ms. Fuller has led two internationally recognized and respected organizations—having served as the chief executive officer of World Wildlife Fund and currently serving as the Chair of The Ford Foundation. Her experience in managing world-class organizations, combined with her proven leadership skills, international experience and environmental focus have all contributed to the diversity and richness of the board’s deliberations.
Recently, Ms. Fuller, together with Dr. Gueron and Mr. Schacht, personally provided direct supervision of policies regarding sustainable community relationships and environmental stewardship for the company’s new Juruti bauxite mine located in the Amazon region of Brazil. This work was undertaken as part of the Public Issues Committee’s oversight of matters that may affect the reputation of the company.[5]
The company has long recognized the need to earn the right to continue to do business in the communities in which it operates, and as a result, the board seeks the input of directors, such as Ms. Fuller, who have a broad perspective of sustainable development.[6]

The Juruti mine which Alcoa refer to is the company's third largest deposit, will strip 150 hectares of tropical rainforest per year, as well as 800 hectares in initial instalment[7] which was accused of water contamination leading to a Hepatitis A outbreak, and almost caused a suspension of its mining license. 40,000 people live in the area to be affected by the mine.[8]

Defending and conflicting with Alcoa

When questioned about her dual relationship to WWF and Alcoa, and WWF's Alcoa Foundation funded fellowship programme, Fuller responded:[9]

First, I strongly believe that engaging with the private sector is essential if we are serious about addressing environmental problems at scale. Serving on a board provides an opportunity to shape policies and practices that complements outside advocacy. My experience with Alcoa has convinced me that the company has a strong commitment to sustainability, including energy efficiency, recycling, and habitat protection. The company is making substantial progress toward its ambitious environmental targets.
As to the Alcoa Foundation, WWF received funds from many sources, including corporations, and was a grantee of the Alcoa Foundation before I joined the Alcoa board. Needless to say, the continuation of funding for our education and training work was thoroughly scrutinized by Alcoa and by WWF to ensure that the grant met the highest ethical standards. And, by the way, WWF actively and very strongly opposed [Alcoa's] dam project in Iceland during my tenure as president of WWF.

Whilst on the board of Alcoa and as president of WWF-US, Fuller claimed to oppose the controversial Alcoa aluminium smelter project in Reydarfjordur, and its Karahnjukar dam power station. Press release published by WWF-International, 27 June 2002:

The CEO of WWF-US, Kathryn S. Fuller, sits on Alcoa's board and has raised WWF's opposition to the project with the company at the highest level.[10]

Yet she abstained from voting on the issue in Alcoa's boardroom.[11] Dr Claude Martin, head of WWF-International, is said to have suggested that Fuller should resign from Alcoa. Instead Fuller responded, "you have an opportunity to steer the ship if you're on the bridge."[12] She elsewhere argued that Alcoa holds "a strong commitment to sustainability, including energy efficiency, recycling, and habitat protection."[13] Fuller stepped down as president of WWF-US in 2005, but remains on its board,[14] as well as on Alcoa's.[15]

Career in NGOs, philanthropy, museums and mining

Fuller sits on the boards of WWF,[16] Alcoa,[17] Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (chair),[18] and the The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.[19] She was chair and member of the Ford Foundation board from 2004 until 2010, having been a trustee of the foundation since 1994.[20] She sat on the board of Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars from 2005-2006.[21] Prior to WWF Fuller held various responsibilities at the Conservation Foundation.

The Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Fund

The Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Fund is one of the three funds and programmes run by WWF, aiming to '[advance] the science of conservation' with a fellowship scheme (Fuller Fellowships), symposia for 'world leaders' (Science for Nature Symposium), and bi-monthly conservation seminars (Science for Nature Seminars).[22]

WWF's other fellowship programmes are the Alcoa Foundation Conservation and Sustainability Fellowships,[23] sponsored by Alcoa and The Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program, named after former WWF president Russell E. Train.[24]

Resources

Notes

  1. 'Kathryn S. Fuller Appointed to Alcoa Board of Directors', 15 November 2001, accessed 26 August 2011
  2. Severin Carrell, 'Wildlife donor linked to bird threat, 16 February 2003, accessed 30 August 2011
  3. 'WWF condemns plans by aluminium giant Alcoa that would destroy great Icelandic wilderness', 27 June 2002, accessed 30 August 2011
  4. Severin Carrell, 'Wildlife donor linked to bird threat, 16 February 2003, accessed 30 August 2011
  5. Alcoa website, corporate governance, Directors Kathryn Fuller Accessed 17/05/10
  6. Alcoa website, corporate governance, Directors Kathryn Fuller Accessed 17/05/10
  7. Aline Ribeiro, Epoca Negocios Global A Promise for Juruti Accessed 17/05/10
  8. Reuters, Wed June 20, 2007 Alcoa Juruti mine risks license suspension - Sectam Accessed 17/05/10
  9. Grist, 'Kathryn Fuller, president of WWF, answers questions', 1 November 2004, accessed 26 August 2011
  10. 'WWF condemns plans by aluminium giant Alcoa that would destroy great Icelandic wilderness', 27 June 2002, accessed 26 August 2011
  11. Severin Carrell, 'Wildlife donor linked to bird threat, 16 February 2003, accessed 30 August 2011
  12. Severin Carrell, 'Wildlife donor linked to bird threat, 16 February 2003, accessed 30 August 2011
  13. Grist, 'Kathryn Fuller, president of WWF, answers questions', 1 November 2004, accessed 26 August 2011
  14. 'WWF Board membership', accessed 26 August 2011
  15. 'Alcoa directors overview', accessed 26 August 2011
  16. 'WWF Board membership', accessed 26 August 2011
  17. 'Alcoa directors overview', accessed 26 August 2011
  18. 'Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Executive Staff & Board', accessed 26 August 2011
  19. Kathryn S. Fuller, JoAnn Heffernan Heisen and Willard D. Nielsen Join Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Board of Trustees', 24 January 2011, accessed 26 August 2011.
  20. 'Ford Announces Irene Hirano Inouye as Next Board Chair', 28 May 2010, accessed 26 August 2011
  21. 'RWJF: Kathryn S. Fuller profile', accessed 26 August 2011
  22. 'The Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Fund', accessed 26 August 2011
  23. 'Alcoa Fellowship', accessed 26 August 2011
  24. 'Train Fellowship', accessed 26 August 2011