Latest news with #Farese
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Conor Farese Joins Southwire Board of Directors
Newest board member represents third generation of founding family in company leadership CARROLLTON, Ga., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwire is pleased to share that its Board of Directors has welcomed Conor Farese, professional designer and strategist, as its newest member. Farese is the first member of the third generation of the Richards family to serve on the board. Now operating his own strategy consultancy and serving as an adjunct professor at UC Berkeley's College of Environmental Design, Farese's professional work has spanned industries including healthcare, climate, energy and technology. Across these fields, he regularly speaks and coaches leaders on strategy, storytelling and product design. Most recently, he spent six years at global design firm IDEO working with Fortune 500 companies and startups alike to bring innovation and strategic thinking to the forefront of business practices. "75 years ago, my grandfather started Southwire with a dream of bringing electricity to the rural South," said Farese. "Since that inception, Southwire has grown to create transformative change -- serving as a beacon for innovative electrification, exceptional manufacturing, and responsible business in North America. As I join the Board, I'm both proud of our legacy and excited about the future. I'm eager to do what I can to support the whole Southwire family in building the next great chapter of our collective history." Farese previously worked with Southwire as a business development specialist and was a contributing player on the corporate strategy team, which was created to better understand the markets the company serves, the verticals in which it plays and the technologies that will impact the future. Through this work, Southwire's strategic plan and strategic planning cadence were introduced, paving the way for continued growth and success within the company. Now, in the company's 75th year of business, Farese's appointment to the board reflects and upholds Southwire's legacy as a family-owned business. Farese follows in the footsteps of multiple family members, including his grandfather, Southwire's founder Roy Richards, Sr. Other family board members include Farese's uncles, Roy Richards, Jr., and Lee Richards, and his mother, Nancy Richards Farese. "We are so pleased to have Conor join Southwire's board," said Roy Richards Jr., chairman of the Board of Directors. "He has already brought fresh perspectives and good ideas. He has worked hard to be a strong representative for our next generation of owners, most of whom are under 30. Conor's views on technology, the environment and Southwire's social responsibility are helpful to us in this turbulent period. He is a great addition to the board." Farese was a fellow with the Aspen Institute First Mover Fellowship. He holds an undergraduate degree in environmental studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkley. About Southwire: Southwire Company, LLC is North America's leading wire and cable company. The $8.4B organization is made up of more than 9,000 team members across the globe who unite as ONE Southwire each and every day to serve each other, their customers and their communities. Southwire and its subsidiaries provide solutions including building wire and cable, metal-clad cable, utility products, portable and electronic cord products and OEM wire products. In addition, Southwire offers electrical products, engineered solutions and a variety of field support services. For more on Southwire's products and solutions, its community involvement and its vision of sustainability, visit © 2025 Southwire Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Contact: Ashley Bush Director, CommunicationsPhone: (678) 684-7634 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Southwire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
19-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Southwire's Carrollton 12 for Life Program Celebrates 45 Graduating Seniors at Commencement for the Class of 2025
On May 6, 2025, 45 students from Southwire's 12 for Life program in Carrollton, Ga., celebrated their high school graduation and completion of the program. The commencement ceremony, marking the program's 18th year, was attended by Southwire leaders, local school officials and students' loved ones. 12 for Life is a collaborative partnership between Southwire and local school systems in Carrollton, Ga., and Florence, Ala. The initiative offers classroom instruction, on-the-job training, essential work and life skills, mentoring, and employment opportunities. Established in 2007, the 12 for Life program seeks to encourage students to stay in school, attain their diplomas and develop into successful members of their communities. The overarching goal for all participants is to complete the program and graduate high school, with a clear path towards employment, higher education or military enlistment. To date, more than 2,500 students have graduated from 12 for Life. 'It's an honor to recognize all of the school systems who have come together with Southwire, who for years has contributed time, resources, and energy to help these students be successful,' said Scott Cowart, Superintendent for Carroll County Schools. Seven graduates were awarded the Southwire SkillPointe Scholarship at the ceremony, each valued at $10,000. Now in its second year, this scholarship program is the result of the ongoing partnership between Southwire and the SkillPointe Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to innovative scholarship solutions. To be eligible for the award, students must be on track to graduate high school and have plans to enroll in a higher (secondary) education program, community college, technical school or vocational program within one year of graduating. 'Being a part of 12 for Life has helped me come out of my shell,' said Edwin Diaz, 2025 graduate from Bowdon High School and recipient of the Skillpointe Scholarship. 'Through meaningful work and the opportunity to set and achieve goals, I've gained a strong sense of self-worth and pride in what I can accomplish.' This year's commencement featured a special keynote speaker. In honor of the company's 75th anniversary, the commencement address was delivered by Nancy Richards Farese, noted photographer, artist, writer and social entrepreneur. Farese, the daughter of Southwire's founder Roy Richards Sr., also serves as a Southwire board member. 'My hope is that you leave today more aware of what was important to you as a five-year-old child,' said Farese in her address to the graduates. 'That kid is still you, and what was important to you then is still important to you now. This is the core of who you are; hold on to it, build on it and let it inform how you view the world.' The Carrollton, Ga. Commencement marks the first of two graduation ceremonies for 12 for Life. A second ceremony for Florence, Ala. 12 for Life students will take place later this month. To learn more about 12 for Life, click here. For more Southwire news, visit Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Southwire
