Theresa de Leon Leads American Conference on Diversity as New Board Chair

Jan. 5, 2012 - PRLog -- Media Contact:
Christine Burke Associates 732-688-8079
cburkeassociates@comcast.net


New Brunswick – January 2011 Theresa de Leon, Northern New Jersey Wealth Management Director for PNC Wealth Management, has been elected board chair for the American Conference on Diversity.  Ms. de Leon has been a member of the board since 2007.

“I believe in the values and mission of this organization and feel totally committed to seeing its work carried out in schools, workplaces and communities all across New Jersey. Given our state’s great diversity, this is a wonderful and appropriate place for the American Conference on Diversity to be engaged. We have a significant role to play in so many aspects of New Jersey life,” she said.

Professionally, Ms. De Leon brings more than 25 years of industry experience to PNC that spans every aspect of financial management in the private, public and non-profit sectors.

Prior to joining PNC in 2005, Ms. De Leon was a Senior Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch’s Private Client Group in NYC.  She has also served as the COO and CFO of the Legal Aid Society in NYC.  

Ms. De Leon is active with a number of community organizations. She currently serves as a Vice Chair of the Palisades Medical Center Board of Governors, and is a member of the Finance Council of St. Vincent de Paul.  She has also served on the Port Liberte Homeowners and Condominium Association boards. In addition she has worked actively with the Westfield Symphony, where she also served on the board, The Valerie Fund, and the Girl Scouts of NJ.  In 2007 Ms. De Leon was named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Greater Essex and Hudson County.  

Ms. De Leon earned her JD from New York Law School, her MBA from New York University Stern School of Business Administration, and her BA in Economics from Yale University.

“Theresa de Leon carries on the tradition of excellence in leadership for our organization,” said Diane P. Schwartz, President and CEO. “Her experience, passion for our mission, commitment and work towards an inclusive society are respected and valued.”

Ms. De Leon, a Jersey City resident, is joined in leadership of the organization by vice chairs: Emilio Egea (New Vernon, NJ), Vice President of Human Resources, Prudential Financial; R.C. “Toby” Babeuf (Fair Haven, NJ), Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Director, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Margaret M. Coons (Mountain Lakes, NJ), Vice President, Human Resources, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey; treasurer John Benedik, CPA (Wyckoff, NJ); and immediate past chair, Robert G. Rose, Esq.(Mendham, NJ), Partner, Day Pitney.

About the American Conference on Diversity
The American Conference on Diversity is a human relations organization that offers educational programs, conferences and workshops that are designed to change the way we look at each other, ourselves and our neighbors.  These events and encounters teach youth and adults to value one of New Jersey’s greatest strengths, our diversity.  We work with educators, community leaders, non-profit organizations and corporate and business leaders to promote inclusion and respect, value differences and enhance a civil society. www.AmericanConferenceonDiversity.org.

# # #

CHRISTINE BURKE ESKWITT
Achieving your extraordinary goals with creative strategy, polished performance & exceptional results.

Communications, Public Relations and Event Planning
Full Circle Communications

Phone: 732.688.8079