WASHINGTON, D.C. — Edna Kane-Williams has been named as AARP’s senior vice president for Multicultural Leadership, the organization announced Monday.
In this new role, she will lead the development and execution of AARP’s multicultural strategy to increase the organization’s social impact and relevance among multicultural audiences.
With more than 20 years of experience working in senior management positions at both nonprofit and for profit organizations, Kane-Williams has specialized in strategic planning, targeted marketing and program development, with a profound focus on the needs of older adults and multicultural communities.
“This new role is incredibly important to me and the organization,” she said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues and our community partners to foster meaningful engagement with members and potential members, and increase AARP’s multicultural footprint in local communities. Succeeding at this is vital for us to ensure the continued growth and strength of AARP.”
Prior to her new role, Kane-Williams was AARP’s vice president of multicultural markets and engagement, where she was responsible for African-American outreach. She also previously served as the vice president of strategy and communications for the AARP Foundation.
Before coming to AARP, Kane-Williams held noteworthy marketing positions, including senior vice president of communications and social marketing at IQ Solutions, where she developed effective communication plans to improve outreach specifically to underserved African-American and Hispanic communities. She also led similar marketing efforts as a senior vice president at Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide.
Kane-Williams graduated from Yale University with a B.A. and received an M.A. from George Washington University. Additionally, she was the recipient of a Coro Foundation fellowship and was also a Diversity Executive Leadership Program fellow for the American Society of Association Executives.
On Nov. 16, Kane-Williams will be recognized as Marketing Executive of the Year at the 2015 Marketing to African Americans with Excellence (MAAX) Awards in Chicago for her innovations, contributions and exceptional performance in African-American marketing.