The Coca-Cola Foundation’s new leader is a familiar face and a proven ambassador for Coca-Cola.
Helen Smith Price, a 23-year veteran of The Coca-Cola Company, will take charge of the company’s philanthropic arm on April 16, when she is promoted to president of the global Foundation as well as Vice President of Global Community Affairs for the company.
Price has served as executive director of the Foundation since 2001. In this role, she managed the day-to-day operations including grant-making, financial reporting and regulatory compliance for domestic and international philanthropy. The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded more than $820 million in grants around the world since its inception in 1984. Its primary points of emphasis now are women, water and well-being.
“Helen’s longstanding commitment to serving the community and her proven success within The Coca-Cola Foundation make her an excellent choice for this role,” said Bea Perez, Coca-Cola’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “I am confident that under Helen’s leadership, the Foundation will continue to flourish and grow while strengthening communities around the world.”
Prior to joining Coca-Cola, Price held roles in the tax and accounting departments at BellSouth Corp. and Arthur Andersen & Co. She was licensed as a certified public accountant in the state of Georgia. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Spelman College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Clark Atlanta University.
“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to lead The Coca-Cola Foundation and shape the company’s philanthropic strategy,” said Price. “It’s an honor to be a part of an organization that has such a deep-rooted commitment to giving its talent, time and resources back to the community.”
Price’s involvement in her hometown of Atlanta is extensive. She currently serves on the boards of the Woodruff Arts Center’s Alliance Theatre, The Villages at Carver Family YMCA, and the Association of Corporate Contributions Professionals. She also serves on the Nominations Committee for the United Way of Greater Atlanta, and the Corporate Contributions Council of The Conference Board.
She will take over an organization that is instrumental in helping The Coca-Cola Company annually give back one percent of its prior year’s operating income. In 2015, for example, the Foundation distributed more than $84.5 million to benefit nearly 300 organizations in more than 70 countries and territories.
Price succeeds Lisa Borders, who left Coca-Cola in March to become president of the WNBA.
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