COLLINSVILLE, Ill., Feb. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameren Illinois President Richard Mark has earned the distinction as one of Savoy magazine's Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America, the second time he has been recognized with this honor.
The magazine's Top 100 is a salute to those African American leaders who have made a positive impact in Corporate America and have made a difference in the communities where they live and work.
"I want to congratulate Richard on this well-deserved honor and distinction," said Warner Baxter, Chairman, President and CEO of Ameren Corporation. "Richard is not only a great leader in our organization, but he is a champion for the customers we serve and a true leader in the community. His tireless efforts in supporting multiple community organizations and causes help power the quality of life in our region."
Mark was named President of Ameren Illinois in June of 2012. During his tenure, the company has made significant progress in executing a massive overhaul of its 43,700-square-mile energy delivery infrastructure. Improvements to the energy grid that have resulted in increased reliability, a reduction in power outages, and the creation of hundreds of new jobs. Mark was also instrumental in forming a coalition of Illinois utilities to focus on bringing diverse businesses into utility supply chains and expanding opportunities for minority contractors to work on grid improvement projects.
Mark serves on a variety of boards and organizations including American Gas Association Board, Enterprise Bank and Trust Clayton Board, Madison Mutual Insurance Board, Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, St. Clair County Sheriff's Department Merit Commission and the St. Louis Police Foundation.
"I am humbled and honored to share this recognition with many top business professionals," Mark said. "A more inclusive workplace creates more opportunities for our employees, suppliers and customers. Our culture at Ameren Illinois encourages diversity in thought and action and it's a major reason why we're a successful company today."
Savoy magazine is a national publication covering the power, substance and style of African American lifestyle. From entertainment to sports, business to politics, design to style, Savoy is a cultural catalyst for the African American community that showcases and drives positive dialogue on and about Black culture. Savoy is published quarterly and distributed via subscriptions and newsstands worldwide.
"Savoy is proud to balance and diversify the mainstream narrative and perspective on professional success in America. From our cover story with Microsoft Chairman John Thompson, to the executives recognized in our 2016 Savoy Top 100, we cover Black leadership, influence and achievement in important ways," said L.P. Green, II, Publisher of Savoy Magazine. "We are continually inspired by the success of the executives recognized and we salute the corporations that support and value their diverse contributions."
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 816,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles and our mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.
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SOURCE Ameren Corporation