ERC Fellows Chair
A Message From The Ethics Resource Center Fellows Program Chair – Martha Ries, Vice President, Ethics and Business Conduct, The Boeing Company
As I look forward into 2007 and 2008, I'm excited about the prospects for the Ethics Resource Center (ERC) Fellows Program. I see the level of involvement, enthusiasm, support and commitment demonstrated by the Fellows at our conferences and in the working groups and say, "Wow, this group is going to continue accomplishing great things." I'm proud to be a part of the team and pleased to be asked to serve as its leader.
As we move forward, my goals for the program are to use our collective experiences to continue our research for the identification of behavioral trends and leverage points, develop tools enabling leaders to fulfill and measure their role in shaping the ethical environment, and create actionable plans to change the culture in our organizations. I'm expecting we will do great things with a profound effect on society – but with a sense of urgency. While our actions may not be splashy, our steadiness, commitment and determination to stay the course will change our cultures over time.
Since becoming associated with the ERC Fellows in early 2004, I've had a chance to learn more about the ethics profession from a set of true professionals. I've been able to apply best practices, shared by the Fellows, here at Boeing and imagine you have done the same. My hope is that we can increase that value to each of you and that you will let me know if we are not.
I see two roles as Chair of the program. The first and smaller role, in conjunction with the Advisory Group, is to provide guidance, direction and governance. The second and much larger role will be to support others to reach their individual goals and our, the Fellows, collective goals. Our strength and drive comes from the leadership each of us brings to the program. My role will be to support and channel the energy.
Last, I'm pleased with the Fellows association with the Ethics Resource Center. The knowledge, research and findings the ERC brings to our conversations is informative and beneficial. This willingness to share, learn, experiment and grow is the strength of our program.
Thank you and let's have some fun.
Martha Ries
