On June 15 in 2020, the US Supreme Court ruled that the federal law barring sex discrimination in employment applies to the LGBTQ community. Therefore, it seems appropriate that American businessperson Beth Ford be recognized as the first openly gay female CEO of an American Fortune 500 company. Ford’s resume spans nearly four decades, working in six industries at seven companies in senior positions, including Pepsi, Mobil and Scholastic. In 2018, she became the chief executive of Land O’ Lakes, one of the world’s largest agricultural cooperatives, owned not by public market shareholders, but the farmers who produce its products. An innovative and wise leader, she is on the this year’s Time100 list that recognizes the 100 most influential people globally. Her corporate work includes initiatives to increase rural broadband access to farmers; to reduce her company’s carbon footprint; to address food supply concerns and global food security; and to promote sound environmental practices and policies. Ford is a fierce advocate for science and technology, agricultural research and immigration reform, as well as the plight of the America farmer. She celebrates a corporate workplace that emphasizes authenticity, compassion and inclusion. Ford is married to Jill Schurz, the CEO of the St. Paul Teacher’s Retirement Fund Association. They have three children and reside in Minneapolis.
“I think it’s about showing up, doing your best work, being your best self
and being visible – that encourages authenticity, no matter whether you’re
gay or not.” Beth Ford
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