Biography

Ms. Laysha Ward is an accomplished C‐suite executive with 32+ years of leadership experience at Target. She has demonstrated an ability to lead through rapid change, solve problems, build innovative community programs, and collaborate with key stakeholders to support organizational goals and objectives.

Ms. Ward most recently served as Strategic Advisor (October 2023 to April 2024) for Target Corporation, and prior to that, as the retailer’s Executive Vice President, Chief External Engagement Officer (2017 to 2023), overseeing Target’s enterprise‐wide approach to engage and deepen cross‐sector stakeholder relations to drive positive business and community impact. Ms. Ward began her career with Target in 1991 as a member of the store sales and management team of Marshall Field’s in Chicago. She was named Director of Community Relations in 2000 and promoted to Vice President of Community Relations and Target Foundation in 2003. She served as Executive Vice President, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer before being named Chief External Engagement Officer.

In 2008, President Bush nominated and the U.S. Senate confirmed Ms. Ward to serve on the board of directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the nation’s largest grantmaker for volunteering and service. She continued on the board under the Obama Administration, where she served as board chair.

She is a member of the Economic Clubs of Chicago and New York, Executive Leadership Council, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Black Women on Boards and Women Corporate Directors – Tampa Bay Chapter. She serves on the nonprofit boards of the Minnesota Orchestra and the Northside Achievement Zone, as well as the board of Minnesota Sports and Events and the for‐profit board of Denny’s Corporation.

Ms. Ward received a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, Master’s degree from the University of Chicago, and an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs.