What We Love
This utility company has been justly praised for its efforts to recruit, train and promote women: While just 18% of its employees are female, so are 36% of its executives—no small feat in this historically male field. In 2008, the company further dedicated itself to helping working mothers succeed, offering full-time child-care discounts at a center near its Columbus, OH, headquarters, installing lactation rooms in customer solutions centers, appointing eight wellness coordinators to promote employee health and adding remote access to make telecommuting easier. Mothers who are in customer service or at power plants may request four-day compressed or part-time schedules or work from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. so they can make it home to spend time with their kids after school.

Chairman, President & CEO: Michael Morris

Director, Diversity/ Culture: Mary Cofer

Women managers/execs: 10%

Women among top earners: 12%

Women on board of directors: 21%

Women corporate executive hires in 2008: 0% 

Women participating in management or leadership training in the past year: 20%

Women participating in formalized executive succession planning last year: 5%

Women promoted last year who utilized a formal flexible work arrangement: 10%

Formal compensation policies reward managers who help women advance: Yes