Featured Keynote Speakers
Gala Dinner
David N. Farr, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & President -
Emerson
David N. Farr is Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Emerson. Under his leadership, Emerson has grown its position in global markets, increased its focus on customer-oriented services and solutions, invested in industry-leading technologies to enhance its long-term growth and market position, and maintained a record of solid financial performance. He joined Emerson in 1981 in a corporate staff position, subsequently serving as the company’s Manager of Investor Relations; VP of Corporate Planning and Development; President of the Ridge Tool Division; group VP for the industrial components and equipment business; and as the Hong Kong-based president of Emerson Electric Asia-Pacific and CEO of Emerson’s Astec joint venture. In 1997, he returned to St. Louis to become Executive VP of Emerson’s process control business and in 1999, he became Senior Executive VP and COO. He served in that position until being named CEO in 2000. He was appointed Chairman in 2004, and added the title of President in 2005. Mr. Farr received a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Wake Forest University.
Mr. Farr is active in a variety of civic and charitable organizations in St. Louis. He currently serves on the executive boards of The Muny at Forest Park and the Boy Scouts of America (Greater St. Louis Area Council). Mr. Farr is a member of Civic Progress, an organization of chief executives from leading companies in St. Louis who work together to promote the region. He has been a leader in soliciting business community support for the annual fund-raising campaigns of the United Way of Greater St. Louis and currently serves on its board of directors. In addition, he is a member of The Business Council, based in Washington, D.C. He also serves on the board of directors for Delphi Corporation, headquartered in Troy, Michigan
Thorp Luncheon
Derica Rice (IU '90), Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Eli Lilly and Company
Derica Rice was named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Eli Lilly and Company in May 2006. He is the Secretary of the operations committee for Lilly and has responsibility for information technology, finance, procurement and Lilly’s Elanco Animal Health. He joined Lilly in 1990 as an international treasury associate. Over the past 16 years, he has held positions in relief sales, Manager in Global Financial Planning and Analysis, Director for Finance in the Canadian affiliate, Executive Director for Finance in European Operations, and General Manager of the UK affiliate. His most recent position was Vice President and Comptroller. In 1990, he earned his Masters of Business Administration in Finance at Indiana University where was he a Consortium Fellow. Derica received his bachelor’s degree in engineering from the General Motors Institute, 1988.
Schoen Luncheon
Dr. Leroy Nunery (WU ’79), President – Edison Charter Schools
Dr. Leroy
Nunery is President of Edison Charter Schools, the leading
for-profit provider of education management services for public
charter schools. He has 16 years in various roles in corporate
banking and capital markets and four years with the National
Basketball Association as Vice President, Human Resources and Vice
President, Business Development. Additionally, he is a past National
President of the National Black MBA Association. Throughout his
career, he has been quoted and profiled in numerous leading
publications and media outlets for his work in business education
and diversity. In May 2000, Lafayette College created the Leroy D.
Nunery Award for Intellectual Citizenship—given annually to an
upper-class student of color who demonstrates academic and social
leadership. Dr. Nunery holds a Doctorate in Education from of
University of Pennsylvania, 2003, a MBA from Washington University,
1979, and a BA from Lafayette College, 1977.
Professional Development Session Descriptions
