Frank Burnes Recognized with National Assembly Award for Excellence

Frank Burnes Recognized with National Assembly Award for Excellence

Francis X. Burnes III was recognized with a National Assembly Award for Excellence in National Board Leadership on September 9, 2004.

Frank Burnes was the first male to serve as Chair of Girls Inc. in the history of the organization. He is one of the few men anywhere to lead a largely female organization.

Burnes first brought his investment banking expertise to Girls Inc. in 1990, when he joined the Board of Directors. A thirty-year veteran of the banking industry, he is now Managing Director and Senior Operating Officer of JP Morgan's Investment Banking Coverage and M&A Division.

'My experience serving as Chair has been hugely rewarding. Our Board focuses on developing innovative ways to leverage our most valuable asset: our acknowledged expertise as the nation's premier program provider and advocate for girls,' Burnes explained. 'Our Board's leadership in fundraising efforts is also essential to the growth of Girls Inc.'

'I'm also pleased to say that I've grown personally right along with Girls Inc.,' he added. 'In the beginning of my tenure, being a banker type, I focused on the financial underpinnings. But soon I became passionate about the issues of gender equity. I personally believe that men have a particular role to play in breaking down what is a serious problem in our society.

'Now I've become exceedingly comfortable dealing with the diverse issues girls face,' Burnes continued. 'I guess you could say I've traveled a distance to get there, helped along by others on the Board, all of whom let me see things through their eyes.'

Girls Inc. is gratified that Frank Burnes' service has been recognized by the National Assembly, an association of the nation's leading national non-profits. The National Assembly's vision is to help create a just and caring nation that seriously and effectively addresses human development and the needs of its citizens.

'Frank's leadership, heart, skill and humor, and his abiding commitment to the work of Girls Inc. will enrich our organization for all the years to come,' said Joyce M. Roché, Girls Inc. President and CEO. 'I took tremendous personal and professional pride in nominating him for the award, and I'm so pleased that the National Assembly has chosen to recognize him with this prestigious honor.'

When Burnes' award was announced, he received over 150 congratulatory emails from JP Morgan Chase colleagues. That's just one indication of the financial institution's commitment to our mission. Another is JP Morgan Chase's generous contributions in honor of Frank Burnes, who has invested countless volunteer hours in Girls Inc.

Since stepping down as Board Chair, Burnes has taken on the role as Chair of the Philanthropic Oversight Committee, the development arm of our Board of Directors.

'I'll be carving out time from my professional life in order to provide aggressive leadership to tap some important resources,' Burnes said, commenting on his new leadership role. 'For now, let me just say that I'm very grateful to Girls Inc. for their thoughtfulness in nominating me for this award. And that I believe the future for this organization is looking great!'