Jerri DeVard Background

Her life outside the office  is her family  a husband  and two children and her mother. DeVard  works out in her home gym and  enjoys traveling with her family when possible.Devard likes to unwind by attending Broadway shows  when she’s in town. She also likes to sits down to nightly family dinners to stay connected to her husband and family. DeVard also takes the time to stay connected with her 70-year-old mother,Dr. Jean DeVard-Kamp ( Weinberger, 4/3/2006) . DeVard is also known for her philanthropy to Spelman College. The idea of giving back what a college and alumni has given to a student to enable them to succeed is priceless. DeVard gifted $100.00 to Spelman College Annual Fund in 1980 after she was hired for her first job. Since 1980 DeVard has given well over the $2million mark to Spelman Annual College Fund(“Jerri devard,” (2007)).

In researching marketing and business I learned a few hints  for success that  could possibly help anyone  in their career.In my opinion these are  important keys to success  in any career path you choose.

1. Develop a skill set. Be clear, see a customer’s need and meeting it.

2. Learn the culture.

3. Build a support network. it can include mentors, colleagues and friends,anyone to whom you can turn for advice and support. Keep contacts up as you change jobs and  devote time each month to maintaining your network((www.the-business-coach.com).

An overview of DeVard’s  career to date  spanning several years of  making wise choices so she could position herself as one of the role models for woman in business today.

Senior Vice President, Brand Management and Marketing Communications for Verizon.

Chief Marketing Officer at Citigroup.

Vice President of Marketing for color cosmetics at Revlon.

Vice President of Marketing for Harrah’s Entertainment.

Pillsbury Company in Minneapolis.

Her marketing skills have centered around the customers needs,wants,and ease of  accessibility to product.

Ms.DeVard has the ability to use the  technology to sell the product not just selling technology and instant gratification is key to the public buying power.This is the key strategy to Marketing success in such a fast paced technological based business.This realization about customers is what has made Ms.DeVards a successful Women Marketing director.Another aspect for her new position at Nokia  as I see it will be the marketing strategies she brought to Verizon will give her an edge to bringing Nokia to the forefront of cell phone capabilities.I expect Nokia to be number one on the market in a few short months with Ms.DeVards expertise in marketing.

All indicators suggest that DeVard must be thrilled with the way things have turned out. Not only is she valued within her company, but her reputation extends beyond the halls of Verizon. Black Enterprise magazine named her one of the 75 most powerful African-Americans in corporate America. Her resume boasts tidbits like a seat on the board of directors of the Tommy Hilfiger Corporation, the Pepsi African-American advisory board and the board of trustees at Spelman College (August 1999). DeVard’s choice and knowing when to make her career moves has made her a sought after marketing CEO.DeVard, in all of the articles I have read seems to have a second sense of when to stay and when to move on.Her abilities to grow a company have made her a celebrated African American woman who has made her mark in a corporate world mainly dominated by men. She learned the culture ,language and how to dress  for success and the wonderful part is she is passing these tips on the students through Scholarships at Spelman College.