Faces of Success

2011 Jeanne Lind Herberger Award Honoree

Dr. Marilyn Seymann

Marilyn Seymann, Ph.D., one of the original group of concerned Valley women whose forward thinking led to the formation of Arizona Women's Education and Employment (AWEE) 30 years ago, is our 2011 Faces of Success Luncheon Jeanne Lind Herberger Honoree. This award recognizes an individual at the forefront of AWEE's leadership, philanthropy and investment in women, men, young adults and the community.

A member of AWEE's founding board of directors, today, as Chief Executive Officer of the Bruce T. Halle Family Foundation, Seymann continues her focus on building stronger communities through the Foundation's efforts to build, strengthen and sustain innovative non-profit organizations that align with its passions and commitments.

"Marilyn's indelible mark on our community is reflected in the number and diversity of the women, men and children whose lives are better as a result of her efforts," said AWEE President and CEO Marie Sullivan. "At AWEE, her legacy is carried on in every one of our Faces of Success."

Before joining The Bruce T. Halle Family Foundation in December 2009, Seymann was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the International Institute of the Americas, a college focused on adult education. From 2005 to 2007 she was Associate Dean of the Arizona State University College of Law. She also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of M One, Inc., a corporate strategy and governance consulting firm for public and private companies from 1991 to 2009. Before forming M One, Seymann held senior management positions with Chase Bank and Arthur Andersen and was Associate Dean of the ASU College of Business.

She was a co-founder of The Directors' Council, a company that placed women and minorities on the boards of public companies, and she is a senior faculty member of NACD.

Seymann also served in government as Vice Chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board under President George H.W. Bush and as Chief of Staff for Arizona Governor Bruce Babbitt. The author of several books, she holds a B.A. from Brandeis University, an M.A. from Columbia University and a Ph.D. from California Western University.

She also is the founder of the Arizona Foundation for Women (AFW), Men's Anti-Violence Network (MAN) and is a member of the founding board of SEEDs (Support, Education, Empowerment and Directions).

Seymann will join previous Jeanne Lind Herberger Award winners including Judi Butterworth, former Northern Arizona University President Dr. Clara Lovett, Elva Wingfield Coor, Betsey Bayless, Diane Cummings Halle, former Governor Janet Napolitano, Mary Jane Rynd and Ruth Downs.