B&G Foods Inc., a Parsippany-based manufacturer and distributor of shelf-stable and frozen foods, announced it has named Debra Martin Chase to its board of directors.
Chase is an Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning television and motion picture producer. She was the first African American woman producer to ever have a production deal at a major studio as well as the first African American woman to produce a film that grossed over $100 million.
“We are delighted that Debra Martin Chase has agreed to join B&G Foods. Debra is a remarkably talented television and film producer with very strong leadership, business and legal skills. We are confident that Debra will complement the existing strengths of our board, while also bringing fresh ideas and new perspectives to our board discussions,” Dennis M. Mullen, chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee, said.
Chase will also chair B&G’s Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, which oversees social and public policy issues, diversity and inclusion efforts, environmental and sustainability efforts, philanthropic activities, charitable donations, and community relations, and be a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
“Debra Chase is a trailblazer in her field and an inspiration to women and people of color in the film and television production industry. With her strong business acumen and legal skills and her commitment to diversity and inclusion, Debra will be an excellent addition to our board. She will help to lead and inspire all of our employees to achieve great business results while doing so with a keen sense of social purpose,” Stephen C. Sherrill, chairman of the board of directors, said.
She currently serves on the boards of the New York City Ballet and Second Stage Theatre in Manhattan.
