Target promotes Ward to president of community relations, Target Foundation

MINNEAPOLIS Target has announced the promotion of Laysha Ward to president of community relations and Target Foundation.

Ward began her career at Target Corp. in 1991 as stores sales leader for Dayton’s department store and was named vp of community relations and Target Foundation in 2003. In her new position of president, Ward will continue to oversee Target’s domestic and international grant making, community sponsorships, cause-marketing initiatives and other civic activities. Ward also will continue to lead Target’s volunteerism efforts.

"Laysha has successfully guided Target’s effort to positively impact communities around the world where we do business,” said Michael Francis, evp of marketing. “In her new position, Laysha will ensure Target’s continued leadership in community service and corporate philanthropy through our ongoing commitment to giving 5% of our income to communities where our guests and team members live and work.”

The U.S. Senate recently confirmed President Bush’s nomination of Ward to serve on the board of directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the nation’s largest grant maker for volunteering and service. In addition, Ward serves on the boards of the Executive Leadership Council, a national membership organization for African-American executives, and the Tiger Woods Learning Center in Southern California.