KeyBank Celebrates Eighth Perfect Score on HRC Equality Index; Wins Innovation in Diversity Award

CLEVELAND, Dec. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- KeyBank today announced its eighth annual perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) 2016 Corporate Equality Index (CEI).  The bank also announced it is one of the top ten companies recognized by Profiles in Diversity Journal's 12th Annual "International Innovation in Diversity Awards."

Corporate Equality Index: KeyBank received its eighth perfect score of 100 for satisfying all criteria on the Corporate Equality Index, a national survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT equality in the workplace. The 2016 CEI rated 1,024 businesses and then ranked 391 for earning top marks in LGBT-related policies and practices.  Practices include non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBT community. The ranking designates KeyBank as a "Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality."

"KeyBank is dedicated to honoring and fostering diversity and inclusion within our workforce and communities," said Poppie Parish, manager of Key's Diversity and Inclusion segment. "We recognize that diverse individuals bring with them unique backgrounds, experiences, and ideas, which make KeyBank stronger. Closely tied to diversity, the power of inclusion means all employees are valued and encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work each day. At Key, these tenants are woven into our corporate fabric and we work diligently and passionately to create an inclusive environment."

Innovation in Diversity: The "International Innovation in Diversity Awards" honors companies working to align diverse practices with business goals. KeyBank was recognized for its unique talent acquisition strategy, which is substantially increasing workforce diversity at the bank. The strategy was launched in earnest in March 2015, with strong partnership between Key's Human Resources and Diversity and Inclusion departments. Key's recruiting was improved with a focus on branding, sourcing, deepening internal and external relationships, and driving accountability. Thanks to the new strategy, Key's leaders are better able attract, engage and retain diverse candidates, and, specifically, Key is experiencing greater hiring and retention of military veterans, college graduates, minorities, and women. Other companies recognized as top innovators on the list included The Walt Disney Company, Chevron, Gibbons P.C. and Coca-Cola Enterprises.

"We've had a longstanding focus on recruiting diverse individuals, and, in 2015, we took a new approach," said Brian Fishel, director of Key's Talent Acquisition and Talent Management. "The Talent Acquisition team has significantly invested in branding, education and tools to attract and hire diverse talent. Our results demonstrate KeyBank's collective commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce," says Fishel.

About KeyCorpKeyCorp was organized more than 160 years ago and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. One of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, Key has assets of approximately $95.4 billion, as of Oct. 15, 2015. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management and investment services to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses under the name of KeyBank National Association. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

About Profiles in Diversity Journal Profiles in Diversity Journal is a quarterly magazine dedicated to promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion in the corporate, government, nonprofit, STEM, and higher education sectors. For nearly 18 years, Profiles in Diversity Journal has helped stimulate organizational change by showcasing the visionary leadership, innovative programs, and individual commitments to making it happen.

About Human Rights Campaign (HRC) The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. For more information on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

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SOURCE KeyCorp