James F. Kenefick to Co-Chair International Corporate Social Responsibility Network

Washington, D.C., area telecom and social entrepreneur James F. Kenefick was named co-chair of the newly-formed Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) Social Responsibility Network—a global community of CEOs dedicated to using their companies as a tool for social benefit.

He shares leadership responsibility with Network Chair Mark Van Ness, a YPO member based in Southern California. Together, with a small executive leadership committee, they will identify, sponsor and often create CSR education and peer-networking opportunities for over 160 CEOs who share this interest in building companies which operate sustainably and have a positive impact on the world at large.

According to Kenefick, the Network will primarily serve as a connector; “This group was launched from a grassroots effort within the organization. There were pockets of us who were seeking each other out at conferences, creating informal email groups and that sort of thing. I applaud the organizations willingness to put some structure around our interest area by providing technology support and staff time. With Network members from North America, Latin America, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East we’re going to get some interesting perspectives on the challenges, opportunities and nuances of CSR efforts.”

Formal Network structure includes monthly moderated phone/web conferences, an email group and discussion board allowing for idea exchange, and a collaborative online calendar of CSR related events happening around the world. Current Network sponsored education line-up includes a session with Timberland CEO Jeff Schwartz.

A key benefit of this new cohesive Network structure is that the group can act as an entity and build strategic alliances with other mission-related organizations—giving members access to new resources with which to accomplish their individual goals in their own companies.

Mr. Kenefick has developed his own approach to CSR over the past decade. As a CEO/operator in the high tech, nutrition and telecommunications industries he led three companies to significant revenue growth—taking them from US$0-15M, $0-30M and $0-70M, respectively. Five years ago he founded BetterWorld Telecom, the first nationwide full service telecommunications carrier focused on serving businesses that support social justice and sustainability. Their clients include icons of social responsibility like Patagonia Clothing Company, Green Mountain Coffee, the National Peace Corps, Green Peace, Omega Institute, Honest Tea, Seventh Generation and the Enterprise Foundation.

Mr. Kenefick also serves on the board of the Social Venture Network, an organization of socially-conscious business leaders throughout North America, and on the Advisory Board for Green@Work Magazine.

About Working Excellence Capital Partners:
WEX Capital Partners (www.wexcapitalpartners.com) is a boutique investment/private equity firm located in McLean, Virginia, in suburban Washington, D.C. Portfolio interests are early stage, expansion stage or distressed companies which fully integrate environmental or social sustainability practices into their business operations and/or product offerings.