Laysha Ward is an accomplished senior executive with more than 25 years of Fortune 50 leadership experience. In 2017, Ward was named Executive Vice President, Chief External Engagement Officer and is responsible for Target’s enterprise-wide activities to engage and deepen external relationships to drive positive business and community impact. She previously served as EVP, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, where she helped enhance Target’s reputation through philanthropy, cause marketing, volunteerism, ethical business practices, and stakeholder engagement. In 2008, she was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve on the board of directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the nation’s largest grantmaker for volunteering and service. She continued to serve on the board under the Obama administration, where she was board chair. Currently, Ward is a member of the Stanford Center for Longevity Advisory Council, The Executive Leadership Council, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and The Links, an international women's service organization. She also serves on the for-profit board of directors for Denny’s Corporation. Ward received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University and a master’s degree in social services administration with an emphasis in management and public policy from the University of Chicago. She and her husband, Bill, reside in Minneapolis, MN.