91�ֿ�

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (March 10, 2021) — 91�ֿ�, the leading independent child rights organization, announced today the election of six new members to its Board of Trustees.

“We are incredibly excited for such an esteemed group of individuals to join an already stellar board,” said Janti Soeripto, president and CEO of 91�ֿ�. “These new trustees will add a diversity of perspectives and expertise guaranteed to help 91�ֿ� continue moving forward in our mission to ensure every child gets the future they deserve.”

Corinne Basler 
Corinne Basler is board chair of the Perkins School for the Blind, where she works to amplify the school’s efforts to touch the life of every blind child around the globe. She has worked as a marketer, advertising executive and advisor to several startups and nonprofits, including Boston Children’s Hospital, Cradles to Crayons and Lovelane. Basler has been dedicated to helping charities uplift the children they serve for more than 25 years. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and a 2021 Fellow with Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative.

Ernie Herrman
Ernie Herrman is chief executive officer and president of The TJX Companies, Inc. He began his TJX career in 1989 as a buyer and held a series of senior merchandising positions of increasing responsibility and leadership over the past three decades. Herrman has a deep understanding of merchandising, management, leadership development, business strategy, international operations, marketing, real estate, buying and distribution. He has served as a director of TJX since 2015 and previously served on 91�ֿ�’s Board from 2014 to 2020. He is a graduate of Boston College.

Erika James
Erika James is dean of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. An award-winning educator, researcher and trained organizational psychologist, James is a leading expert on crisis leadership, workplace diversity and management strategy. She is the first woman and first person of color to be appointed dean in Wharton’s 139-year history. Previously, James was the John H. Harland Dean at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. She also serves on the boards of SurveyMonkey and the Graduate Management Admissions Council. James holds a Ph.D. and Master’s degree in organizational psychology from the University of Michigan, as well as a Bachelor’s degree from Pomona College.

Dave Sewell
Dave Sewell is a Partner at Ernst & Young (EY). Prior to taking on this role in 2012, Sewell served as senior managing resident for E&Y’s National Professional Practice in New York. In 2015, Sewell was inducted into the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, a civic and service group aimed at mentoring and empowering African-Americans, and improving the quality of life for minorities. He currently serves on the board chair for Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School. Sewell was the first in his family to go to college, earning his bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Clark Atlanta University.

Iris Smith
Iris Smith is a Tony award-winning producer, involved in creating and developing both Broadway theater productions and films. Select credits include the ten-time Tony award-winner The Band’s Visit and Netflix documentary  “Kiss the Ground,” which explores the impact of soil regeneration on our planet's climate. Smith is also well-known for her philanthropic efforts, having supported foundations including National Jewish Health, Race to Erase MS and The Children’s Diabetes Foundation. An enthusiastic supporter of the arts, Smith proudly serves on the board of The Kennedy Center’s National Committee for the Performing Arts.

Judy Smith
Judy Smith is founder and CEO of Smith & Company, a strategic advisory firm considered to be one of the top communications and crisis firms in the world. For more than 25 years, Smith has counseled presidents and world leaders through global crises, advised Fortune 50 CEOs through complex challenges, and helped manage the reputations of some of the world’s highest-profile individuals, businesses, organizations and associations. Prior to founding her firm, Smith was a federal prosecutor and served as deputy press secretary to President George H. W. Bush. Her groundbreaking career inspired the hit TV series “Scandal.”

For 100 years, 91�ֿ� has been giving children everywhere a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Our Board of Trustees is comprised of a committed group of 34 individuals who are dedicated to creating.