Rosalind “Roz” Brewer is stepping into a new role.
Brewer is the former chief operating officer of Starbucks and CEO of Sam’s Club. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Brewer had also served as the previous CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance. She assumed the position in 2021, making history as the only Black woman in the S&P 500 to hold a C-suite title. In addition, she was the third Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company.
After three years, Brewer stepped down from the role in 2023, AFROTECH™ also reported. Today, she continues to serve on the boards of United Airlines, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Black Economic Alliance.
Now, Brewer will step in as the interim president of Spelman College, her alma mater, according to ABC News. Brewer maintained a longstanding connection and involvement with the school, having served 12 years on its board prior to her new role.
Brewer’s appointment follows Dr. Helene D. Gayle’s personal leave of absence, “effective immediately,” the outlet reports. Gayle initially assumed the role of president at the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in 2022, succeeding Mary Schmidt Campbell.
“We can assure you that Spelman will continue to operate seamlessly moving forward in the spirit of our core values of care, commitment, integrity, reliability, and trust,” the school stated, as reported by ABC News.
“Through this transition, my focus is on guiding Spelman forward by supporting leadership, maintaining stability and ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our students,” Brewer explained in a message to the board of trustees, according to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. “We’ll build on our strengths while embracing change as we chart the best path for Spelman’s future. It’s a privilege to give back to the institution that has given me so much, even as I continue to grow in my own career journey.”
