Power Profile: Byron Witherspoon, Ameren's Supplier Diversity director

For a strategy of supplier diversity to succeed, a strong culture for diversity is essential, according to Byron Witherspoon, director of Supplier Diversity & Supply Chain Sustainability.

Witherspoon's responsibilities include driving the leadership, planning, organizing, and execution of Ameren's commitment to supplier diversity. Witherspoon defines supplier diversity as an inclusive business strategy for Ameren to be intentional with procuring goods and services from companies owned, operated, and controlled by minority groups including women, veterans and LGBTQ individuals.

And the "why" is simple: “The customers and communities Ameren serves are diverse. We believe our supply chain should reflect the diversity of those we serve.”

“Our philosophy is to have excellent supplier diversity practices that create access, development and sustainability for diverse businesses and our strong partnerships with the supply chain and Ameren business segments lead to positive impact on our communities,” he said. “Through our commitment to doing business with diverse companies, we have nurtured job growth and increased economic activity in the region. The multiplier effect of our inclusive procurement practices lead to greater representation, employment and economic advancement for minority communities because employees of diverse businesses reinvest and spend their wages to purchase goods and services where they live."

"Executing a multifaceted business strategy has worked to increase Ameren’s supplier diversity spend over the last decade and strong senior leadership support is critical…..it is absolutely necessary for our success," says Witherspoon.

Witherspoon has witnessed the success of the program and the impact it has had on the community. He noted, the most rewarding aspect of his job is hearing the first-hand accounts of what it means for companies to work with Ameren and their ability to hire local people.

“It’s a big deal,” Witherspoon said. “It supports the 'why' behind supplier diversity. Our approach to Supplier Diversity has evolved from compliance-driven to values-driven. It is aligned with one of our core values, Stewardship….leaving it better."

Witherspoon said, "What I like about Ameren is that we are connected to the communities we serve and creating a culture where diverse suppliers can flourish is a socio-economic imperative for our region and it helps lead the way to a sustainable energy future."

Witherspoon has worked at Ameren for more than a decade. He has a Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Public Policy Administration degrees.