ATLANTA Making Life’s Everyday Moments More Enjoyable An Interview with Helen Smith Price, Vice President, Global Community Affairs, The Coca-Cola Company and President, The Coca-Cola Foundation EDITORS’ NOTE Helen Smith Price The Coca-Cola Foundation was The world’s fi rst glass of Coca-Cola was poured is a 25-year veteran of The Coca-Cola established in the U.S. in 1984 as a reg- at “Jacob’s Pharmacy” on Marietta Street in 1886. Company and has served as executive istered 501(c)(3) charitable organization Ever since that day, Coca-Cola has been proud to director of The Coca-Cola Foundation that has since given back more than $1 bil- contribute to our hometown’s growth and success. since 2001. In that role, she leads the lion to enhance the sustainability of local Coca-Cola’s culture of giving back has been con- global strategy, governance and reg- communities worldwide. Since its incep- tinuously reinforced over the past century by former ulatory compliance for domestic tion, the Foundation has supported learn- Coca-Cola leaders like Asa Candler, Robert Woodruff and international philanthropy. The ing inside and outside the classroom. In and Roberto Goizueta, who are known for their Foundation gave back $89.3 million 2007, the Foundation broadened its sup- important roles in developing Atlanta real estate, in 2018 to enhance the environment, port to include global water stewardship helping to advance civil rights issues, and making empower women and enrich the well- programs, fi tness and nutrition efforts and signifi cant charitable contributions to city hallmarks being of people and communities. Prior community recycling programs. Today, its like Emory University, the Atlanta History Center and to joining Coca-Cola, Price held roles Helen Smith Price strategies align with the Company’s sus- the Woodruff Arts Center. in audit, tax, accounting research and tainability platform and include women’s This tradition of giving back continues today fi nancial management at BellSouth Corporation. empowerment and entrepreneurship. through our partnerships with local organizations She began her professional career as an auditor that work to strengthen the city and support its resi- and tax accountant with Arthur Anderson & Co. Will you discuss Coca-Cola’s purpose and how dents, like the Atlanta Police Foundation and the She was licensed as a certifi ed public accountant deeply engrained purpose is within the culture Westside Future Fund, among many others. in the state of Georgia and earned a Bachelor of of the company? Will you highlight the company’s philan- Science degree in Chemistry from Spelman College The Coca-Cola Company’s purpose starts thropic involvement in the city? and a Master of Business Administration degree with bringing people the brands and beverages Much of the company’s philanthropic commit- from Clark Atlanta University. Price currently that make life’s everyday moments more enjoy- ment is expressed through fi nancial support it gives serves on the board of Coca-Cola Bottling Company able. That purpose is underpinned by our belief to The Coca-Cola Foundation which, in turn, distrib- UNITED, Spelman College Board of Trustees, the in doing business the right way – not just the easy utes that money in charitable grants within certain board of Councilors of The Carter Center, and a way – so we can create shared opportunity for our giving priorities including education, the economic number of community boards, including Children’s communities, our customers, our associates and empowerment of women, and sustainability. Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, the Woodruff our shareholders. Since The Coca-Cola Foundation’s incep- Arts Center’s Alliance Theatre, the Westside Future Coca-Cola is not only a global company, it is tion 30 years ago, more than $174 million has Fund, and the Corporate Contributions Council also a network of locally-owned businesses with been extended in charitable grants in Atlanta. The of The Conference Board. She is also a member of operations in more than 200 countries. Our com- Foundation has worked with nearly 400 organi- the Rotary Club of Atlanta, Azalea City Chapter of pany’s vast system of bottling partners creates deep, zations in Atlanta, including the Atlanta Police the Links Incorporated, and the Atlanta Alumnae local relationships that make a meaningful difference Foundation, the Westside Future Fund, the Atlanta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in communities everywhere. Women’s Foundation, the Atlanta Community Food Ultimately, we know our success depends on Bank, Special Olympics Georgia, and many others. COMPANY BRIEF The Coca-Cola Company (coca- the success of every community we touch, which is How critical is a strong public/private cola.com) is a total beverage company, offering over why we are committed to following our values and partnership in Atlanta? 500 brands in more than 200 countries and territo- working toward solutions that benefi t us all. Strong public/private partnerships are critically ries. In addition to the company’s Coca-Cola brands, What do you see as Coca-Cola’s responsi- important to the city’s success. No one leader or its portfolio includes some of the world’s most valu- bility to the communities it serves? organization can create sustainable change alone, able beverage brands, such as AdeS soy-based bev- Responding to community needs has always and we are proud to work with a wide range of part- erages, Ayataka green tea, Dasani waters, Del Valle been part of our DNA. We do this through The Coca- ners to help make Atlanta a stronger, safer, cleaner juices and nectars, Fanta, Georgia coffee, Gold Peak Cola Foundation, the independent philanthropic and more prosperous city for all. teas and coffees, Honest Tea, Innocent smoothies and arm of The Coca-Cola Company, as well as through Coca-Cola places diversity and inclusion juices, Minute Maid juices, Powerade sports drinks, contributions and volunteerism from our company’s as a key value of the company. How critical Simply juices, smartwater, Sprite, vitaminwater and local business units and bottling partners. is building a diverse and inclusive workforce ZICO coconut water. The Coca-Cola Company is Around the world, The Coca-Cola Foundation to the continued success and leadership of constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing supports organizations that change lives and Coca-Cola? sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new prod- strengthen communities by helping to create educa- As both a global and local business, diversity ucts to market. The company also works to reduce tional opportunities, economically empower and inclusion are at the heart of The Coca-Cola its environmental impact by replenishing water and women, restore local watersheds, improve recycling, Company’s values and are integral to our success. promoting recycling. With its bottling partners, The provide supplies to victims of natural and manmade For us, creating a diverse and inclusive workforce is Coca-Cola Company employs more than 700,000 disasters, and so much more. not only the right thing to do – it is a strategic priority people, helping bring economic opportunity to local Coca-Cola has a long and storied history in that fosters greater creativity, innovation and connec- communities worldwide. Atlanta. Will you discuss this relationship? tion to the communities we serve.• VOLUME 42, NUMBER 2 POSTED WITH PERMISSION. COPYRIGHT © 2019 LEADERS MAGAZINE, INC. LEADERS 93.