DOWNERS GROVE -- The ServiceMaster Company (NYSE:SVM) announced today that the Board of Directors elected Coleman H. Peterson at its April meeting.
"I am extremely pleased to welcome Coleman to our Board of Directors," says Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Ward. "His extensive knowledge of large, geographically dispersed operations, combined with his experience in managing the greatest asset of any organization--its people--directly aligns with our Board and our values."
Coleman H. Peterson, who will begin serving on the board in July, served as Executive Vice President of People at Wal-Mart Stores Inc, one of the largest private workforces world-wide. He was responsible for the recruitment, retention and development of Wal-Mart's retail organization that continues its global growth in countries including Mexico, Canada, the U.K., Asia and South America. Prior to joining Wal-Mart, Coleman spent 16 years with Venture Store of St. Louis, with his last role being the Senior Vice President of Human Resources.
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Mr. Peterson grew up in Chicago. He graduated from Loyola University of Chicago with a master's degree in science and industrial relations. He also serves on the Board of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Advisory Board of the University of Florida Retail Institute, President's Advisory Board of Florida A&M University, Board Director at Northwest Arkansas Community College, and Board Director of National Academy of Human Resources. He is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi and Sigma Pi Phi fraternities and also a member of the National Council of La Raza.
Mr. Peterson received the highest recognition within the human resource industry when he was inducted as a Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources. He is a past recipient of the Society of Human Resource Management's highest recognition: The Award for Professional Excellence. He recently received the National Conference of Community Justice's Humanitarian Award.
ServiceMaster currently provides outsourcing services for more than 10.5 million residential and commercial customers. As America's Service Brands for Home and Business, the core service capabilities of the Company include lawn care and landscape maintenance, termite and pest control, plumbing, heating and air conditioning services, cleaning, furniture repair and home warranty.
These services are provided through a network of over 5,400 company-owned and franchised service centers and business units operating under leading brands which include Terminix, TruGreen ChemLawn, TruGreen LandCare, American Residential Services, Rescue Rooter, American Mechanical Services, ServiceMaster Clean, American Home Shield, AmeriSpec, Merry Maids and Furniture Medic.