UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced the appointment of Nicole “Nikki” Clifton as President of Social Impact and The UPS Foundation, effective November 1, and the retirement of Eduardo “Ed” Martinez. Nikki will lead UPS’s global philanthropy, social impact and community engagement efforts as part of UPS’s new Corporate Affairs, Communications and Sustainability team.
“Nikki’s wealth of experience in the corporate, legal and non-profit sectors has prepared her to step into this vital role at a pivotal time for our organization,” said UPS chief corporate affairs officer Laura Lane. “Her integrity, vision and passion make her ideal to lead our corporate social responsibility initiatives as we navigate challenges and opportunities to help build safer, more resilient and inclusive communities around the world.”
Nikki previously served as Vice President, Public Affairs, and led UPS’s workforce policy, legislative advocacy and external affairs engagement with members of Congress and with states’ attorneys general. She has been instrumental in UPS’s response to human rights and social justice issues, including leading UPS’s anti-human trafficking awareness engagement. She also leads the UPS Equity, Justice and Action Task Force, a cross-functional leadership team working to dismantle systemic racism where UPS is best positioned to drive change.
Nikki began her UPS career in 2003 as Labor & Employment Counsel, advising on workforce issues in business units around the country. Prior to joining UPS, she practiced labor and employment law at Delta Air Lines and Alston & Bird LLP.
Nikki was appointed to the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking, serves on the Advisory Board for the CARE Global Network Leaders, and served as a Board Member for the National Black Child Development Institute, among other organizations. She earned her bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in communications from Howard University’s Annenberg Honors Program and her J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law.
Ed Martinez has had a distinguished 44-year career with UPS, most recently serving as UPS’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and President of The UPS Foundation, leading the operations and management of UPS’s global philanthropic, employee engagement and corporate relations programs for the past eight years.
“Ed is a tireless advocate who is passionate about addressing humanitarian crises and community challenges,” said Lane. “He established strong partnerships in the global public, private and civil sectors that have led to improvements in global sustainability, social and gender e, volunteerism, community safety and diversity, equity and inclusion. We are grateful for his stewardship and advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening our connection to communities around the world.”
