The Executive Leadership Council is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(6) corporation, founded in 1986 by 19 African-American corporate executives dedicated to a bold mission - to provide African-American executives of Fortune 500 companies with a network and leadership forum that adds perspective and direction to the achievement of excellence in business, economic and public policies for the African-American community, their corporations and the community at large.

The Council is a unique, individual membership organization representing the most senior African-American corporate executives in Fortune 500 companies. Membership consists of nearly 400 people, one-third of them women, representing more than 200 companies.

Initiatives and programs are developed by Council members and funded by The Executive Leadership Foundation, the 501 ( c) (3) affiliate of The Council, with support from members and their companies.