July 16, 2012 - For the sixth consecutive year, TIAA-CREF is featured as one of the "40 Best Companies for Diversity in the July 2012 issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine.

The BLACK ENTERPRISE survey measured more than 1,000 of the nation's leading companies in four key categories: Employee Base, Senior Management, Board of Directors, and Supplier Diversity. The survey focused on activities related to the participation of African Americans and members of other ethnic minority groups.

The companies chosen for this year's honors are recognized for valuing supplier diversity and demonstrating their commitment by expanding contracting opportunities and development programs with minority vendors. TIAA-CREF is a proud member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).

"Our future marketplace will be more diverse and will require us to meet a broad range of client expectations and needs, says Jerome Miller, SMD, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer. "One of our biggest priorities is leveraging the company's purchasing power to create stronger relationships with minority and women-owned businesses while meeting the needs of the business for products and services.

TIAA-CREF was specifically commended for its high marks in two areas: Employee Base, which looks at the percentage of African Americans and members of other ethnic minority groups represented in the company's total workforce; and Senior Management, which looks at the percentage of senior management positions held by African Americans and members of other ethnic groups.

"Diversity is a vital part of our company's business strategy, both internally and externally, says Gene Flood, EVP, President of Diversified Financial Services. "We are continuously looking for ways to foster a diverse environment and being recognized for the sixth year in a row reinforces that we are on the right track.