2027 World Citizen Award Dinner
Since 1990, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte has presented the World Citizen Award to prominent individuals and organizations that have enhanced our community’s standing in the world through their accomplishments of international significance and contributions to the city, this region, and the international community.
The Council is honored to present the 2027 World Citizen Award to Marvin Ellison, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lowe’s Companies.
Date: Thursday, March 11, 2027
VIP & General Receptions: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Dinner: 7:15 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: The Hilton Uptown Charlotte
Attire: Black Tie Optional
Additional details forthcoming.
Biography
Marvin Ellison is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lowe’s Companies, Inc., a FORTUNE® 100 home improvement company with more than 1,700 stores and approximately 300,000 associates. He has more than 35 years of retail leadership experience and holds the unique distinction of being the only African American to serve as Chairman and CEO of two Fortune 500 companies. Prior to joining Lowe’s, Marvin served as Chairman and CEO of J.C. Penney Co.
He has extensive experience in the home improvement industry, having spent 12 years in senior-level operations roles with The Home Depot. Most notably, he served as Executive Vice President of U.S. stores. Prior to Home Depot, Marvin spent 15 years at Target Corp. in a variety of operational and leadership roles.
Marvin earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from The University of Memphis, where he currently serves on the board of trustees, and an MBA from Emory University. He also serves on the board of directors for FedEx Corporation.
Marvin’s professional and civic leadership has earned him many accolades. Most notable are multiple appearances on Barron’s annual list of “Top CEOs”; inclusion on Fortune’s “Most Inspirational CEOs” and “World’s Greatest Leaders” lists; and being named “Father of the Year” by the National Father’s Day Council and one of Savoy’s “Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America.” In 2023, he received the National Retail Federation’s Visionary Award, and in 2024, he received the McGowan Fund Ethical Leader of the Year Award.
Marvin and his wife, Sharyn, are committed to being of service within their faith and community, primarily through the support of religious and philanthropic organizations that promote higher education, self-empowerment and excellence for minority youth.