On Tuesday, December 6th 2011, Concern Worldwide US honored Robert F. Arning, Vice Chair-Marketing Development with KPMG LLP at the 15th annual Seeds
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Robert F. Arning delivering his acceptance speech at the 2011 Seeds of Hope award event. |
of Hope Award Dinner in New York City. Past recipients of Concern’s Seeds of Hope Award include Nobel Prize–winner Elie Wiesel, former Intel Corporation Chairman Craig Barrett, and former ABC
World News Tonight anchor Peter Jennings.
Concern recognized Mr. Arning not only for his reputation as an enthusiastic, visible leader with strong relationship-building capabilities, but also for his invaluable support of Concern's global fight against extreme poverty and for his commitment to improving the lives of the world's poorest people.
The Concern Worldwide US Seeds of Hope Award celebrates and recognizes the best and brightest business leaders, innovators and influencers who have also distinguished themselves through their dedicated support of philanthropic causes and humanitarian work. The event also raises awareness and vital funds to support Concern's emergency and long-term development programs in 25 of the world's poorest countries.
“Mr. Arning has shown unwavering dedication to the world’s most vulnerable,” said Siobhán Walsh, Executive Director of Concern Worldwide US. “Because of his continued support, we have been able to reach thousands of people living in extreme poverty and make a profound and lasting impact on their lives.”
A native of New York City, Mr. Arning joined KPMG in 1983 as an intern in the Long Island, New York office. Since then, he has spent the majority of his career serving multinational financial services organizations and, from 2003 onward, has held leadership responsibilities for the Northeast Area Audit practice and the New York office. Today, while continuing in his role as New York Office Managing Partner, Rob is leading a new and critical initiative for the firm, serving as Vice Chair-Market Strategy. Mr. Arning is responsible for driving cross-functional quality growth in KPMG's largest markets, with an emphasis on Global Fortune 1000, strategic mid-market and private equity firms. In this position, he also oversees KPMG's 14 industry sectors and its Marketing Group. He is a member of KPMG LLP's US Management Committee.
Mr. Arning's professional achievements are matched by his long-standing support of Concern and his commitment to a number of community and charitable organizations including: PENCIL, New York Says Thank You, Chaminade H.S. Parents Board, CONCERN, Citizens Committee for NYC, and City Harvest. He is also very involved with Carnegie Hall, the Association for a Better New York, the American Cancer Society and several universities such as Long Island University and Loyola University.
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Tom Arnold, Chief Executive, Concern Worldwide US; Robert F. Arning, 2011 Concern Seeds of Hope honoree and Vice Chair-Marketing Development with KPMG LLP; Tom Moran, Chairman, Concern Worldwide US and Chairman, President & CEO of Mutual of America |
"Rob is being honored for his extraordinary leadership skills and for his wonderful sense of caring,” Tom Moran, Chairman of Concern Worldwide US, told the dinner attendees. “He and KPMG can often be seen helping those in need in this country and around the world. Together Rob and KPMG make a real difference in the world. He truly represents the Seeds of Hope.”
At the sold-out event, Mr. Arning delivered a heartfelt and motivating call to action to the guests, enjoining them to "take the time tomorrow to send an email about Concern and its mission to just one friend." In so doing, said Mr. Arning, we have the power to make a difference and allow Concern to reach more people. "I'm asking each of you," Arning said, "to add Concern to your personal marquee—to put Concern's name in lights. Each of us can can help Concern bring light to the lives of those in huge need." Arning told the guests that in his view, they were "all heroes," and that by attending the Concern event, they had helped provide clean, safe water; food; shelter; health care; education; and greater social and economic opportunities to millions of people enduring extreme poverty.
In honour of Rob Arning’s leadership in the fight against poverty, KPMG International extended an invitation to Concern Worldwide to join its global disaster relief network.
Concern was honored by this invitation and by KPMG's generosity.
Concern Worldwide US Chairman Tom Moran presented Mr. Arning with his award. Concern US Chief Executive Tom Arnold joined Chairman Moran in acknowledging the exceptional commitment of KPMG and Mr. Arning to humanitarian causes and his efforts to champion Concern's mission.