About Cornell

Experienced leadership on corporate management, ethics, compliance and diversity

Cornell Boggs has worked for three decades as an in-house counsel, rising to the role of executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary. He is experienced in corporate management and oversight, including ethics and global compliance, enterprise risk management, executive coaching and succession plan development. His skillset spans a variety of industries, including food and beverage, manufacturing, technology and biotechnology.

At Quarles, he plays an integral role in helping to create diverse and inclusive teams to meet emerging client demands in this area. Leveraging his unique background and vantage point, he works with the firm’s attorneys in building teams and promoting collaboration to provide the best client experience and outcomes. He also works closely with the firm’s leadership and diverse lawyers to create pathways for success, improve their experience and increase diversity in the firm.

Cornell is chair of the board of directors at Thrivent Financial, a Fortune 500 diversified financial services company. Prior to joining Quarles, he served as general counsel for Toys "R" Us Inc., Dow Corning Corporation and the Coors Brewing Company. He was also the chief responsibility and ethics officer for MillerCoors (now Molson Coors Beverage Company), with early career leadership positions at other prominent Fortune 500 companies.

He was recognized as a “Legend in Law” by receiving the prestigious Burton Award from the Library of Congress and the American Bar Association, and Savoy Magazine named him among the “Most Influential Black Corporate Directors,” one of the “Most Influential Black Lawyers” and one of the “Top 100 Influential Blacks in Corporate America.”

Admitted in Indiana, Michigan and Missouri.

Professional Recognitions

  • Savoy Magazine "Most Influential Lawyers" (2024)
  • Library of Congress and the American Bar Association "Legend in the Law" (2017)
  • Savoy Magazine "Most Influential Black Lawyers" (2015, 2022)
  • Savoy Magazine "Most Influential Black Corporate Directors" (2015-2016, 2021)
  • Savoy Magazine "Top 100 Influential Blacks in Corporate America" (2014)
  • "Most Influential People in Valparaiso University's 150-year History" (2009)

Professional & Civic Activities

  • Executive Leadership Council, member
  • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, member
  • Valparaiso University, board member, vice chair of Audit Committee, member of Executive Committee (2004-present)
  • Thrivent Financial, chair, board of directors
  • International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution, former board member
  • American Bar Association, former member, Standards Review Committee for the Accreditation of U.S. Law Schools
  • Association of Corporate Counsel, former board member
  • Minority Corporate Counsel Association, former board member

News & Insights

Education

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