WILMINGTON, Del., Aug. 02, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barry Williams, a member of the Navient Board of Directors, has been named to Savoy Magazine’s 2016 Power 300: 2016 Most Influential Black Corporate Directors. Williams was selected for his contributions to the financial services world and for embracing diversity on Navient’s board.

Seven of the company’s 12 directors today are women, representing an exceptional 58 percent of the company's board. Navient has the highest percentage of women on its board of any company listed on the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

“As a member of Navient’s board of directors, Barry Williams was involved in the process of expanding the diversity of experience, gender, ethnicity, industry and generation in the boardroom,” said William Diefenderfer, chairman of the board. “We thank him for his leadership in opening the doors to higher education and to help future leaders navigate the path to financial success.”

Williams is founder and president of Williams Pacific Ventures, a consulting and investment company. He serves on the boards of directors of PG&E Corp. and CH2M Hill Companies. He is a former board director for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. and Simpson Manufacturing Co. Williams was also previously a member of the Sallie Mae board of directors, and played an integral role in the creation of Navient.

Williams earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University. He also received a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees jointly from Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School. He lives in the San Francisco Bay area.

“Savoy continues to be at the forefront of comprehensive coverage of the professional success and achievements of African Americans,” said L.P. Green, II, CEO & Publisher of Savoy Magazine. “It is our duty to chronicle these inspiring executives, their distinguished careers and the corporations that demonstrate inclusive board composition in Savoy. We offer congratulations and appreciation to the directors recognized in Savoy’s Most Influential Black Corporate Directors edition for their inspiring leadership.”

Savoy Magazine showcases and drives positive dialogue on and about African American culture through its unique mix of photography, in-depth reporting, and social commentary on subjects ranging from entertainment, sports, business, politics, design and style.

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About Navient

As the nation's leading loan management, servicing and asset recovery company, Navient (Nasdaq:NAVI) helps customers navigate the path to financial success. Servicing more than $300 billion in student loans, the company supports the educational and economic achievements of more than 12 million Americans. A growing number of public and private sector clients rely on Navient for proven solutions to meet their financial goals. Learn more at navient.com.

About Savoy Magazine

Savoy Magazine is a national publication covering the Power, Substance and Style of African- American lifestyle. From entertainment to sports, business to politics, design to style, Savoy is a cultural catalyst that highlights timely topics and drives positive dialogue on and about Black culture. Savoy is published quarterly with a worldwide distribution via subscriptions and newsstands.