Some alumni volunteer occasionally. Others, like Joel Friedman, make it a defining part of their post-graduation life, dedicating more than 50 years to serving their Stanford GSB community.
Joel’s distinguished career in technology and venture capital gave him valuable experience to share. As president of Accenture’s Business Processing Outsourcing segment, he helped build the company’s strategy consulting practice from the ground up. He served on their board of directors for four years before retiring in 2005, participating on the Executive Committee and Global Leadership Council. He has served on several corporate boards and currently sits on the board of Cloudstore.
Even before retirement, Joel was channeling his corporate development and strategic consulting experience into giving back to Stanford GSB. What started as volunteering shortly after earning his MBA in 1971 evolved into a lifelong commitment spanning generations of students and alumni.
Joel’s dedication becomes clear through decades of recognition. In 1994, after more than 20 years of service, he received the Stanford Associates Governors’ Award, which honors alumni with at least 10 years of volunteer service. In 2006, he served on Stanford GSB’s Dean’s Advisory Council and the Curriculum Oversight Committee. He currently serves on the advisory board for the Stanford Institute of Economic Policy Research.
Joel’s service extends beyond the GSB. He has supported the disability community as a board member for AbilityPath, a nonprofit that empowers children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. His leadership there has helped shape inclusive programming, strategic partnerships, and programs that promote independence and quality of life.
His decades-long commitment was recognized in 2011 with the John W. Gardner Volunteer Leadership Award by the Stanford GSB Alumni Association — honoring his 40 years of volunteer service mentoring generations of students, serving on the Dean’s Advisory Council, and participating as both class agent and reunion chair. As Ian Baird, MBA ’71, puts it, “Joel has been a class leader for all of his classmates since the time he graduated.”
