Business Roundtable has named Richard L. Keyser, chairman and CEO of W.W. Grainger Inc., chairman of its Partnership for Disaster Response Task Force. Keyser will lead this consortium of CEOs from prominent U.S. companies who are focusing on how the business community can most effectively contribute to national disaster preparedness and response efforts.

The task force will identify opportunities for the private sector to strengthen preparedness for disasters, expand partnerships with nonprofit relief organizations, and foster communication among businesses and the federal government.

Keyser was recognized by the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago in 2006 for his leadership of corporate volunteerism and was recently selected by the American Red Cross to receive its Heritage of Service Award for Community Excellence in bringing the Ready When the Time Comes volunteer program to national prominence.

Partnership for Disaster Response was first activated immediately following Hurricane Katrina. For more information: Visit www.businessroundtable.org.