Local business leader wants to build community
BY ELLA NAYOR enayor@florida-weekly.com

COURTESY PHOTO Cole Peacock, left, director of corporate and governmental relations for Chico's FAS, Inc. and Phillip Haines, a fashion designer at Chico's help an elementary student paint a t-shirt at a recent Step up for Students event that aids low-income families.

Some people strive to make a big impact in their careers. Others push to better their communities.

Then there's Cole Peacock.

He wants to do both.

Peacock, 34, the director of corporate and governmental relations for Chico's FAS, Inc. believes good business and a strong community make a blissful marriage.

And if a track record that includes aiding people through the Red Cross after Hurricane Charley struck the area nearly three years ago and helping low-income students go to school is any indicator of success, Peacock could well be on his way to making his goal a reality.

After Hurricane Charley, Peacock along with his wife, mom and friends helped give out food to storm raved families.

"That (Hurricane Charley) personally made such an impact on me that the whole community came together," he said.

For starters, the young executive represents Chico's on about 14 different boards including the Red Cross and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Locally he has chaired the Cattlemen's Ball for the American Cancer Society as well as helped the Red Cross with disaster recovery after Hurricane Charley.

"I've been very privileged to have this position," he said.

Peacock has been employed at Chico's for five years.

He sees his corporate role as a conduit to helping Lee County - the place where he grew up and is now raising his three children..

His family history in the area along with Chico's community oriented values seems to only strengthen the commitment to building Lee County.

"We really would like to change the cultural tide," Peacock said. "We want to make Lee County a better place to be."

His colleagues are impressed with Peacock's zeal.

"He is someone not only committed to the business but Lee County as well," said Michael Smith, vice president of investor and community relations for Chico's. "For someone of his age, there's a lot of wisdom."

In the meantime Peacock, whose position at Chico's oversees government relations, charities and the business's corporate management team, works daily ensure the company's success.

Aside from leading local community events, working with charities such education support programs like Step Up For Students, Peacock networks with state and federal legislators helping Chico's keep abreast of new business related laws and more.

He pushes to keep on top of anything that can effect the 24-year-old thriving women's boutique business that includes, Chico's, Soma intimate Apparel and White House Black Market.

Currently the company who built its clothing empire on goodwill and community support owns and operates 710 women's specialty retail stores in 47 states.

And Peacock who received a business administration degree is still surprised at his current position.

"I never thought I would be in the clothing industry," he said. "I knew the concept of retail but never dreamed I would be working in it."

Before life at Chico's, Peacock spent some time fundraising for Hope Hospice and running political campaigns as well as being a political consultant.

But now working at the family and community values based clothing giant appeals to Peacock.

"We're growing and identifying customers every day," he said. "We think we're on the cultural edge. Were' moving ahead at light speeds."