Cordell was recently appointed Senior Vice President, of Global R&D Operations, Corporate Research & Development, at 3M Company Headquartered in St. Paul, MN. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, this role provides a range of critical capabilities required within 3M’s corporate technical organization. Examples include hiring/HR processes, crisis management (COVID-19 workplace risk mitigation, for example), analytical laboratories, digital media technical support, and product stewardship. Cordell has a B.S. and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Florida A&M and the University of Minnesota, respectively. After joining 3M, Cordell worked in the Consumer Business Group, first as a product developer for consumer adhesives and tapes, then in various management roles within Stationery Products and Home Care laboratories. He then joined the Safety & Graphics Business Group in 2012, taking on a number of managerial assignments prior to his current role.
Cordell is an active community advocate and serves on the Board of Directors of Minnesota Community Care, a large health clinic providing cost-effective care to underserved populations, as well as the Board of the 3M Foundation. He and his wife, Amelia, have four children.