When it came to major issues, "the Board and the executive have always worked together."

The executives work at the university during the summer to plan for the following year.

The four other top executives also worked for the companies during that time.

And the top executives, who are generally in their late 50's, have worked together for about 25 years.

In such a company, the chief executive generally works more than 90 hours a week and has no time for the golf course.

All three executives worked in the student loan industry during the 1990s.

Or call after 5, when the gatekeeper has gone home and the executive is still working.

The executive, in disguise, works with their staff who believe they are simply training a new recruit.

Most important, she said, a chief executive must be truly working for the benefit of shareholders.

Now, encouraged by the campaign's results, top executives of these companies are working to hold this coalition together.