Leading From the Boardroom: The Diversity Imperative

Description

A two-day educational program for current and aspiring directors, and organizations interested in:

• The latest data on diversity, equity and inclusion and board decision-making
• How to prepare for service on a for-profit board
• Advancing skills as a sitting director
• A deep dive into strategic priorities for corporations and implications for corporate governance

The program is presented by the Research Triangle Chapter of NACD, in partnership with OnBoardNC and the Director Diversity Initiative of the UNC School of Law.

Day One: Focus on the Diverse Board Candidate

Session 1: What Companies are Seeking in their Board Directors

Session Description: This discussion, designed for both experienced and aspiring directors, will provide an overview of director duties, a look at emerging and other desired skill sets and attributes of candidates, and tips for crafting an effective board bio.

Speakers:

• Moderator: Natalie Cooper, Senior Manager, Deloitte Center for Board Effectiveness
• Audrey Hitchings, Managing Director, Board Opportunities Program, Deloitte

Session Two: The Diverse Board Candidate – The Next Dimension

Session Description: This session will provide a look inside the decision-making process as candidates are evaluated for their potential contributions for board service, including a discussion of how first-time directors stack up against the competition. Join us for a candid conversation with the head of corporate board of engagement of Goldman Sachs and a highly experienced corporate community affairs executive as they discuss board recruitment of candidates and offer useful information for those seeking a role in corporate governance.

Speakers:

• Moderator: Deana Labriola, Partner, Fox Rothschild
• Richard “Stick” Williams, Vice President of Corporate Community Affairs, Duke Energy Corporation and President, The Duke Energy Foundation, Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated Board of Directors
• Ilana Wolfe, Head of Corporate Board Engagement, Goldman Sachs   

Session 3:  Preparing for Board Service

Session Description: We conclude the first day with a session on practical advice for aspiring directors who are seeking opportunities to present themselves as desirable candidates. NACD and our partners, OnBoardNC and the DDI of UNC Law School, offer expertise, answer questions, and provide a shared resource guide. 

Speakers:

• Moderator:  Jewell Hoover, Director, Fifth Third Bank
• Emma Battle, Independent Director, Bassett Furniture Industries
• Lissa Broome, Professor and Director, UNC School of Law Center for Banking and Finance
• Kathleen Hajek, Managing Director, Stanton Chase: Executive Search Consultants 

Optional Networking (11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.)

This is your chance to meet your fellow participants and make new connections.  Following the conclusion of the program, we will offer break-out groups of 3-5 people to encourage conversation between sitting directors and aspiring directors.

Day Two: Focus on Key Topics Critical to the Corporation

Session 1: Human Capital Management

Session Description: Corporations are made up of people, so understanding the dynamics of human interaction is essential for top board performance. This session is designed for organizations and their sitting directors seeking to broaden their knowledge of workplace issues, improve their skills for eliciting useful information from a diverse set of stakeholders, and use these tools to support senior management in creating a welcoming, productive work environment.

Speakers:

• Moderator: Suzanne Miglucci, Principal, Miglucci on Marketing and Director, OnBoardNC
• Byron Loflin, CEO, NASDAQ Center for Board Excellence
• Natalie Rothman, EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer, Advance Auto Parts
• Donald Thompson, CEO, The Diversity Movement 

Session 2: Balancing the Racial Justice Movement and your Brand Reputation

Session Description: Diversity, equity and inclusion increasingly apply not only to a company’s internal operations, but also to its interaction with the broader public, especially around the hot-button issues of race and social justice. This session will cover board best practices for embracing racial diversity in an organization and how to navigate potential risk factors, including stakeholder engagement. Recent case studies will provide real-life examples of how companies are backing up their words with action.

Speakers:

• Moderator: Kim Bullock Gatling, Chief Diversity Officer, Fox Rothschild
• Janet Cowell, President & CEO, Dix Park Conservancy; former NC State Treasurer; Director, ChannelAdvisor and James River Insurance Company
• Jerusha Stewart, Executive Director, Take Your Seat
• Michelle Witherspoon, Chief of Security and Trust Operations, People and Culture, Cisco

Session 3: Risk Management

Session Description: We conclude our program with an up-to-date overview of risk management consideration for boards. This practical session is designed for organizations, as well as sitting and aspiring directors, and places diversity, equity and inclusion among a range of subjects that will influence strategic decision-making in 2021 as the world begins to emerge from the pandemic. The takeaway will be a deeper understanding of the key concerns companies need to address today.

Speakers:

• Chris Bell, Partner, Deloitte
• Theresa Drew, former Managing Partner for Carolinas Practice, Deloitte; Director, Sonoco Products Company, The Cato Corporation
• Linda Harty, Director, Parker Hannifin, Wabtec Corporation, Syneos Health
• Jennifer Venable, Vice President and General Counsel, Capitol Broadcasting; Director, Fathom Realty