Marcel Bucsescu is vice president of Strategic Engagement at NACD, where he leads the organization's external engagement initiatives and Fortune 500 Board Leader Exchanges. Bucsescu is responsible for fostering collaboration, dialogue, and best-practice sharing among corporate directors, public policy leaders, heads of federal agencies, and business executives, driving forward NACD's mission to enhance corporate governance.

Since joining NACD, Bucsescu has spearheaded the NACD Directorship Certification^® program, ensuring that directors are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern governance. His leadership in this area has been instrumental in establishing NACD as a trusted authority in director education and certification.

Prior to his tenure at NACD, Bucsescu served as co-program director of The Conference Board's Chief Legal Officers Council for 12 years, where he facilitated critical discussions on legal and governance challenges facing corporate leaders. He also held the position of executive director at the Ira M. Millstein Center for Global Markets and Corporate Ownership at Columbia Law School, where he contributed to thought leadership on corporate governance and market dynamics.

With more than a decade of experience, his work has consistently addressed key issues such as board leadership, risk management, cybersecurity, and shareholder activism. His insights and expertise have made him a valuable resource for boards and C-suite executives seeking to navigate these complex areas.

Signature Topics

The Board’s Role in Shaping the Long-Term Value Agenda
For years, boardrooms have debated how to balance short-term pressures with long-term performance. Now, institutional investors are rewriting the rules by pushing companies to deliver sustained value—and they’re watching how boards respond. From capital allocation and governance to human capital and sustainability, directors are expected to demonstrate not only oversight but also foresight. Marcel Bucsescu’s experience will help boards lead in shaping their company’s value agenda.

Cybersecurity Leadership Starts in the Boardroom
Cyber and data risks are no longer confined to IT and compliance—they’re strategic issues that sit squarely on the board’s agenda. Marcel Bucsescu brings his deep experience with boards and federal law enforcement agencies to discuss how these risks can unlock innovation or undermine trust in a matter of moments. He’ll share how, to keep pace, boards must deepen their understanding of the broader threat landscape by engaging with external stakeholders, regulators, and security leaders. This deeper view is critical to navigating a fast-moving risk environment—one that demands agility, sound judgment, and the ability to lead.

Snapshot: Past Speaking Engagements

Equilar Board Leadership Summit 2025, “4 Months In: What to Expect from the New Administration”

Industry experts and policy analysts discussed key regulatory shifts, legislative priorities, and how boardrooms can prepare for new challenges and opportunities under the evolving political landscape.

American Bankers Association 2024 Conference for Community Bankers – “Tap into Cybersecurity, Technology, and Beyond”

Marcel Bucsescu and panelists explored how boards and management are proactively addressing cybersecurity and technology together, allocating additional responsibilities, and how boards work with management on the opportunities and risks.

Responsible Investor USA Conference 2024 – “Governance Risk: Board Competence and Capabilities”

Panelists discussed how investors are approaching governance risk, governance failures’ impact on investor confidence and company valuation, the emerging standards for governance transparency and reporting, and how companies can improve their disclosure practices to build trust with investors.

Directors & Boards Character of the Corporation 2024 – “When Is the Right Time to Leave a Board?”

Marcel Bucsescu led a discussion on how directors can know when it is the right time to step down from a board. Panelists shared perspectives on the circumstances and reasons why a director might leave a board and the best way to go about it.