NACD CEO Peter Gleason Message to Members: Gratitude and the Year Ahead

As 2024 draws to a close, I want to thank you for your continued commitment to excellence in governance and for being part of the NACD community.

The holidays are a season of reflection, and in looking back over the year, I would like to underscore something I expressed at NACD Directors Summit™ in October: it is my sincere belief that we are standing at a pivotal time in history, with the rapid adoption of AI, unprecedented innovation, social and political change around the globe and much more. I believe that today offers us a chance to truly own our leadership and to guide our organizations toward a better tomorrow.

Decades ago, Nobel Peace Prize winner Arthur Henderson astutely noted: “Whatever we do or fail to do will influence the course of history.” That remains true today, and it has significant implications for our work as well.

Your impact as directors

As a corporate director, you have the distinct opportunity and obligation to make a meaningful impact for the better. But you are not alone in this responsibility — NACD walks beside you, offering steady support with many resources and an extensive community of peers.

An important part of that is our commitment to expanding your capacity for success through unique initiatives. We provide insights through our Blue Ribbon Commission reports—this year on the promise of technology and data-driven innovation. By bringing luminary speakers to NACD’s Directors Summit, we hope to support your own thought leadership and spark ideas. And, we support your professional growth through our NACD Directorship Certification^® program.

As directors, you guide your companies toward resilience and long-term success, shaping strategies and priorities that impact stakeholders, the economy, and your organization's future.

As a nonpartisan organization, NACD equips you with the trusted resources, independent research, and leading practice standards that enable you to make informed decisions in the best interest of your companies. Our impartial approach ensures that you have access to insights and tools that transcend trends, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: enhancing governance effectiveness and driving business value.

Looking ahead to 2025, NACD will continue to help you build resilience, leverage innovation, and chart the right course for your organizations as landscapes shift and ecosystems evolve. You can count on us to provide the tools, events, and insights needed to govern at the speed of business and enhance board effectiveness. This includes exclusive, director-to-director learning experiences, independent research and critical thought leadership that delve into the most pressing business and governance challenges.

Closing end-of-year thoughts

Before we head into the holidays, I would like to recognize Michael Daniels and Maggie Wilderotter, this year’s recipients of the NACD B. Kenneth West Lifetime Achievement Award, for their remarkable dedication to improving corporate governance practices throughout their distinguished board careers. We honored them and other leading corporate directors and governance leaders last night at the annual NACD Directorship 100^™ Awards Gala. Please join me in thanking this year’s honorees for their profound contributions to boardroom practices and performance.

Importantly, on behalf of the NACD staff and community, I want to express much gratitude to NACD board member Nick Donofrio. Having reached our mandatory term limits, Nick is stepping down from the NACD Board of Directors after nine years of service. From Blue Ribbon Commissions to serving as “Technology Explainer in Chief,” Nick has been a pillar of the NACD community. Please join me in thanking Nick for his many years of steadfast commitment. 

Undoubtedly, history is in the making, and you are at the helm. I have every confidence that you will continue to honor the ever-challenging role of director. And together, we can shape the future of board leadership and help companies make better decisions that drive meaningful impact in the world.

On behalf of NACD, we look forward to leading together with you in our shared vision for a better future for all.

I would like to wish you a wonderful holiday season and a very joyous, uplifting 2025.

Please pass along my best wishes and this letter to others within the NACD community and to those who have an interest in advancing the caliber of corporate governance.