Kauffman Foundation Trustees Shine Among Nation’s Top Directors in NACD Directorship 100 Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kauffman Foundation Trustees Shine Among Nation’s Top Directors in NACD Directorship 100 Awards

Kansas City, MO — [October 21, 2025] — The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Heartland Chapter proudly celebrates two of its distinguished members, Karen Daniel and Esther L. George, for being named to the 2025 NACD Directorship 100™, a national honor recognizing the most influential leaders in corporate governance.

Both Karen and Esther exemplify excellence in board leadership and community impact. Among their many achievements, they serve together on the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Board of Trustees, where they help guide the Foundation’s mission to foster entrepreneurship and improve education. Their thoughtful governance and commitment to innovation continue to advance the Foundation’s enduring legacy of empowering individuals and communities.

The NACD Directorship 100™ Awards honor directors and governance leaders who demonstrate outstanding integrity, courage, and visionary leadership in the boardroom. This year’s honorees represent the best of corporate stewardship, setting the standard for effective, responsible governance.

“Karen Daniel and Esther George embody the values at the heart of NACD—leadership, accountability, and purpose-driven governance,” said Christine Pierson, Chair of the NACD Heartland Chapter. “Their recognition on the NACD D100 list is a reflection of their extraordinary contributions to both business and the community.”

Please join NACD Heartland in congratulating Karen Daniel and Esther L. George—and all of the 2025 NACD Directorship 100™ award recipients—for their exceptional leadership and impact in the boardroom and beyond.

About NACD Heartland Chapter

The NACD Heartland Chapter serves directors and governance leaders in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Oklahoma, fostering excellence in board leadership through education, connection, and collaboration. As part of the National Association of Corporate Directors, the Heartland Chapter supports directors in driving sustainable performance and principled governance.