Strengthening Board Leadership in 2026 and Beyond: A Message from NACD's President & CEO

As we head into the holiday season, I want to thank you for your commitment to board leadership, which has been especially important in a year that placed even greater demands on you.  

Over the last 12 months, directors have faced significant challenges as business, economic, and geopolitical currents continue to shift. But as I emphasized at NACD Directors Summit^™ this October, I have every confidence in this community and in your ability to effectively lead us forward. I’m certain that you will guide us to the many yet-to-be-realized opportunities that lie ahead. 

Investing in You 

Together, we accomplished many things in 2025 that helped NACD members lead and return greater value. The launch of the Blue Ribbon Commission report Building a High-Trust Board–CEO Relationship especially stands out. This timely document serves as a much-needed guide to how boards and CEOs can strengthen their relationship to become an undisputed strategic advantage. I encourage you to read and discuss this report with your full board and CEO. 

My team at NACD and I fully realize just how much directors rely on pragmatic, easily accessible resources to help them expand and further strengthen their skills—a constant effort that’s essential in this era of rapid change and high shareholder expectations. Cognizant of the growing demands placed on boards, NACD continues to invest in programs like Director Professionalism^®. Enhanced for 2026, it will feature refreshed content, emphasizing guidance on strategy, mergers-and-acquisitions oversight, risk, ethics and compliance so directors can more nimbly navigate emerging boardroom priorities. 

The launch of our Effective AI Oversight for Directors Certificate Program, developed with Carnegie Mellon University, promises to be a gamechanger for many. This on-demand, self-paced resource will help boards responsibly and ethically navigate AI oversight while ensuring alignment with each organization's strategy and risk appetite. We’ve also introduced a 101-level course for directors in collaboration with NACD faculty member Ryan McManus NACD.DC^®: the Generative AI Tools for Directors virtual course. This is a hands-on, practical governance-oriented educational offering that’s sure to aid directors as they help steer their boards through the rapid rise of generative AI.  

The seven Industry Roundtables we held in 2025 allowed directors to stay ahead of change with exclusive, industry-specific discussions for experienced board leaders. Private and in-person, these gatherings sparked actionable dialogue on oversight, risk, and strategic growth across key industries. Notably, participation gave directors greater perspective and the chance to navigate industry challenges with trusted peers while building meaningful connections. Any NACD member can request an invitation to take part.  

I’m particularly inspired by the advantages members gain through connection with our more than 20 Chapters. In 2025, local Chapters provided NACD members more than 400 wide-ranging programs that featured top CEOs, innovators, and leading directors. No matter where you are, there’s always a Chapter event primed to help you build your knowledge and expand your network.  

And of course, a significant first that 2025 brought to fruition was the London Board Leadership Exchange in September. This exclusive gathering gave Fortune 500 directors valuable time to compare notes with one another on critical issues, from geopolitics to European investor priorities. Members shared that the event widened the global lens on where board leadership is headed. Learn more about what we have planned for next year. 

Looking Ahead 

As 2025 comes to a close, I encourage you to look ahead and map out your continuing education plan for the new year. We’ve already opened the full calendar of events, including NACD Directors Summit^™ 2026, the NACD Master Class series, webinars, and many other world-class offerings. You may even want to start thinking about which of your peers you’d like to nominate for the 2026 NACD Directorship 100 celebration!  

Explore what’s ahead in 2026 

The coming year will be a significant one for me personally: It will be my 10th year as NACD’s CEO, I will turn 60, and my daughter will get married. I hope 2026 brings much for each of you to celebrate as well. 

As I look ahead, NACD is excited to further enhance member value and to engage more members in our best-in-class programming. Thank you for all that you continue to do for the NACD community and toward advancing excellence in governance. 

In closing, I wish you, your families, and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a very happy new year.

Peter R. Gleason
President and CEO of NACD