In his eulogy to George Washington, General Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee declared the departed leader “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.” It is no coincidence that this highly admired and well-loved leader was our country’s first president.

The life of George Washington shows that although breaking governance patterns can be risky, in the end, it brings respect. That certainly is the case for the 2023 NACD Directorship 100 winners. As we gather around the campfire of admiration and affection for these board leaders, let us acknowledge them as pioneers.

Our 2023 B. Kenneth West Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, Peter C. Browning, was one of the first people to carry the title of lead director, taking on this challenge when the role was still viewed with some skepticism. As a founding member of the Lead Director Network, he has helped shape and strengthen that role.

Similarly, a review of the career highlights of Public Company Director of the Year Anne C. Schaumburg; Private Company Director of the Year Renée J. Hornbaker, NACD.DC; and Nonprofit Director of the Year Byron C. Scott reveals their unique impact on the fields of finance, manufacturing, and health care.

Speaking of firsts, the very first NACD Director of the Year, presented in New York City in October 1987, was a woman, during a time when most boards had a heavy majority of men. Our award went to the Honorable Juanita M. Kreps, who had been the first woman Secretary of Commerce and the first woman director of the New York Stock Exchange.

We are pleased to have created the NACD DE&I Awards, this year honoring Cummins, Reinsurance Group of America, Eastern Bank, MITRE, and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. Behind each of these company names are stories of firsts—unprecedented accomplishments in building diverse and inclusive boards.

At your next board meeting or NACD event, ask your peers to recount a time when they were the first to do something. And while you are at it, challenge yourself to create a governance “first.” While your innovative ideas—and indeed your very presence—may not be accepted at the beginning, accolades are sure to follow in time. ■

This article is from the Winter 2024 issue of Directorship.