Hot Topics for the Upcoming Proxy Season

Overview
Boards are heading into a proxy season shaped by evolving investor expectations, disclosure requirements, and continued focus on board composition and pay. This concise, practical briefing surfaces the developments directors should track—and the implications for 2026 agendas, disclosures, and engagement.

Discussion Topics

• Governance & Compensation Trends: Board structure, executive pay, performance alignment

• Regulatory & Disclosure Updates: Anticipated SEC changes; transparency and accountability

• Shareholder Engagement: Practical approaches with institutional investors

• Board Composition & Director Selection: Skills matrices, diversity, and succession planning

• Emerging Issues: AI governance, cybersecurity oversight, and ethical leadership

What You’ll Gain

Actionable insights to strengthen board preparedness, sharpen disclosures, and support constructive engagement with shareholders and stakeholders this proxy season.

Panelists

• Charisse R. Lillie, Director, Exelon

• Kai Liekefett, Partner & Co-Chair, Shareholder Activism & Corporate Defense, Sidley

• Connie Lin, Pay Governance (Principal)

• Moderator: Gloria Cordes Larson

Register Now

Chicago registrants will receive a confirmation that includes the host Zoom link.

Optional In-Person Chicago Coffee Chat 

Put insights into action—together. Would you like to compare notes over coffee with some other NACD Chicago members to talk Proxy? 

• Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026

• Time: 10:00–11:00 AM CT

• Location: Chicago Loop (venue TBD)

• RSVP: Click here

Questions? Contact Greg Hedges, President & CEO, NACD Chicago Chapter.