Login

CEO Succession:
Strategy, Risk & Readiness

Register

May 20, 2026 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM CDT Johnston, IA

Home / NACD Heartland Chapter / Heartland Events / CEO Succession: Strategy, Risk & Readiness
Heartland Events / CEO Succession: Strategy, Risk & Readiness
NACD Heartland Chapter logo
NACD Heartland Chapter
Contact Us

Karen Neal
Executive Director
NACD Heartland Chapter
P.O. Box 13071
Overland Park, KS 66282
karen@heartlandnacd.org
816-377-6765

Find a Chapter

About The Event

Member Price: Complimentary

Non Member Price: Complimentary

Credits: 1 NACD Credit

While HBO’s drama, Succession, highlights the complexity—and dysfunction—of leadership transitions, the reality for boards is far less scripted and far more consequential.

Join fellow directors for an interactive discussion on CEO succession planning, including both planned transitions and unexpected scenarios. Through small-group breakouts and peer exchange, participants will share real-world experiences, insights, and lessons learned to strengthen their board’s readiness.

This session will explore:

  • Board oversight of CEO succession
  • Preparing for both planned and emergency transitions
  • Common pitfalls and governance risks
  • Practical approaches to strengthening succession readiness

Designed as a discussion-driven roundtable, this program emphasizes peer learning, candid conversation, and actionable takeaways for today’s boardroom.

Come ready to share your perspectives. Confirm your attendance by registering today!

Registration

Learning Outcomes

  • Strengthen oversight of CEO succession planning as a core board responsibility
  • Prepare for both planned and unexpected leadership transitions
  • Identify common pitfalls and governance risks in succession scenarios
  • Apply practical strategies to improve succession readiness and continuity
  • Leverage peer insights and real-world experiences to inform board practices

Location

Delta Dental Headquarters

LEARN MORE

Add to Calendar

Microsoft Outlook Google Calendar Apple Calendar
Visual separator between sections

Discussion Facilitators

Diane Bridgewater Headshot

Retired Executive, Board member

Diane Bridgewater

Diane Bridgewater is based out of Johnston, Iowa, and is the Board of Directors of ITC Holdings. Diane previously worked at LCS as EVP, Chief Strategy & Administrative Officer. Diane Bridgewater attended the University of Northern Iowa…

Read Full Bio

Headshot for Suzanna de Baca NACD.DC

Chief Executive Officer, Board Director

Suzanna de Baca, NACD.DC

Suzanna de Baca is an accomplished CEO, board director, and recognized thought leader in leadership, governance, and strategic transformation. Her career spans diverse industries and organizational structures, including public, private, family-owned, and non-profit enterprises... 

Read Full Bio

President & CEO

April Schmaltz

April Schmaltz is the President and CEO for Delta Dental of Iowa, the largest dental insurance carrier in Iowa. With more than 25 years of experience in strategy and new business growth, she has held a variety of executive leadership roles in the health care and financial services industries…

Read Full Bio

Speacial thanks to Delta Dental for hosting our members.

Delta Dental Logo

NACD Heartland Chapter
Contact Us

Karen Neal
Executive Director
NACD Heartland Chapter
P.O. Box 13071
Overland Park, KS 66282
karen@heartlandnacd.org
816-377-6765

Find a Chapter

By registering for an NACD or NACD Chapter Network event, you agree to the following Code of Conduct.

NACD and the NACD Chapter Network organizations (NACD) are non-partisan, nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing directors with the opportunity to discuss timely governance oversight practices. The views of the speakers and audience are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NACD.