Nominating & Governance – Board Effectiveness Roundtable

Three-Part Series

• Session 1: Monday, May 18, 3:30 – 5:00 pm, Virtual
• Session 2: Tuesday, June 16, 8:00–9:30 am, In-person (downtown Minneapolis location)
• Session 3: Tuesday, September 22, 8:00–9:30 am, In-person (downtown Minneapolis location)

Designed for a small cohort of experienced directors serving on Nominating & Governance Committees, this program explores the governance inflection points shaping board leadership today. The three-part series is structured across three levels of governance impact—Individual Directors, Committee Leadership, and Full Board Effectiveness relevant to the real-life challenges boards face. Participants will engage in peer exchange with fellow directors who share similar committee responsibilities, sharing candid perspectives, situation-based governance practices, and comparing approaches. These conversations will be complemented by facilitated discussion and insights from Egon Zehnder, drawing on the firm’s governance research and board advisory experience.

The result is a collaborative environment where directors can explore governance challenges, test ideas, examine governance tools and consider practical approaches to apply within their own committees.

Sessions are highly interactive, intentionally small, and designed to support candid dialogue and shared learning. Participants are asked to attend at least two of the three sessions. By registering, you are confirming your intentions to meet this requirement.

This event is by invitation only. Please email programs@minnesota.nacdonline.org for information on how to attend.

Attendees are eligible to receive 3.75 CLEs and 3 NACD Credits.

Session 1: Building High-Impact Individual Directors

From Capable to Exceptional Board Member in an Era of Disruption
As the pace of disruption accelerates, boards require directors who are not only experienced but continuously learning, strategically engaged, and able to challenge management constructively. This session focuses on how boards can strengthen the impact of individual directors, to build a future-forward board through onboarding, evaluation, and director development to ensure each member contributes meaningful value. Participants will also explore one of the most sensitive governance challenges boards face: how to address underperforming directors—including when concerns involve the Board Chair—while preserving trust, dignity, and board cohesion.

Session 2: Elevating the Nominating & Governance Committee’s Impact

From Process Owner to Strategic Steward of the Board
In a rapidly changing environment, the Nominating & Governance Committee plays a critical role in ensuring the board evolves alongside the organization. This session examines how committees can move beyond compliance to actively shape board composition, succession planning, and long-term governance resilience. Participants will explore how to approach board refreshment thoughtfully—balancing diversity of perspective, skill, and experience with interpersonal chemistry—while navigating transitions in ways that strengthen the board without destabilizing it.

Session 3: Driving Broader Board Effectiveness

Designing Governance for Strategy and Long-Term Value
Governance structures must evolve as organizational strategy evolves in response to technological change, geopolitical uncertainty, and new stakeholder expectations. This session examines how boards can rethink governance design—from committee structures to board agendas—to better support long-term value creation in a complex environment. Participants will also explore how to evaluate board effectiveness beyond traditional compliance metrics, focusing on the dynamics and practices that enable boards to truly add value.

This event is by invitation only. Please email programs@minnesota.nacdonline.org for information on how to attend.

This roundtable is presented in partnership with

Egon Zehnder is the world’s leading leadership advisory firm, trusted by boards globally. We support board and CEO succession, advise on board search and composition, and develop high-performing boards. We strengthen governance through trusted partnerships that leverage diverse perspectives to create sustainable value for organizations, shareholders, and society.