Behind Boardroom Doors: CEO Expectations

Attendees gained candid insights from three accomplished CEOs as they reflected on what they truly valued—and what they didn’t—in their Board members. They shared what they had expected and appreciated from Directors during periods of stability and how those expectations shifted during times of crisis, uncertainty, or upheaval. As their companies grew, pivoted, stumbled, or scaled, their perspectives on Board engagement evolved accordingly.

For Board Members and C-Suite Executives, the panel offered key takeaways and lessons learned, including how CEOs had effectively leveraged their Boards as strategic assets, and what characteristics distinguished truly exceptional Directors. The CEOs emphasized that trust had been essential—and they discussed how they had fostered and built trust with their Boards and across the management-Board relationship.

Panelists also shared how they had communicated shifting needs to their Boards, and why maintaining that dynamic had been critical to achieving long-term success. The conversation further highlighted the differences between public and private Boards, underscoring what Directors needed to understand about these distinctions and how they impacted governance, collaboration, and decision-making at the highest levels.

This virtual event was held on Nov. 14, 2025.

Speakers

President and CEO; Waters Corporation

Udit Batra Ph.D.

• LinkedIn

• LinkedIn

• LinkedIn

• LinkedIn

As President and CEO of Waters Corporation, Dr. Udit Batra leads a global team of~7,500 colleagues who accelerate the benefits of pioneering science, enabling scientists to make sure medicines and vaccines are safe, food and water is pure, diseases are detected early, and batteries are high performing and safe to use. Udit brings over 25 years of leadership and operational expertise in healthcare and life sciences...

Read Full Bio

President; Azalea Investments, LLC

Derek May

• LinkedIn

• LinkedIn

• LinkedIn

• LinkedIn

Derek May is the President of Azalea Investments, a diversified business based in Augusta, Georgia.  The company's holdings include a convention hotel, multiple commercial real estate properties, an outdoor advertising business, and other investments…

Read Full Bio

CEO, Orion Energy Systems

Sally Washlow

• LinkedIn

• LinkedIn

• LinkedIn

• LinkedIn

Sally Washlow joined the Orion Energy Systems Board in 2022 and was appointed CEO in April 2025...

Read Full Bio

Moderator

Director, ABH Holdings

Micho Spring

• LinkedIn

• LinkedIn

• LinkedIn

• LinkedIn

Micho Spring is a senior reputation strategist and crisis counselor, experienced public company Director and Boston business and civic leader...

Read Full Bio