Building a High-Trust Board-CEO Relationship

The relationship between the Board Chair (or Lead Independent Director), the Board, and the CEO proves more critical than ever in today’s complex governance environment. Drawing on insights from NACD’s Blue Ribbon Commission report, The Board & CEO Relationship, the discussion highlighted what is required to build trust, clarify roles, and drive strategic impact within this essential partnership.

BRC Commissioner Colleen Birdnow Brown anchored the conversation in key findings from the NACD report, underscoring the importance of transparency, aligned expectations, and ongoing communication. Dave Bozman, President & CEO of C.H. Robinson, and Board Chair Jodee Kozlak shared real-world perspectives from a Fortune 500 company, offering practical examples of how strong CEO–Board dynamics support performance and resilience. Steve Jennings, Lead Independent Director of Analog Devices, facilitated the session and reinforced the role of independent leadership in strengthening board effectiveness.

This event was held virtually on May 27, 2026.

Speakers

Colleen B. Brown

Independent Director, Panarchy.io Partner

Colleen Birdnow Brown is a six-time public company director and former public company CEO recognized for guiding boards and executive teams through moments of strategic inflection—enterprise transformation, portfolio evolution, and heightened stakeholder scrutiny...

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Dave Bozeman

President and CEO, CH Robinson

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Dave Bozeman is President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of C.H. Robinson...

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Jodee Kozlak

Board Chair; C.H. Robinson

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Jodee Kozlak is Board Chair of C.H. Robinson, Lead Director of KB Home, and a Director of MGIC Investment where she Chairs its Business Transformation and Technology Committee...

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Moderator

Steve Jennings

Independent Director

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Steve Jennings is the former CEO of Monitor Group and an accomplished strategy expert, operating executive, and corporate board member with over 30 years of experience advising Global Fortune 500 c-suite executives and Boards of Directors...

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You can view the recording of this event here.