The Evolving Role of the Board: New Challenges, New Opportunities

The session explored how boards of directors navigated two competing demands: advising management through a macro-environment marked by heightened risk while also sustaining a long-term, value-creation mindset.

Participants examined how companies were being challenged by transformative technologies, geopolitical uncertainty, and the growing influence of activist investors, and what these forces required of effective board leadership.

Directors gained insight into how the board’s role had evolved in response to these pressures and learned practical approaches for maintaining a strategic, future-oriented perspective that supports enduring value creation in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing environment.

This event was held on March 24, 2026 at Foley & Lardner.

Speakers

Former Chief Legal Officer of GE Vernova, Starbucks; Former Chief Administrative Officer of Sabre

Rachel A. Gonzalez

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Rachel Gonzalez is the former Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of GE Vernova, the energy business spin-off of the General Electric Company, where she was responsible for global law and policy matters...

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Director Repligen Corporation

Martin Madaus

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Dr. Martin D. Madaus is a serial global healthcare CEO, board member, investor and strategy consultant with over 30 years of experience in the Diagnostics and Life Science Tools Industry...

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Moderator

Board Director and Advisor

Maggie Pax

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Maggie Pax is a life sciences leader with 30 years of experience helping companies grow to their full potential...

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