#United States #Washington #Corporate Governance #NACD #Mary Winston

Mary A. Winston Takes Charge as NACD Board Chair

In a significant leadership shift, the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) has announced the appointment of Mary A. Winston as the new chair of its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Winston's extensive career and governance expertise are expected to elevate the NACD's mission of empowering corporate directors and enhancing governance standards across the board.

Winston succeeds Sue Cole, who has completed her term as the chair. With her deep-rooted experience in corporate governance, Winston is not only poised to carry forward the momentum generated by her predecessor but also to introduce her vision for the future of governance in an increasingly complicated business environment.

Mary A. Winston is an esteemed corporate director with a remarkable history of leadership roles. She currently serves on the boards of several prominent companies including Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., TD Bank Group, TD US Bank, and Northrop Grumman. Furthermore, she is the president of WinsCo Enterprises, a consulting agency focused on providing financial and strategic advisory services. Her previous executive experience includes acting as interim CEO for Bed Bath Beyond and serving as CFO for various large public firms.

Peter Gleason, NACD's president and CEO, stated, “Mary's extensive leadership and governance experience, along with her understanding of the board's priorities, position her perfectly to advance the objectives established by Sue Cole. Her insights into the challenges faced by directors today, combined with a clear vision for governance, will significantly benefit NACD members.”

Winston shares an enthusiasm for her new role, expressing, “I am honored to step into the chair position and collaborate with my fellow board members and NACD leadership to better serve our director community. At a time of substantial transformation in corporate governance, the role of NACD is more crucial than ever. I look forward to sustaining the organization's positive momentum and assisting directors in adapting to evolving expectations surrounding board leadership.”

Her appointment is particularly timely, given that the governance landscape is undergoing rapid changes. Regulators, stakeholders, and the general business climate are demanding heightened accountability, transparency, and an increased focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. Winston's insights and proactive approach will be vital as the NACD navigates these shifts and continues to support its members.

Moreover, Winston is involved with the NACD Blue Ribbon Commission for 2025 and previously co-chaired the Commission's 2023 report titled, Culture as the Foundation: Building a High-Performing Board. This demonstrates her commitment to fostering a thriving organizational culture within boards, which is fundamental to achieving long-term success.

Winston possesses an accounting bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin and has an MBA specializing in international business, finance, and marketing from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She is also a certified public accountant and an NACD Board Leadership Fellow, reinforcing her credentials and dedication to corporate governance.

The NACD has played a pivotal role for more than 47 years in advancing knowledge, expanding networks, and maximizing the potential of corporate directors. With over 24,000 members across more than 20 chapters, the NACD provides its members with valuable insights and professional development opportunities through events, resources, and certifications, helping boards tackle complex strategic tasks effectively.

For those eager to delve deeper into the resources offered by the NACD and to follow its advancements under Winston's leadership, the NACD Governance web page serves as an excellent starting point.

In summary, Mary A. Winston’s elevation to the chair of the NACD is more than a change in leadership; it signifies a trajectory toward navigating the complexities of governance in today's world. Her extensive experience, vision, and commitment to empowering directors ensure that NACD will continue to be at the forefront of corporate governance excellence.