#USA #New York #NACD #B. Kenneth West #Directors of the Year

NACD Announces 2026 Award Recipients

On September 21, 2026, the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) revealed the esteemed honorees for its Directorship 100 Awards. Representing over 24,000 board members, NACD stands as a beacon for excellence in governance and boardroom practices.

The NACD Directorship 100 recognizes the contributions of board members and corporate governance experts who significantly enhance boardroom practices and performance. Each year, the awards highlight individuals who have made substantial impacts across various sectors in corporate governance. In 2026, the awards presented in six distinct categories were:

• - B. Kenneth West Lifetime Achievement Award
• - Public Company Director of the Year
• - Private Company Director of the Year
• - Nonprofit Director of the Year
• - NACD Directorship 100 Directors
• - NACD Directorship 100 Governance Professionals

Honorees of 2026

B. Kenneth West Lifetime Achievement Award Winner:
Richard K. Davis, associated with giants such as Dow Chemical, Mastercard, Wells Fargo, and Mayo Clinic, is honored for his profound commitment to enhancing corporate governance.

Public Company Director of the Year:
Ellen Zane from Boston Scientific Corporation and several other organizations is recognized for her outstanding contributions to the governance of public companies.

Private Company Director of the Year:
Yvonne Wassenaar, serving multiple private firms, exemplifies the pinnacle of governance excellence in private sectors.

Nonprofit Director of the Year:
George Vradenburg is honored for his impactful work with Alzheimer's organizations, showcasing the vital role of governance in nonprofit sectors.

Peter Gleason, the president and CEO of NACD, stated, "These individuals set a powerful example of boardroom leadership excellence, and their contributions have made a lasting impact on their companies and their stakeholders." He expressed enthusiasm for honoring these remarkable leaders at the upcoming NACD Directors Summit this October, where their achievements will be celebrated.

The 2026 NACD Directorship 100 Awards Program and Gala will occur on December 7, 2026, in New York City at Cipriani Wall Street. This black-tie gala will recognize not only the award recipients but also finalists from various categories. The gala will serve as a platform to honor and celebrate the immense dedication of all directors and governance professionals featured throughout the NACD network.

NACD, founded in 1977, serves as a premier membership organization dedicated to corporate boards, embracing the ethos of enhancing oversight standards. It equips directors with crucial insights and connections that are indispensable for navigating the complexities of modern governance. Comprising more than 24,000 members across diverse sectors, NACD’s offerings include independent research, professional development programs, and a comprehensive nationwide chapter network.

To explore the full list of the 2026 Directorship 100 honorees and delve deeper into NACD's initiatives, please visit NACDonline.org.