National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Company Profile

Background

The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) is an independent, not-for-profit organization established in 1977 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. With a membership exceeding 24,000 individuals and encompassing over 1,750 corporate boards, NACD serves directors from public, private, and nonprofit organizations both within the United States and internationally.

Mission: To empower directors and transform boards to be future-ready.

Vision: Corporate boards are recognized as trusted catalysts of economic change—in business and in the communities they serve.

Key Strategic Focus

NACD's strategic focus centers on enhancing board effectiveness through comprehensive education, credentialing, and advocacy. The organization offers a suite of services, including:

Director Education: Providing courses, webinars, and events to equip directors with the latest governance practices.

Credentialing: Offering certifications such as the NACD Directorship Certification® and the Cyber-Risk Oversight Certificate to validate directors' expertise.

Advocacy: Engaging with policymakers and regulators to influence corporate governance standards and practices.

Research and Publications: Producing reports and resources to inform directors on emerging issues and best practices.

Financials and Funding

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, NACD's financial health is reflected in its recent fiscal reports. In the fiscal year ending December 2023, NACD reported:

Revenue: $44.8 million

Expenses: $42 million

Net Assets: $28.7 million

The primary sources of revenue include program services, accounting for 97.3% of total revenue, and investment income at 3.4%.

Pipeline Development

NACD continually develops and updates its educational programs and certifications to address the evolving needs of corporate directors. Recent initiatives include:

NACD Directorship Certification®: Launched in 2020, this program sets a new standard for director education, requiring ongoing education to prepare directors for emerging boardroom challenges.

Cyber-Risk Oversight Certificate: Developed in partnership with the CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University and Ridge Global, this program enhances directors' understanding of enterprise cyber-risk issues.

Technological Platform and Innovation

NACD leverages various technological platforms to deliver its services, including:

Online Learning Management Systems: Facilitating virtual courses and webinars.

Digital Publications: Providing members with access to research reports and governance resources.

Member Portal: Offering a centralized platform for networking, resources, and event registration.

Leadership Team

NACD's leadership comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing corporate governance:

Peter Gleason: Chief Executive Officer

Kimberly Simpson: Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

Tracy Gee: Chief People Officer

Alex Obuchowski: Chief Financial Officer

Rona Bunn: Chief Information Officer

These leaders bring extensive experience in corporate governance, legal affairs, human resources, finance, and information technology, contributing to NACD's mission and strategic objectives.

Leadership Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no recent significant changes or appointments within NACD's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The corporate governance education and advocacy sector is characterized by a growing emphasis on director education, credentialing, and best practices. Organizations in this space aim to equip corporate directors with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex governance challenges.

Competitor Analysis

BoardSource

Focus Areas: Nonprofit board education and consulting services.

Key Offerings: Consulting services, publications, and a membership program to enhance nonprofit board effectiveness.

Notable Achievements: Established in 1988, BoardSource has become a leading resource for nonprofit governance.

Business Roundtable

Focus Areas: Advocacy for public policy favorable to business interests.

Key Offerings: Lobbying efforts, policy recommendations, and public relations campaigns.

Notable Achievements: Influential in shaping corporate governance policies and practices in the United States.

Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)

Focus Areas: Director education and corporate governance in Australia.

Key Offerings: Courses, publications, and advocacy for directors in the Australian market.

Notable Achievements: A founding member of the Global Network of Director Institutes (GNDI).

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

NACD collaborates with various industry leaders to enhance its offerings, including:

KPMG International

Sidley Austin

Pearl Meyer

Russell Reynolds Associates

These partnerships provide directors with impactful information and data on corporate governance and board leadership.

Operational Insights

NACD differentiates itself through:

Comprehensive Credentialing Programs: Offering certifications that set new standards for director education.

Extensive Membership Network: Providing a peer-to-peer network across more than 20 chapters in 35 U.S. locations.

Influential Advocacy: Engaging with policymakers and regulators to shape corporate governance standards.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

NACD is poised to expand its impact by:

Enhancing Digital Offerings: Investing in virtual learning platforms to reach a broader audience.

Expanding Global Reach: Collaborating with international director institutes to share best practices.

Addressing Emerging Issues: Developing programs focused on topics like cybersecurity, diversity, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.