Call for Nominations: 2010 Director of the Year Awards to Recognize Boardroom Excellence

WASHINGTON, June 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD),  the only membership organization delivering the information and insights that corporate board members need to confidently navigate complex business challenges and enhance shareowner value, announced today that it is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Director of the Year Awards, a program that honors individuals who lead with innovation, courage and commitment, raising the bar for governance best practices in boardrooms across the nation.  For more than two decades, NACD has celebrated outstanding individuals in the public company, private company and nonprofit organization sectors, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award. 

"Too often, the positive impact that board directors are making for their companies, shareowners and Corporate America at large is overshadowed," said Ken Daly, President and CEO of NACD.  "Serving as the Voice of the Director, our organization is proud to recognize the heroes in boardrooms who are dedicated to developing cutting edge practices, driving corporate performance, and working hard to restore public and investor confidence and advance the corporate governance standards of tomorrow."  

The NACD Director of the Year awards honor directors who lead by example, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to integrity, confidence, informed judgment and performance. This year's nominees will be evaluated according to their proven ability to strengthen board leadership aligned with the NACD Key Agreed Principles set forth in NACD's Leading the Way initiative, a national effort representing areas where the board, executive management, and shareholder groups agree on benchmarks of good governance.  The principles are a framework advocating leading practices in areas including risk oversight, corporate strategy, compensation and transparency.  

Nominations are made by peer directors and executives and winners are determined by an independent review panel of peers who serve on public, private and nonprofit boards.  Previous winners include Norman Augustine, former Chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin, Andrew McKenna, Chairman of McDonalds, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Chairman of Carlson and director of ExxonMobil, and Sally Jewell, President and CEO of Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI).

NACD urges board members, executives and business colleagues to consider nominating a director who has national recognition for a NACD Director of the Year Award.  Click here to nominate a director or learn more; or contact Jan Boyce.  The deadline for nominations is June 11, 2010.

These prestigious and high-profile awards will be presented at a gala dinner on October 18, 2010 in conjunction with NACD's 2010 Corporate Governance Conference in Washington, DC. Board members and executives can register at www.nacdonline.org.

About NACD

The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) is the only membership organization delivering the information and insights that corporate board members need to confidently navigate complex business challenges and enhance shareowner value. With more than 10,000 members, NACD advances exemplary board leadership.  NACD is focused on creating more effective and efficient boards through director-led education and peer forums to share ideas and leading practices based on more than 30 years of primary research. Fostering collaboration among directors and governance stakeholders, NACD is shaping the future of board leadership.

To learn more about NACD, visit www.NACDonline.org.

SOURCE National Association of Corporate Directors