WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its mission to advance exemplary board leadership and the highest standards of corporate governance inside the boardroom, the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) today announced that 206 diverse companies became NACD Full Board Members in 2011. NACD's Full Board Member companies can be viewed at www.NACDonline.org/Members. 

These companies – including McDonald's, CVS Caremark, Dell, General Motors and Lowe's – supplement NACD's rapidly growing membership which includes more than 11,300 directors and 818 Full Board Member companies in aggregate. These members range from Fortune 50 corporations to small- and mid-cap, public, private and non-profit companies.

"As the premier resource for boards and directors, we are pleased to have these companies' boards and their directors become NACD members.  I look forward to introducing our unique benefits, resources and information to these new members.  These practical tools are designed to help directors oversee the affairs of the enterprise in a more effective and efficient manner," said Ken Daly, President and CEO of NACD.

Corporate boards and directors join NACD to gain proprietary insights about emerging issues and opportunities while demonstrating their commitment to the corporate community – fellow directors, investors, advisors, regulators and other stakeholders.  Furthermore, NACD members sharpen their directorship skills through continuous learning about leading and "next" practices through NACD's peer-to-peer and multi-media programs. 

"Engaged boards are better suited to serve as strategic assets for investors and stakeholders, and NACD Full Board Members represent companies that have committed themselves to advancing director professionalism and furthering superior leadership in the boardroom. They should be applauded for their dedication, and we are proud to count them among our membership at NACD," Daly continued.

NACD Full Board Members receive superior value including custom-designed benefits for the board's chairman, lead director and key committee chairs; customized education and research designed specifically for the company; and the ability to include executives in their membership.

NACD also unveiled a new concierge program for its Full Board Members. This service is designed to enable members to access benefits, advisory services and customized, in-boardroom programs and evaluations – opportunities that cover all aspects of directors' corporate governance duties.

Other Fortune 1000 companies who recently became full board members of NACD include (with Fortune ranking): McKesson  (15), AmerisourceBergen (27), Northwestern Mutual  (112), Alcoa (123), Consolidated Edison Company of New York (184), Dover Corporation (331), NiSource Inc. (362), Wesco Distribution (443), Mastercard (474), Windstream Corporation (566), Tractor Supply Company (576), JetBlue (592), LifePoint Hospitals (622), PHH Corporation (659), T. Rowe Price Group (783), Albemarle (784), Broadridge (802), Thor Industries (804), Regal Beloit Corporation (815), Cihco's FAS (903), Newfield Exploration (913), and Carters (957).

A full roster of NACD's Full Board Members is available at www.NACDonline.org/Members.

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 confront complex business challenges and enhance shareowner value. With more than 11,000 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 NACDonline.org. To join, please contact Kelly Dodd at kkdodd@nacdonline.org or 202-380-1891.

Contact:
Henry Stoever, Chief Marketing Officer
National Association of Corporate Directors
202-775-0509

SOURCE National Association of Corporate Directors