NACD NJ Honors Contributions of Outstanding Local Corporate Directors at Inaugural Director of the Year Awards Gala

Leading corporate governance organization honored three individuals
and two company boards for exemplary board leadership

WEST ORANGE, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The National Association of Corporate Directors New Jersey Chapter (NACD
NJ) celebrated directors of public, private, and non-profit boards who
have made valuable contributions to the boards on which they serve and
advance exemplary board leadership at its inaugural Director of the Year
Awards (DOYA) dinner on Thursday, May 9.


“This event brings the corporate and civic communities together to
celebrate excellence in leadership,” said Tom Fuller, DOYA event chair
and NACD NJ board member, during opening remarks. “Our honorees all
exemplify that good governance is critical to the growth and
sustainability of the New Jersey business community.”


Daryl Brewster, CEO of Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP),
served as emcee for the event that was held at the Pleasantdale Chateau
in West Orange before a gathering of over 300 corporate officials.


Board Excellence Insights from the Director of the Year Award Honorees


Lifetime Achievement in Governance: Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D.


“So much of my career is rooted in New Jersey. My success is drawn
from the linkages I make between technology, governance, policy, and
international affairs. Boards and management teams today are faced with
faster changes and greater complexity. We live in a world where social
media dominates, putting companies in the spotlight and under more
scrutiny. Board directors are faced with many challenges and we must
continue to advance good governance. In every challenge, there is
possibility,” said Jackson.


Jackson is president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, current board
member of FedEx, IBM, Medtronic, and PSEG, as well as World Economic
Forum, MIT and Brookings Institute. This award honors an independent
director (retired or sitting) on one or more corporate or non-profit
boards, with peer and community recognition for integrity and leadership
at the highest levels over an extended career.


Leadership in Corporate Governance: Sara Mathew


Marc Lautenbach, president and CEO of Pitney Bowes, who presented Mathew
with the award, said, “When I think of two characteristics of a good
director, it’s good judgment and courage. And that’s exactly how Sara
approaches her leadership and board service. I can’t think of an
individual who is more deserving of this award.”


Mathew is a current board member of Campbell Soup Company, Freddie Mac,
Shire plc, and State Street Corporation. She is the former chair & CEO
of Dun & Bradstreet, Inc. This award honors an independent director
recognized by peers as an outstanding leader and current contributor in
a public company boardroom.


Non-Profit Leadership Award: Josh S. Weston


Mr. Weston shared his insights on effective governance practices for
nonprofit boards, including: “Involve board members in what’s going
on in the enterprise of the business in a tactful way. Encourage board
members to have one-on-one conversations with a mid-level manager or
visit a key operating location.”


Weston is chairman emeritus ADP Corporation, chairman of NJTV, Liberty
Science Center, and Safe Water Network; board member of NJ Food Bank, NJ
Performing Arts Center, KIPP-NJ Charter Schools, and International
Rescue Committee. This award honors an independent director recognized
by peers as an outstanding community leader and current contributor in a
non-profit boardroom.


Private Company Board of the Year: J.M. Huber Corporation


Michael Marberry, CEO of J.M. Huber, accepted the award and said, “Private
companies have their unique challenges and we take corporate governance
very seriously. At our organization, you’ll see corporate governance
practices that are at the same level of excellence as those at a public
company. Thank you again for this recognition.”


This award honors the directors of a private company board that includes
outside directors, who demonstrate independence and strong governance
leadership in providing guidance to a company through a period of
extraordinary growth, crisis, or other major developments.


Public Company Board of the Year: Merck & Co.


Ken Frazier, CEO of Merck, said, “At Merck, we constantly press the
envelope on science and technology to develop medicines and vaccines to
improve health and wellbeing around the world. When we invest, our
rewards are 12-15 years out and there is a huge amount of risk involved.
Good governance is important, and we have the kind of board that is
focused and committed to our mission just as our people are, and make
sure that our management team is managing risk effectively.”


This award honors the directors of a public corporate board who have
significantly protected or enhanced stakeholder value while providing
guidance in steering a company through a period of extraordinary growth,
crisis, or other major developments.


“Today’s board leaders must be prepared to understand these challenges
and risks, to ask the tough questions, and to lead with integrity,” said
Anita Allen, NACD NJ chapter president. “Our honorees represent the
pinnacle of transformational leadership, both in their boardrooms and in
their broader community.”


For more details about the event, visit https://newjersey.nacdonline.org/Events/Detail/index.cfm?ItemNumber=60943


About the NACD New Jersey Chapter


The NACD New Jersey Chapter, part of the larger NACD chapter network,
provides vital information and education to current and aspiring NACD
members, including directors and senior executives from New Jersey-based
public and private companies, as well as nonprofit organizations.
Through formal and informal networking and education on director
effectiveness, leading trends and issues in corporate governance, and
the sharing of best-in-class governance practices, we elevate board
performance.


Learn more about NACDNJ membership and general governance information
online at newjersey.nacdonline.org


About NACD


The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) empowers more
than 20,000 directors to lead with confidence in the boardroom. As the
recognized authority on leading boardroom practices, NACD helps boards
strengthen investor trust and public confidence by ensuring that today’s
directors are well prepared for tomorrow’s challenges. World-class
boards join NACD to elevate performance, gain foresight, and instill
confidence. Fostering collaboration among directors, investors, and
corporate governance stakeholders, NACD has been setting the standard
for responsible board leadership for more than 40 years. To learn more
about NACD, visit www.NACDonline.org.


Contacts

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