Message From The Chair, Richard Munro

It’s hard to believe that we are into May and summer is 5 short weeks away. The energy and momentum keeps building as the NACD Pacific Southwest Chapter deliberately executes on its strategic initiatives across our chapter region to engage with the next generation of directors, and develop our strategic partnerships with leading technology and industry associations, and academic organizations UCLA Anderson, and ASU, to position us as the leading director organization in the Pacific Southwest. As a volunteer led organization, please consider getting involved to help us succeed in our mission and expand our growth across Nevada, Arizona, and Southern California.

We launched our new Emerging Director Advisory Board (EDAB) initiative in late February via Zoom and already have over 80 members. We have received an outpouring of support for this initiative, designed for NACD members and non-members who have some board experience, but want to learn more and network with experienced directors.

We held our first in person meeting on April 28 in Phoenix which attracted 32 EDAB members, many of whom flew in to attend the event. From the feedback received, it was a huge success, and we are planning future events. Stay tuned! If you are interested in finding out more or joining EDAB, please go to this link: https://conta.cc/3Nzjgq3

NACD PSW leadership is proud of continuing our legacy of innovation to push the boundaries and expand awareness and reach of our brand into the broader private company and nonprofit business communities of Arizona, Nevada & Southern California, designed to position us as the leader in director education programming, quality peer networking experiences for directors, and locate future board opportunities for NACD members in our region.

Our Corporate Directors Symposium planning committee is hard at work planning the 19^th CDS event on November 12, 2026, at the Jonathan Club in DTLA. Registration will open in summer. Stay tuned for more announcements about this year’s program and outstanding speakers.

NACD was founded in 1977, and the Southern California Chapter (as we were then known), followed shortly thereafter in early 1978. In just over 18 months, NACD PSW will celebrate its 50^th anniversary, a major milestone built on the substantial contributions of hundreds of volunteers over the past 50 years.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe spring and summer. Your feedback is always welcome.

Message From The President, John Driver

As we move into the spring, I’ve been reflecting on what makes the NACD Pacific Southwest Chapter distinctive. We have a strong foundation. High-quality governance programming, engaged roundtables, committed sponsors and strategic partners, and a deep bench of experienced directors across our regions. That foundation gives us the opportunity to be thoughtful about where we go next.

You’ll see that reflected in our programming. We are continuing to invest in the core. Education, peer

exchange, and governance insight that help directors stay current and effective. At the same time, we are increasing the mix of in-person, high-trust engagement, expanding our focus to include more private and portfolio company governance, and placing greater emphasis on engaging the next generation of directors. We are also beginning to convene more forums that bring our members together with executives, investors, founders, and others across the broader corporate director ecosystem where board opportunities often take shape.

Across Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada, we are being more deliberate about how we show up regionally. Industry-aligned programs, stronger coordination, and partnerships that bring directors into meaningful conversations in each market. It is a focused approach, grounded in what we’ve heard from many of you.

Thank you for your engagement and for being part of this chapter. I look forward to seeing many of you in the months ahead.