National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD)

The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1977, dedicated to advancing exemplary board leadership and corporate governance. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, its mission is to empower directors and transform boards to be future-ready, fostering responsible corporate board leadership.

NACD provides a comprehensive suite of services including world-class director education programs, national peer exchange forums, and proprietary research. Key offerings include the NACD Directorship Certification, board advisory services (covering in-boardroom education, board assessments, governance reviews, and succession planning), and various publications and events like the NACD Directors Summit. The association serves directors across public, private, and nonprofit organizations, aiming to enhance director professionalism and bolster stakeholder confidence.

With over 24,000 members and a network of more than 20 chapters, NACD is recognized as a premier and trusted resource for corporate directors. Recent activities include opening nominations for the 2026 NACD Directorship 100 awards, forming its 33rd annual Blue Ribbon Commission to address board oversight of strategy execution, and launching a new Steering Committee focused on strengthening governance within private companies. The organization also continues to emphasize cyber risk as a critical board-level strategic imperative. Peter Gleason serves as the President and CEO.