News

Scheduled for October 5–7, 2026, PRISM 2026 will take place at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead and is expected to convene directors, executives, owners, investors, and governance professionals from across the country for three days of education, networking, and strategic discussion.

The Private Directors Association has announced the appointment of Hazel S. Evans as the incoming President of the San Francisco Chapter.

Rochelle Campbell has been named Co-President of the DC Metro Chapter, to serve alongside William Carter. Campbell succeeds Guillermo Christensen, who helped guide the Chapter’s continued momentum and strengthen member engagemen

Frank T. Mamat is the new president of the PDA Detroit–Toledo-Windsor Chapter. Mamat succeeds Jean Vernor, who will transition into the role of past president.

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are not new, but they are coming up more often in conversations about ownership, succession, and long-term strategy.

Sponsorships at PDA are more than financial support—they're partnerships that bring expertise, engagement, and long-term value to members and sponsors alike. The Sponsorship Steering Committee (SSC) plays a critical role in developing these strategic relationships, ensuring that sponsors align with PDA’s mission and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s success.

PDA offers three membership categories—Individual, Corporate, and Organizational—so professionals and institutions can choose the level of access and support that best fits their goals in private company governance.

Family-owned businesses account for a significant share of the U.S. economy, contributing more than half of the nation’s GDP.

When global events create uncertainty, leadership teams may face immediate communication questions. Should the company respond publicly? What should employees hear first? And when, if at all, should the board become involved?

Alain Espinosa is the new President of the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter with Kathryn Loo moving into the Past President role.

Interest in the Private Directors Association and its mission “to drive private company success through the creation and optimization of governance boards, comprised of qualified and diverse members” is resonating as more than 35 chief executives and key leaders in Puerto Rico attended PDA’s first-ever meeting there on Jan. 28 at the historic Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in San Juan.

From strategy and risk oversight to ethics, data governance and workforce impact, AI is influencing many of the areas boards are responsible for guiding.