PDA Board Elects Kearney as 2026 Chair, Welcomes New Leadership and Members

The Private Directors Association has elected Susan Kearney of the DC Metro Chapter as Chair of its National Board of Directors for 2026, marking a transition in the organization’s leadership. Kearney’s appointment highlights a year of change as PDA welcomes new officers and board members dedicated to advancing private company governance.

The transition also marks the departure of outgoing Chair Silvia Prickel, who served three years on the PDA Board.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the PDA Board," Prickel said. "I am proud of all we have accomplished together to strengthen private company governance and support our members’ success. I look forward to seeing the association reach new heights under Susan’s leadership.”

Kearney, who served as Vice Chair in 2025, expressed her enthusiasm for the role ahead.

 “I’m pleased and honored to be asked to serve as Chair of the PDA Board and to continue the work of making PDA THE organization board directors and private company CEOs look to for best practices in governance,” she said.

Joining Kearney in executive leadership is Vice Chair John Hale III, also of the DC Metro Chapter. 

The Board also elected its standing committee chairs. Ferey Faridian of the Southern California Chapter will serve as Audit & Finance Committee Chair, Tamara Gracon of the San Francisco Chapter as Human Capital & Compensation Committee Chair, and At-Large member Bryan Stewart as Nominating & Governance Committee Chair. Continuing in their officer roles are Debra McGuireas President & CEO, Elaine Vorberg (Chicago) as Secretary, and Bruce Goldstein(Chicago) as Treasurer. Directors also returning to the Board are Anne Mervenne(Detroit-Toledo-Windsor) and Maryann Waryjas (Chicago).

A wave of new voices will join the Board this year, including Robert Barr (Chicago), Megan Heinze (Atlanta), Andrea Henderson (Atlanta), Ryan Lahti (Southern California), Margrette Newhouse (Minnesota), Jean Nycz (Greater Philadelphia), and Dipak Shah (Southern California).

The new officers and board take their positions January 1, 2026.

As PDA looks ahead, it also extends its appreciation to outgoing Board Members Subash Anbu, Valerie Darling, Catherine Nelson, Joan Netzel, Silvia Prickel, Cathy Skala, and Adis Vila, whose leadership and dedication have helped shape the organization’s success.