PDA First Event in San Juan Brings Together CEOs, Key Leaders in Puerto Rico

Interest in the Private Directors Association (PDA) 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.

KPMG’s Puerto Rico Office generously sponsored the by-invitation-only luncheon and presentation. The Board Harbor Foundation and Latino Leaders magazine also provided support for the event.

“This is a special time for PDA,” said Debra McGuire, FASAE, MBA, IOM, CAE, President & CEO of the Private Directors Association. “With the large number of private companies in Puerto Rico—especially those with founders still active in their businesses and the incredible legacies of multi-generational family-owned companies—it is important in today’s rapidly changing marketplace to advocate on the value of leveraging governing boards to propel private companies to greater success.

“We know that private companies are economic drivers of communities, and in Puerto Rico, this is certainly the case,” she continued. “PDA wants to be part of the growth that independent board members and good governance can bring to strengthen Puerto Rico’s business community.”

What Is PDA?

The Private Directors Association is a not-for-profit organization, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago. It is virtual, with more than 3,400 members located throughout North America and around the globe.

“Effective governance is essential for private organizations to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment”,” stated Luis Perez, Partner at KPMG, Puerto Rico Office. “The Private Directors Association brings a robust network and deep experience, to foster collaboration with Puerto Rico’s business leaders as we navigate these times of change.”

PDA currently has 21 Chapters, with two new Chapters in formation: Puerto Rico and the Kansas City Metro area. Private companies may join as Corporate Members; organizations may participate as Organizational Members, and those who currently serve on a board or who are preparing for service on a private company board, may become part of PDA as Individual Members. As part of “One PDA,” PDA members may participate in both National and Chapter events for free or at the discounted member rates when a registration fee is charged, regardless if they belong to the Chapter hosting the event or not, whether in-person or virtual. “One PDA” allows members to take advantage of a huge network of valuable contacts, participate in a wide array of quality educational programming, and post (or apply for) board opportunities.

Why Become Part of PDA?

During the luncheon, former Governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro Pierluisi, Managing Member of PRP Strategies, LLC, also spoke.

“The Private Directors Association’s interest in having a local Chapter in Puerto Rico is good news for us,” Pierluisi stated. “PDA’s mission is to help private companies grow and prosper, and Puerto Rico’s private sector must be part of that equation.”

Pierluisi shared his experiences as a PDA Member and provided insight about PDA’s signature event, PRISM—the Association’s annual conference and exhibition that brings together PDA members throughout North America and around the globe. Pierluisi attended PRISM 2025 in October, which was held in Anaheim, CA. Hundreds of PDA members participated, with more than 30 educational sessions on a widearray of hot topics affecting private companies and their boards, along with specialized programs for those beginning their board journey. PRISM 2026 will take place at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead, Oct. 5-7.

Edmund Green, Co-Founder and Board Chairman of The Board Harbor Foundation Inc., added: "PDA is at the forefront of driving the importance of demonstrably high-quality corporate governance with its focus on the unique challenges and opportunities most prevalent in the private board governance arena. Given PDA's keen focus on private companies, including family owned, ESOPs, etc., the membership base is naturally comprised of individuals skilled at corporate governance for all stages of organizational maturity from start-ups to large, family-owned businesses with over a century of longevity.

“There is no other organization in the corporate governance ecosystem that delivers the level of value in the private company governance space delivered by the PDA."

For more information about PDA, visit www.privatedirectors.org or to join the Puerto Rico Chapter-in-Formation, please contact Kimberly Aldworth, PDA Director of Membership, at kaldworth@privatedirectors.org or call 847.986.9350.