News

When Sue Siradas joined PDA in early 2024 as Director of Education and National Events, she brought more than a decade of experience in educational programming and event planning. Prior to PDA, she served as Director of Education Resources for the Appraisal Institute, where she managed the development and delivery of classroom and online learning for real estate appraisers nationwide.

PDA has launched a new Board Development Task Force to help chapters strengthen and expand programs that give members real-world governance experience.

Disability representation on boards signals a company’s commitment to inclusive values and can drive stronger connections with customers and employees alike. It also fosters cultures of belonging—where innovation thrives.

In the current unpredictable geopolitical and economic landscape, tariffs are once again making headlines in the news and in the boardroom. As the U.S. revisits trade policy with China, Europe, and other key partners, directors of public and private companies alike must be prepared to assess how new or proposed tariffs could impact their businesses.

The newly launched ESOP Governance Essentials Certificate Task Force is expanding PDA’s efforts to equip members with the knowledge and tools needed to serve on ESOP company boards. Evolved from an earlier committee, the task force now oversees the course curriculum and is broadening its reach through new educational content, thought leadership, and community engagement initiatives.

What’s the thread connecting plumbing apprenticeships, Fortune 100 leadership, and PDA? As one of PDA’s founding members, Dennis Kessler reveals how his "1/3 time for service" philosophy helped shape PDA’s volunteer-driven culture—and why governance thrives when members raise their hands.

Most people prefer to avoid contemplating the replacement in their role, especially just after they have been appointed to that position. This is exactly the reason that a company’s Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in the CEO succession planning process.

Mary Francia is stepping into the role of South Florida Chapter President, following the completion of Cordearo Dadson's term. Francia brings over 25 years of global leadership experience to the position, with specialized expertise in governance, strategy, sustainability, and human capital.

When Silvia Prickel attended her first PDA event in 2017 as a guest of colleague and Chicago Chapter member Cindy Burrell, she knew immediately she’d found a mission that resonated. “I could align with PDA’s values right away,” she recalls. Now, as Board Chair, she channels decades of leadership experience into guiding PDA with both strategic vision and collaborative spirit.

Formally launched in 2025, the committee is building on this success to modernize PDA's communications. "The blog was phase one. Now, we're designing phase two—with room for more voices," Lakey notes. Their roadmap aligns with PDA's strategic plan and focuses on four pillars:

Blockchain technology is rapidly gaining traction beyond cryptocurrencies, offering immutable audit trails and smart contracts. Companies must prepare by building knowledge, assessing opportunities, and understanding risks.

Private company governance is evolving, and with a variety of governance models in play, the need for practical, tailored standards has never been greater. From knowledge gaps caused by limited research to the lack of resources designed for specific ownership structures, PDA’s Research and Standards Committee (R&SC) is stepping in to address these challenges.