Skip to main content
2026 Annual Employee Ownership Conference Main banner
Back

Individual Proposal

Effective Governance

Board of Directors Peer Network: Governing for Impact and Board Leadership in Employee-Owned Companies

Thursday, April 9, 2026
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM CDT
Location: Baird Ballroom A
CE: 1
CE Type: CPE
Education Level: For All Levels
The Board of Directors Peer Network provides a confidential forum for directors of employee-owned companies to connect, share experiences, and explore the unique challenges of governing ESOPs. As stewards of both financial performance and ownership culture, boards play a critical role in balancing fiduciary duty with the long-term sustainability of the employee-ownership model.

Through candid peer dialogue, real-world case studies, and facilitated learning, participants will examine governance practices that strengthen oversight, enhance transparency, and create durable value for employee-owners.

NCEO Publication: The ESOP Company Board Handbook
NCEO Training: Customized ESOP Board Training
NCEO Peer Networking: EO Board Directors Peer Networking

Learning Objectives:

  1. Build a trusted peer network of directors for ongoing exchange and support. Develop relationships that enable continued collaboration, benchmarking, and shared problem-solving beyond formal meetings.
  2. Strengthen governance practices tailored to employee-owned companies. Explore approaches to fiduciary responsibility, board composition, and committee structures that align with the ESOP model.
  3. Apply lessons from peer case studies to real-world board challenges. Analyze examples of complex board decisions around strategy, leadership succession, risk management, and culture stewardship.