From the Mouths of CEO’s: How Can Independent Directors Help (or Harm) Family Business
Research and experience consistently show that well-designed, independent boards can significantly enhance performance and longevity in family-owned businesses—yet many companies still struggle to invite the right directors or fully realize their board’s potential. Debbie Bing moderates this candid, discussion-based session exploring why that gap exists by featuring firsthand perspectives from three CEOs (family and non-family) of longstanding family enterprises, each with a distinct board journey. Through their stories, panelists will share what has worked and what hasn’t in partnering with independent directors, including moments of highest impact, setbacks and missteps, the attributes of effective board members, the role of CEO–board chair relationships, and how family and shareholder dynamics can either enable or derail success. Participants will engage in dialogue, reflect on their own experiences, and leave with practical insights and tools to strengthen board effectiveness and unlock meaningful value in family businesses. Panelists:
- Marietta Lee, President and CEO, The Lee Company
- Sammy Duda, CEO and President, A. Duda &Sons, Inc.
- Caleb White, Former President and CEO, Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc.