The New England Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACDNE) will host a gala event on April 28, 2025, at the Seaport Hotel in Boston to honor outstanding leadership and governance in corporate and nonprofit boards. The event will spotlight notable contributions to corporate governance, community service, and business excellence by several honorees, recognizing their remarkable achievements and commitment to driving positive change.
Among the prestigious awards presented, the boards of Cabot Corporation and King Arthur Baking Co., Inc., will receive the “Public and Private Company Boards of the Year” accolades, respectively.
Honorees: Celebrating Leadership and Governance Excellence
Cabot Corporation, headquartered in Boston, is a leading global specialty performance materials and chemicals company. Celebrated for its 140 years of innovation, the company is recognized for its dedication to safety, health, environmental stewardship, and sustainability. Cabot’s board has played a pivotal role in steering the company toward strong financial growth while driving innovation in critical applications, including reinforcing carbons for tires, conductive additives for lithium-ion batteries, and inkjet dispersions for digital printing.
King Arthur Baking Co., Inc., based in Norwich, Vermont, boasts a history that dates back to 1790. This 100% employee-owned, certified B Corporation exemplifies the highest standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency. King Arthur Baking is renowned for its premium flours and mixes and its mission to foster community through baking. As a member of “1% for the Planet,” the company contributes actively to environmental and social causes. The board is recognized for its governance and leadership during a unique period in which the company successfully operated under the guidance of three co-CEOs from 2014 to 2019.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Ann Fudge will receive the R. Robert Popeo Lifetime Achievement Award, named after the late NACDNE chair. As a trailblazer in corporate leadership, Ms. Fudge served as the Chairman and CEO of Young & Rubicam Brands and has held board positions at leading corporations, including General Electric, Honeywell, and Unilever. Currently, she chairs the GBH Public Media board and the U.S. Program Advisory Panel for the Gates Foundation and serves as a trustee of the Brookings Institution.
Additional Honorees
- John R. “Jack” Egan, founding managing partner of Egan-Managed Capital, will receive the Leadership in Corporate Governance Award. Egan is a seasoned leader, serving as Lead Independent Director of NETSCOUT and Non-Executive Chairman of Progress Software Corp.
- J. Keith Motley, former Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Boston, will be honored with the Myra H. Kraft Award for Non-Profit Leadership, recognizing his lifelong commitment to nonprofit and educational initiatives. Motley’s contributions include founding the Roxbury Preparatory Charter School and serving on several nonprofit boards.
Celebrating Pioneers and Groundbreakers
Beth Boland, NACDNE Chair and senior partner at Foley & Lardner, highlighted the significance of this year’s honorees, stating:
“Each of our honorees is a pioneer and a groundbreaker. Ann Fudge’s extraordinary leadership across U.S. corporations, philanthropies, and educational institutions serves as an inspiration. Cabot Corporation and King Arthur Baking represent excellence in corporate leadership, while Jack Egan and Keith Motley epitomize the transformative power of dedicated governance and service.”
About NACD New England
The NACD New England Chapter is part of the National Association of Corporate Directors, the premier membership organization for board directors seeking to enhance their governance expertise, broaden their networks, and create positive economic and social impact. NACD’s Directorship Certification® is the leading credential for board members, equipping them to meet modern governance challenges.
With over 23,000 members and a robust nationwide chapter network, NACDNE remains committed to advancing corporate governance standards while fostering an inclusive community of leaders who drive meaningful change in business and society.
