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Next Generation Director
Preparing Diverse Executives for Board Service and Beyond
Next Generation Director is an immersive 12-month program that elevates diverse executives by integrating board-level governance insights with enterprise leadership excellence. Led by Fortune 500 board directors and developed in partnership with Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA), the program strengthens participants’ strategic decision-making and oversight capabilities—essential corporate leadership and board service skills. Participants advance their organizational impact as senior leaders while developing director competencies, enhancing interactions with company boards and executive teams, and building powerful connections with accomplished peers on parallel paths.

Learn More

Next Generation Director participants are corporate officers at organizations with an annual revenue more than $1 billion. The selection process is competitive. We look forward to learning more about your interest. Our fifth Next Generation Director Cohort will launch in May 2026 through April 2027.

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Key Program Focus Areas
Strengthening leadership in and out of the boardroom
Participants will gain insights into becoming better executives, understanding the right “altitude to fly in,” and fostering more effective board interactions.
Understanding board governance
Participants gain a deep understanding of what governance requires while developing a shared vocabulary related to board roles and responsibilities.
Elevating strategic thinking
Exposure to board-level decision-making broadens participants’ perspectives, enhancing their ability to contribute to high-level decisions within their organizations.
Refining stakeholder influence
Mentorship from seasoned directors sharpens participants’ engagement with key stakeholders, increasing their impact in critical leadership discussions.
Articulating a persuasive narrative
Participants highlight how they add value at the board level, including their business impact, unique skills, and personal motivations.
The Next Generation Director Difference
  • Board director-led: Learn from accomplished directors who explore the realities of today’s governance and corporate landscapes.
  • Individual mentorship: Work one-on-one with advisors and search consultants for ongoing feedback on board search goals, enterprise value, and front-of-mind questions.
  • Unrivaled community: Build a network of expert board practitioners and cross-industry peers dedicated to ongoing executive development and success.
Select Session Leaders
Les Brun

Ariel Alternatives

Founder, Chair and CEO
Boards: Broadridge Financial and Corning
Marjorie Lao

LEGO Group

Former EVP and
Chief Financial Officer
Boards: Logitech
and Mytheresa
Rusty O'Kelley

Russell Reynolds Associates

Managing Director, Board and CEO Advisory Practice
Myrna Soto

Apogee Executive Advisors

Founder and CEO
Boards: CMS Energy, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Trinet, Spirit Airlines
Lisa Wardell

Adtalem Global Education

Former Chair and CEO
Board: American Express
Robin Washington

Gilead Sciences

Former EVP and
Chief Financial Officer
Boards: Alphabet, Honeywell, Salesforce
Mark Weinberger
EY
Former Chair and CEO
Boards: Johnson & Johnson,
J.P. Morgan, MetLife,
Saudi Aramco
Ron Williams

Aetna

Former Chair and CEO
Boards: agilon health (Chair), apree health (Chair), Boeing, Warby Parker
SEE MORE

As the need for younger and actively engaged diverse directors grows, it's a privilege to share my boardroom experience with talented, eager, and extraordinarily qualified candidates of color. Next Generation Director demystifies navigating the boardroom and supports emerging directors in selecting, preparing, and interviewing for these exciting board leadership opportunities.


Les Brun — Les Brun, Lead Faculty Boards: Broadridge Financial, Corning

The depth of expertise from the directors and mentors was incredible. With personalized coaching and invaluable insights from Fortune 500 directors, I left with the confidence to elevate my leadership approach. More importantly, it sharpened my leadership skills in ways that have immediate impact on my organization.


Lori Castillo – Lori Castillo Martinez, EVP, Talent Growth and Development, Salesforce

I’m pleased to share that I was appointed to my first public company board this July. I genuinely credit the Next Generation Director experience for enhancing my ability to articulate my value.


Teresa Bowers – Treasa Bowers, EVP and CHRO, 7-Eleven
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Development

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