Published in Agenda By Stuart R. Levine Hurricane Sandy created mass disruption in the Northeast as people were displaced from their homes, suffered catastrophic flooding and lost electricity on a historic scale.  While New Jersey Governor Chris Christie received high marks for his crisis response, the same could not be said of the governance team […]

Having just returned from NACUSO’s 2011 Annual Conference in Las Vegas, I thought it would be appropriate to share some perspective on current issues and trends that will impact your credit union and its ability to survive and thrive. Gigi Hyland, Board Member, NCUA, spoke about the unprecedented challenge of addressing the worst economic recession […]

Last week I attended a governance conference in New York City.  The primary focus of the meeting was education of directors who serve members and other important stakeholders. The real challenge that CEOs and boards face, is to learn as fast as the world is changing.  This implies a commitment to strengthening our skills to […]

This past month, I was invited to deliver a leadership presentation to a group of international business students at Stony Brook University at the request of a business colleague I have known for over 25 years.  These exchanges of content are an enduring commitment we make to the community.  Our hope is that the fundamental […]

Most corporate citizens would agree that corporate directors are among their most important and most demanding constituencies. But ironically, we think that Directors are among the most under-served constituencies of all – at least where “reaching out” is concerned. Here are a few things that are normally sure to please Directors…plus some hints on prepping […]

The world as we know it is in a continuous state of change for corporate directors. In the past, work mattered more than process.  With those in Congress and the Executive Branch concerned about another economic crisis, increased transparency and attention to processes will be required. In the past, board members, corporate secretaries and general […]

Recently, the SEC issued Rule 14a-11 which has major implications for the way shareholders have access to nominating directors to boards.   The implementation of these rules is currently being challenged in court by the United States Chamber of Commerce.  However, the SEC direction is to encourage increased communication between shareholders and directors.  So while we […]

During the holidays, television stations always run a consecutive loop of the yuletide log with a soundtrack of recognizable Christmas songs. It reminds us of shared values and gives people a sense of the holiday spirit and warmth.  Presently, we are watching a 24/7 “continuous loop” of the BP disaster with up to 100,000 gallons […]

On Dec. 16, 2009, the  SEC  issued rules that will require  additional commentary in the preparation of the 10K.  Information calling for director qualifications and  contributions to their respective boards will be required. The  questions that have been raised actually open a discussion at  the board level regarding philosophy of skills and  contributions of individual […]

The economic recovery continues to be problematic for the county and, as a result, regulatory pressures on  public companies and their boards remain high with no signs of abating.  Instead of waiting until regulatory  bodies start weighing in on ways to maintain high quality board performance, let’s exert some common  sense and get out ahead […]