Inside the 2024 NACD Blue Ribbon Commission Report

AI is changing at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for boards, executives, and businesses? In this in-depth discussion, we explore the 2024 NACD Blue Ribbon Commission report as a foundation to analyze the evolving landscape of technology governance, AI strategy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.

Key Topics Covered

• The biggest risk today is not taking one – what does this mean for business leaders?
• DeepSeek & National Security – what you need to know about the AI mic drop moment
• AI as an Asset – why companies need to value and track their proprietary data
• Governance & AI Ethics – the board’s role in shaping AI policies and risk frameworks
• AI Regulations & Compliance – navigating the patchwork of U.S. and global policies
• Tech Committees & Board Structure – how boards should adapt to oversee AI effectively
• The Future of Work & AI’s Impact on Jobs – navigating automation vs. augmentation

Key Takeaway

• The pace of AI evolution isn’t slowing down—boards and executives must adapt now by creating governance structures that balance innovation and risk management.

Program Videos

View the complete program playlist, including the following video clips:

• AI & Governance: The #1 Risk Boards Can’t Ignore
• AI’s Next 12-18 Months: What Leaders Need to Know Now
• DeepSeek, AI Governance & What Boards Must Do Now
• The Future of AI & Data: How Enterprises Must Adapt
• AI Governance & Ethics: Navigating Regulation & Corporate Responsibility

The Power of Perspective: Insights from Attendees

Alvaro Ruiz, NACD.DC, Chief Strategy Officer at Vertex Energy Inc., shares his key takeaways from our program.

Program Resources

2024 NACD Blue Ribbon Commission Resources

• 2024 Report of the Blue Ribbon Commission: Toolkit for Action
• Board Leaders on How to Strengthen Board Technology Oversight
• Overview of the 2024 NACD Blue Ribbon Commission Report

• The 6 Technology Trends That Show Why Business Leaders Must Embrace Risk

Supplementary Materials 

• AI for Everyone
• Board Governance AI Primer
• Future-Focused Governance: The Acceleration of Science, Technology, and Innovation Committees
• Nora Denzel's Top 6 Recommendations for Board Members to Become more Familiar with AI
• Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT
• Ryan McManus Publications
• Total Information Mastery: Enterprise AI Strategy, Risks, and Road Map

Panelists

Joanna Burkey, NACD.DC

Principal, Flat Rock Strategic Advisors; Director, ReliabilityFirst Corp (RF), Beyond Inc (Overstock.com Inc), CorVel Corporation, NACD Texas TriCities Chapter

Joanna Burkey is a transformational leader, board director, and senior executive with deep experience in cybersecurity, technology, and digital transformation. Joanna has held a variety of roles...

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Dr. Rob Johnston

Chief Scientist, Johnston Analytics; Senior Advisor, Pryon Inc.; Lecturer, Johns Hopkins University

Rob is a computational social scientist specializing in business process optimization, innovation management, and high-risk decision-making. Johnston is the chief scientist at Johnston Analytics, he’s a lecturer in artificial intelligence, national security, and research methods at Johns Hopkins University...

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Ryan McManus, NACD.DC

Founder, blockbld, techtonic.io; Director, Nortech Systems, EmpowerHER, NACD New York Chapter

Ryan McManus is a technology entrepreneur, executive, investor, board director and advisor.  He is the founder of blockbld, the web3 investment platform; the digital transformation and business model advisory firm techtonic.io, and managing director of the venture capital firm Inflexhn Partners...

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