26th Annual Awards Recognize Top Board Directors for Driving Transformation,
Championing Inclusivity, and Igniting Innovation
SAN DIEGO – JUNE 29, 2023 Corporate Directors Forum (CDF) proudly announces the distinguished recipients of the “Director of the Year Award,” to be presented at its 26th annual awards ceremony on September 7, 2023.
Nominated by their peers, the six distinguished honorees embody the transformational, forward-thinking leadership required to address the global challenges facing organizations today.
“The board directors we are honoring this year are not only leaders to the organizations they serve but also inspiring role models for leaders worldwide,” said Jessica N. Grounds, CEO of CDF. “In the 26th year of this prestigious award, and during a time when thoughtful, inventive leadership is needed more than ever, we are proud to honor this remarkable group for their visionary work guiding organizations into the future.”
The Director of the Year Award was established to recognize outstanding board directors who live in the San Diego region or serve San Diego-based organizations. Five awards—in the categories of Corporate Governance, Enhancement of Culture & Inclusion, Companies in Transition, Emerging Board Leader, and Not-for-Profit Board Leader—recognize recent achievements, while the Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a director who has demonstrated superior leadership spanning decades.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1688053744741{padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]
The 2023 Director of the Year Award honorees are:
Director of the Year, Corporate Governance:
Cynthia “CJ” Warner
CJ Warner serves as the Lead Independent Director for Sempra (NYSE: SRE), a leading North American energy infrastructure company. Warner’s nomination recognizes her instrumental role in advancing Sempra’s sustainable business strategy with a commitment to strong and prudent governance practices. Through her leadership at Sempra, CJ has helped streamline board protocols, championed continuing board education, and fostered a culture of engagement and inclusivity. Warner also serves as a director of Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) and Bloom Energy (NYSE: BE).
Director of the Year, Enhancement of Culture & Inclusion:
Terri Funk Graham
Terri Funk Graham serves as a Board Director and Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of both Sprouts Farmers Market (Nasdaq: SFM) and LL Flooring Holdings (NYSE: LL). Graham has overseen critical ESG (environmental, social, governance) efforts and led multiple board and CEO searches with a dedication to enhancing gender, racial, and ethnic diversity. She also serves as a director coach for 50/50 Women on Boards, a global education and advocacy campaign with a mission of improving gender balance and diversity on corporate boards.
Director of the Year, Companies in Transition:
Helen Adams
Helen Adams, an accomplished certified public accountant, has served on multiple public and nonprofit company boards, including her current appointment as Chair of the Audit Committee for Prometheus Biosciences. Adams’