Utah Business and NACD Utah (National Association of Corporate Directors Utah Chapter) are proud to present the annual Outstanding Directors event. This event honors board directors and board members who advise private, public and nonprofit organizations and help them reach their end goals.
Who’s a great fit?
- Current or recent board directors (nonprofit or for-profit) with a meaningful Utah presence
- Leaders who’ve raised the bar on governance—strategy, risk, oversight, fiduciary duty—and delivered real organizational impact
Friendly heads-up (to save you time)
This award recognizes governance, not day-to-day management.
- Eligibility (at a glance): Eligible board directors (including independent directors and trustees). Not eligible: Executive Directors/CEOs or staff roles (COO, CFO, Marketing Director, Program Director)—unless the person is also a voting board director and you’re nominating them for their board contributions. Advisory/honorary councils without fiduciary duties are not eligible.
- Quick distinction: Board Director = governance leader (direction, strategy/risk oversight, CEO hire/eval, fiduciary duty). Executive/Manager = operations leader (runs teams, programs, daily execution).
What a strong nomination covers
- Unique Impact on Governance or Strategy
How did this director strengthen oversight, strategy setting, risk/ERM, audit, compensation, or board processes? What changed as a result?
- Leadership Traits
Which behaviors set them apart (e.g., sound judgment, independence, courage, ethical rigor, stakeholder savvy, inclusivity, crisis composure)? Tie traits to outcomes.
- Pivotal Moments
Describe the director’s role in major inflection points (e.g., CEO transition, strategic pivot, IPO/financing, M&A, crisis/activism response). What decisions did they influence, and what results followed?
Tip: Anchor your responses in governance contributions and organizational outcomes (not job duties).
Sponsorship opportunities are still available for organizations wishing to get in front of this unique group of individuals. Contact the Utah Business team at sponsorships@utahbusiness.com for more information.
Do multiple nominations for a candidate improve their chances of being selected?
No. Honorees are selected based on merit rather than popular vote. It is best to compile all the information into one well-written nomination. As the judges read through all the nominations—sometimes hundreds of them—it’s easier for them to get a full picture of the nominee if all information is in the same nomination.
Nominations for 2025 are open through January 30, 2026.
In Partnership With
Meet the 2025 Outstanding Directors here.