Corporate Governance: Where We Have Been, Where We Are Going

Corporate America: if not directly a part of it, we are all connected to it. Corporations now play a role in the smooth functioning of society once occupied by traditional government alone. As the power and importance of corporations and markets have grown, so has the need for proper oversight and checks and balances. Join this panel of experts from the judicial system, business, and academia as they discuss the major topics in this important issue. What is the difference between regulation and corporate governance? What role do – and should – shareholders play in making decisions about their companies? How much oversight should shareholders have over boards, and boards over executives? What is being done to promote greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the management of corporate America? What are the major themes and future issues in this important field?

Moderator:

Charles Elson

Director, Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance and Edgar S. Woolard, Jr., Chair in Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware

 

Charles Elson is the Edgar S. Woolard Jr., Chair in Corporate Governance and the Director of the John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware. He is also "Of Counsel" to the law firm of Holland & Knight. This fall, Directorship magazine named him one of the most influential people in the field of corporate governance. His fields of expertise include corporations, securities regulation and corporate governance. He served on the National Association of Corporate Directors' Commissions on Director Compensation, Director Professionalism, CEO Succession, Audit Committees, Strategic Planning and Director Evaluation, was a member of its Best Practices Council on Coping with Fraud and Other Illegal Activity, and presently serves on that organization’s Advisory Council. He is Vice Chairman of the ABA Business Law Section’s Committee on Corporate Governance and a member of its Committee on Corporate Laws.

Speakers:

The Honorable William B. Chandler, III

Chancellor, Delaware Court of Chancery

 

William B. Chandler III was appointed Chancellor of the Delaware Court of Chancery in 1997, where he had served as Vice Chancellor since 1989. He also served as Resident Judge of the Delaware Superior Court from 1985 to 1989. He received his law degrees from the University of South Carolina School of Law and the Yale Law School and his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware. Before his appointment to the Court, Chancellor Chandler was an associate with Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell and he served as legal counsel to former Governor Pete du Pont.

The Honorable Leo E. Strine, Jr.

Vice-Chancellor, Delaware Court of Chancery

 

The Honorable Leo E. Strine, Jr. became a Vice Chancellor of the Court of Chancery in November, 1998. Immediately prior, Vice Chancellor Strine was Counsel to Governor Thomas R. Carper since 1993. Before his position with Governor Carper, Vice Chancellor Strine served as a corporate litigator at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and as law clerk to Judge Walter K. Stapleton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and Chief Judge John F. Gerry of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Vice Chancellor Strine graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and received his Bachelor's Degree summa cum laude from the University of Delaware.

John A. Krol

Director, Tyco International, Ltd.; former Chairman and CEO of E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Co.; Trustee of the University of Delaware

 

John A. Krol has been a director of Tyco since August 2002, and served as lead director from August 2002 until March 2008. Mr. Krol is the former Chairman and Chief Executive of E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company. He joined E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company in 1963 as a chemist, working his way up through the company to senior management positions, and was appointed Vice Chairman of the company in 1992 and Chairman and CEO in 1998. Mr. Krol also serves on the Board of Directors for Ace Limited, MeadWestvaco Corporation and Milliken & Company, a private company. He also serves on the Advisory Board for Bechtel Corporation, and on the Board of Trustees of the University of Delaware.

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