UCLA Anderson and Emeritus Launch Board Director Program for 2026

UCLA Anderson Executive Education has partnered with Emeritus to launch a new Board Director Program, set to commence on February 26, 2026. This four-month initiative aims to equip current and aspiring board members with the essential skills needed for effective corporate governance amid a rapidly changing business landscape.

The program addresses significant challenges facing today’s boardrooms, including digital transformation, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) accountability, and heightened stakeholder expectations. Participants will gain expertise in areas such as board and digital governance, financial oversight, ESG and sustainability integration, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

Comprehensive Learning Experience

Accredited by the National Association of Corporate Directors, the Board Director Program offers a blend of live online sessions and a five-day in-person immersion at the UCLA Anderson campus in Los Angeles. Through engaging simulations, case studies, and mock board meetings, participants will apply governance frameworks and enhance their decision-making capabilities.

The program also includes individualized coaching, peer learning circles, and the development of a customized project that helps participants create a personal action plan. Upon completion, graduates will receive a digital certificate, UCLA alumni status and benefits, and will earn 15 recertification credits toward NACD Directorship Certification, along with the option to pursue a board certification pathway.

Insights from Program Leaders

Professor Carla Hayn, PhD, co-faculty director of the program, emphasized the evolving role of board members, stating, “Today’s boardrooms require more than oversight – they demand visionary leaders who can bring strategic clarity, ethical judgment, and innovative leadership.” She noted that the program is designed to transform high-impact governance concepts into actionable business outcomes.

Mike Malefakis, president of university partnerships at Emeritus, highlighted the program’s importance in the current governance landscape. “The UCLA Anderson Board Director Program equips leaders with the governance expertise, financial acumen, and leadership skills needed to navigate today’s rapidly evolving boardroom landscape,” he stated. Malefakis underscored the collaboration with UCLA Anderson as a reflection of their shared commitment to empowering leaders worldwide to strengthen governance and create lasting impact.

This new initiative is tailored for senior executives, C-suite leaders, current board members, and individuals interested in governance roles within corporate or nonprofit boards. As the demands on board members grow increasingly complex, the Board Director Program aims to prepare participants to lead with clarity, influence, and resilience.

The launch of this program showcases UCLA Anderson and Emeritus’s commitment to enhancing corporate governance education and equipping leaders for the challenges of tomorrow.