About the Corporate Board Initiative

The Corporate Board Initiative, or CBI, is sponsored by Heidrick & Struggles and EY to enhance the preparedness of black executives for service on corporate boards. It builds awareness, improves readiness, and enhances the visibility of ELC members who are interested in and actively pursue corporate board service. In addition to general membership events, the cohort groups participate in workshops, webinars, individual coaching sessions, networking receptions, panel discussions, and board related conferences as part of a comprehensive development track.


“Recent progress in board diversity is encouraging, but the pace must improve. Both Black men and women board members have the highest recycle rates, serving on two or more boards. The development of a new generation of board members has created an abundant untapped source of diverse talent with a broad set of industry experiences, C-suite roles, backgrounds, and skills to fill future board seats.”

-Michael C. Hyter, president and CEO, The Executive Leadership Council