Michelle Cardwell has been re-elected as chairwoman of the Institute of Directors, Bermuda Branch after an AGM earlier this month.

She is joined by treasurer Megan Nesbitt and secretary Susie Tindall.

New on the board this year are Dorothy Butterfield, Yvonne DeCosta, Carol Dixon, Laureen Franks and Natalie Millar.

Ms Cardwell recapped the year’s highlights pointing to the marked success of the professional development sessions with local partners KPMG, Carey Olsen, Deloitte, and PWC, in which more than 1,000 registrants participated in 19 sessions.

She commented on how a number of members had joined the board for the first time. while others had stepped into new positions.

She said: “Once again, we have a great group of individuals who have chosen to continue on the board this year and we also have members who have stepped forward and joined the executive committee as directors or ambassadors.”

Last year, IoD Bermuda implemented an ambassador initiative with members of the board taking ambassador positions in key areas for the organisation.

These are divided in the “core” areas of policy and governance; education and skills; diversity and Inclusion; and PR and communication; plus positions focused on climate change and sustainability; public and third sector; fintech/cybersecurity; and professional and financial services.

“Ambassadors are important positions that help us to communicate with our members but also with the general community,” explained Ms Cardwell.

“They act as a focal point for the Branch’s efforts to identify and raise the profile of key groups while driving membership within these groups.”

In addition to IoD’s focus on professional development, education and networking for Bermuda’s director community, she said the organisation would this year be focused on creating even more networking opportunities for members and continue to encourage participation in the Certificate in Company Direction programme.

A few members stepped down from the board including former co-chair Sara Schroter along with Neil Glass and Natalie Neto.

“They have all had a tremendous influence on the growth and success of the branch over the years and I am personally grateful for their support and efforts,” said Ms Cardwell. “We wish them well and are sure they will continue to stay involved with IoD Bermuda.”