You never know what you might take away from a great professional event. Sometimes it’s a new idea. Sometimes it’s a fresh perspective. Now and then, it’s reconnecting with someone you haven’t seen in more than 40 years !!

I recently had the privilege of attending the NACD-Atlanta Chapter event, “Private Equity Governance Insights for Directors,” and it delivered on all three.  I have long had an interest in serving on the Board of Directors of a company (especially a tech start-up), so this event was of particular interest to me.

For those who may not be familiar with NACD, the National Association of Corporate Directors is one of the most trusted professional associations for board directors. For more than 45 years, NACD has helped leaders strengthen their organizations, navigate change, and prepare for the future. Today, it represents more than 24,000 individuals, over 1,750 boards, and more than 20 chapters across 35 locations.

NACD’s event featured leaders from two of the world’s premier private equity firms, The Carlyle Group and TPG. They shared their perspectives on how private equity firms create value through disciplined governance, strategic oversight, and strong partnerships with management.

What struck me most was how relevant many of those lessons are to organizations like SPCEA. Directors of public companies, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations alike can all benefit from the same basic principles: ask the right questions, stay focused on strategy, support strong leadership, and keep long-term value at the center of decision-making.

One of the most interesting parts of the conversation focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence. AI is quickly becoming more than just a technology issue. It is now a board-level topic tied to strategy, risk, competitiveness, and future growth. Hearing how experienced leaders are thinking about AI as both an enabler and a differentiator was especially valuable.

The evening also included a personal highlight.  I had the opportunity to reconnect with Cindy Baerman, CEO of Executive Advisory Services and a Board Member of the NACD-Atlanta Chapter. Cindy and I went to middle school and high school together in Kokomo, Indiana, and we had not seen each other in more than four decades.  It was great to catch up, share a few memories, and see where our careers and lives have taken us over the years.

The experience was a good reminder that professional development and networking often go hand in hand. We attend events to learn, but relationships and reconnections can be just as meaningful.

Jeff Miller is President and Co-Founder of SPCEA and has 40 years of engineering, manufacturing, and commercial experience within the electronics and semiconductor industries. He has served in leadership and direct-contributor roles at General Motors, John Deere, Standard Motor Products, Ford Motor Company, Whirlpool Corporation, and Panasonic Automotive Systems. Jeff has been active within the cost engineering profession since 2002.  Copyright © 2026 – Society of Product Cost Engineering & Analytics. All rights reserved.