Bank of America’s Lionel Nowell, Marriott and Cisco Boards Honored With 2022 Board Leadership Awards 

© AdobeStock

Lionel Nowell, lead independent director at Bank of America and a member of the Ecolab and Textron boards, was named “Independent Director of the Year” today by Corporate Board Member as part of the magazine’s 4th annual Board Leadership Awards, presented in partnership with AlixPartners.  

Nowell was recognized by a distinguished panel of public company board members for his work helping to guide one of the world’s most important financial institutions through a very difficult period of history, with superior results for all of its stakeholders.  

He is one of three honorees this year’s committee recognized for their work during a tumultuous time for the world. The others are:  

The board of Marriott is the recipient of the “Courage in the Boardroom” award this year for their excellent performance during the most difficult period in the company’s history, as they recovered both from the global shutdown of their business during Covid and the sudden loss of their longtime CEO, Arne Sorenson.  

• The board of Cisco is the recipient of the “Greatest Impact on Corporate Boards” award for their ESG leadership demonstrated in part by their groundbreaking pro-bono work assisting the government of Ukraine defend against cyberattacks during Russia’s invasion, showcasing the powerful, essential role private sector companies can play in defending democracy worldwide. 

The awards will be presented live, in person, during Corporate Board Member’s 18th annual Boardroom Summit and Peer Exchange, Sept. 15, at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, followed by a panel discussion with Nowell and members of the Marriott and Cisco boards. For more information or to register for the event: https://boardmember.com/boardroomsummit/ 

“This year has proven to be another time of incredible challenge for all public companies,” said Jamie Tassa, publisher, Corporate Board Member. “The performance of these directors and boards is a great reminder of what an indispensable role exceptional governance—and leadership—plays in the success of an organization.”  

“This year’s honorees are true role models for public company boards, showcasing how vital great board leadership is, especially in uncertain and disruptive times,” said Joe Shalleck, managing director, AlixPartners, who acts as a special advisor to the judges throughout the process. “We congratulate them all, and we are honored to once again be part of this important effort to recognize great corporate governance.” 

About the Judges 

What makes the Board Leadership Awards unique is that they are selected by a peer group of exceptional, experienced public company directors. This year’s judges include: Pamela Arway, Chair, DaVita, director, The Hershey Co. and Iron Mountain, Inc.; Edward J. “Ned” Kelly, Retired Chair, CSX, Board Member, MetLife and Citizens Financial Group; Ellen Kullman, Executive Chair, Carbon, Inc., Former CEO, DuPont, Board Member, Goldman Sachs, Amgen and Dell Technologies; Mike O’Neill, Retired Chair, Citigroup; Maria Sastre, Board Member, General Mills and O’Reilly Auto Parts; Nigel Travis, Retired Executive Chair, Dunkin’ Brands, Board Member, Abercrombie & Fitch and Advance Auto Parts; Mike White, Board Member, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Former Board Member, Whirlpool Corp. and Kimberly-Clark, Former Chair and CEO, DIRECTV.  


  • Get the Corporate Board Member Newsletter

    Sign up today to get weekly access to exclusive analysis, insights and expert commentary from leading board practitioners.
  • UPCOMING EVENTS

    JUNE

    13

    AI Unleashed: Oversight for a Changing Era

    Online

    SEPTEMBER

    16-17

    20th Annual Boardroom Summit

    New York, NY

    MORE INSIGHTS