NACD Philadelphia Recognizes Board Chair Emeritus Melissa Ludwig with Directorship 100 Honor and Board Leadership Award for 2026

Chapter Expands Its Reach and Influence Amid a Rapidly Evolving Corporate Governance Landscape

PHILADELPHIA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#AIGovernance–The Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) announced leadership transitions that honor exceptional service and position the chapter for continued growth and governance excellence.

After four years as Chapter Chair, Melissa Ludwig concluded her term in December 2025, leaving a legacy of sustained membership growth, expanded programming, and heightened director engagement. In recognition of her national impact on board leadership and governance innovation, Ludwig was named to NACD’s prestigious Directorship100, honoring the most influential governance leaders in the country. A seasoned board director and former Macy’s executive, Ludwig brings deep expertise in strategy, enterprise risk management, and organizational transformation, alongside broad nonprofit, academic, and civic board service. She also leads Broad Street Angels and corporate partnerships for Fearless Restaurants, reflecting her cross-sector commitment to mission-driven leadership.

Tom Petro NACD.DC will succeed Ludwig as Chapter Chair. A CEO, corporate director, and venture investor, Petro brings decades of boardroom experience. He is managing partner of 1867 Capital Partners, a director and committee chair at Univest Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: UVSP), and author of the book AI in the Boardroom: A Leader’s Guide to Responsible Governance.

The chapter also recognizes Alex Lord of KPMG for his valued board service and welcomes four new board members—Glenn Brooks, Julia Klein, Jeffrey Vrabel, and Trish Wellenbach NACD.DC—whose diverse perspectives will further strengthen the chapter’s leadership.

Together, these transitions reinforce NACD Philadelphia’s commitment to advancing board effectiveness and delivering value to its director community.

About the NACD Philadelphia Chapter
NACD Philadelphia is a local resource for board members turn to for world-class continuing director education, and peer-to-peer sharing. Our events focus on both the practical aspects of board service and the latest developments in leading practices and corporate governance. Visit: NACD Philadelphia Chapter Homepage to learn more about us.

NACD Inspires Directors to Meet the Challenges of Modern Governance
The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) is the most trusted association for board directors. For 47 years, the organization has helped leaders build successful companies that make a difference in the world. A collective of over 24,000 individuals, 1,750+ boards, more than 20 chapters across 35 locations. NACD empowers directors and transforms boards to stay on the leading edge of corporate governance.

To learn more about NACD, visit www.NACDonline.org. To become an NACD member, please email Join@NACDonline.org or call (571) 367-3708.

Contacts

Kristen Coscia, Executive Director NACD Philadelphia
kristen@philadelphia.nacdonline.org