How will my entries be judged?

Stage 1

Once the entry deadline has passed, the Governance Intelligence editorial team reviews all submissions and produces the shortlists.

Stage 2

The shortlisted entries are shared with an independent judging panel made up of industry experts.

The judges review each shortlisted entry and select their top two picks per category.

Stage 3

The judges come together to discuss, debate and select the final list of winners who will go on to win an award.

Important things to note:

The judges’ votes are not made public, but their comments may be published in articles or reports after the event.

Judges are not required to make comments against every submission.

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2025 Judging Panel

Joan Conley, board member, Tigo Energy

Judge interviews

In your opinion, what common pitfalls should entrants avoid to strengthen their submissions?

Entrants are encouraged to provide the rationale for their submission and the specifically outline key points and examples that support the rationale for the award. Providing a link to the section of the Proxy is not enough and a pitfall to avoid. Additionally, it is helpful to provide the evolution of the Proxy disclosures if entrants previously submitted for the same category in the past. While I retain my notes year after year, it would be helpful for the entrant to explain the enhancements from prior years submissions.

I am particularly interested in hearing how entrants have used AI to produce and enhance their proxy disclosures and engagement with institutional investors during a challenging year.

Matt Geekie, senior vice preisdent, secretary and general counsel, Graybar

Judge interviews

In your opinion, what common pitfalls should entrants avoid to strengthen their submissions?

Nominators should express enthusiasm for their entrant in the summary. For those entities or people nominated for more than one award, be responsive to each of the categories. Invest the time to compose nominations for each category.

Strike that difficult balance between brevity and thoroughness to captivate the judge’s attention while providing the information to readily say “yes”.

Eileen Kamerick, Non-executive director
Associated Banc-corp, ACV Auctions, Valic Company and chairman of the board for Legg Mason Closed End Funds

Judge interviews

In your opinion, what common pitfalls should entrants avoid to strengthen their submissions?

In terms of pitfalls, I think it's a good idea to use graphics, when appropriate, and perhaps consider ways to be more concise and to the point in describing the enhancements made to each respective company's governance program, etc.

Also, make sure that there is appropriate context and background on the catalyst for these changes.