Overview
Join NCEO at the 2026 Annual Employee Ownership Conference, where industry leaders, employee-owned companies, and visionary thought leaders come together to explore the transformative power of employee-owned companies, innovation, and sustainable business practices.
McDermott Will & Schulte partners will speak at the following sessions:
Addressing the Unique Insurance Needs of ESOPs – Fiduciary and Broader Risk Transfer
April 9, 2026
9:45 – 10:45 am (CST)
Speaker: Ted Becker
To ensure practical takeaways, attendees will divide into groups based on their ESOP stage (considering, new 0–5 years, emerging 5–10 years, or mature 10+ years). Each group will discuss the insurance and risk transfer issues they have encountered—or anticipate—at their stage of the ESOP lifecycle. This collaborative format allows participants to share real-world experiences, compare challenges, and gather insights most relevant to their organization’s current position.
Strong Boards, Strong Companies: Governance Best Practices for ESOPs
April 9, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm (CST)
Speaker: Allison Wilkerson
This session will explore how to thoughtfully structure the board by selecting a well-balanced mix of individuals who bring independence, relevant expertise, and alignment with employee-owner interests. Attendees will examine the scope of authority granted to the board, the types of corporate decisions it is responsible for, and the fiduciary and legal standards directors must meet.
The discussion will also highlight how strong governance can be reinforced using special board committees and the inclusion of experienced board-side advisors. These advisors can provide critical guidance on governance best practices, clarify director responsibilities, and help identify when fairness opinions or other third-party tools may be appropriate to support and elevate the board’s decision-making process. To bring these concepts to life, the presenters will engage the audience by soliciting questions, sharing insights, and bringing real-world case studies related to effective board governance. Bring your musings, your challenges, and your success stories—this session is designed to be as interactive as it is informative.