The finalists compete across four distinct categories: the B. Kenneth West Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Public, Private, and Nonprofit Director of the Year honors. The nominees for the lifetime achievement distinction include Richard K. Davis, Ted Philip, John W. Thompson, and James Turley. The public company category features industry veterans such as Rodney C. Adkins, Glenda Dorchak, Guy Gecht, Mark Hawkins, and Ellen Zane.

In the private sector, finalists include James Lee, Frank Martire, Yvonne Wassenaar, and Vice Admiral Jim Zortman. The nonprofit category recognizes John Driver, Julie Greiner, and George Vradenburg. According to Julie Pitts, vice president and executive sponsor at NACD, these individuals embody the highest standards of leadership and have demonstrated tangible impact on their respective organizations and communities. The full list of recipients will be celebrated at the annual awards gala on December 7, 2026.