Using CompanyIQ corporate governance data for the third year in a row, the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) profiles corporate boards in its annual review of public companies.

Key findings include:

• The percentage of board seats occupied by women has slowly but consistently increased over time. This year, women accounted for 41 percent of new director appointments and only 17 percent of those departing. With increased emphasis on gender balance on the board, this trend could accelerate in the near future.
• Board independence has changed little relative to last year, though it has increased gradually over time. In 2020, only 15 percent of boards in the Russell 3000 had compositions where 90 percent of board members were independent directors. This increased to 17 percent last year and continued to increase to 18 percent this year.
• Board use of nonstandard committees such as risk, technology, and sustainability has increased over the last two years.