Though corporate governance is centered on sticking to the regulations, it’s important to recognize those GCs and legal teams who go above and beyond. At its best, award-winning corporate governance reflects integrity, transparency and purpose-driven leadership at listed companies.
We spoke to the nominees and winners of the 2025 Corporate Governance Awards to discover their perspectives on what it means to be recognized for excellence in the field – and why other governance professionals should follow in their wake.
Pride in teamwork and recognition
For many nominees, the awards are not just personal accolades, but a celebration of collective effort.
Mary Francis, corporate secretary and chief governance officer at Chevron, said: ‘We are proud and excited to be recognized by Governance Intelligence for best governance team and best shareholder engagement. Amid tremendous change at our company and in shareholder expectations over the past year, we have continued to prioritize excellence in governance and effective engagement, and that has served us well.’
Winners of the Best Governance Team andBest Shareholder Engagement awards – Chevron
Similarly, Scott Cross, director of board operations and corporate governance at General Motors – who was nominated for best proxy statement (large cap) – emphasized the validation that recognition brings: ‘It is an honor that General Motors does not take lightly. We consider the recognition to be validation that we are providing meaningful disclosures to our stakeholders and driving change in our industry. De gustibus non est disputandum! (In matters of taste, there can be no disputes).’
Murphy Oil was shortlisted for best proxy statement (mid-cap) and its director of governance and legal services, Tricia Hammons, echoed the sentiment of humility: ‘We’re humbled and grateful to be shortlisted for the 2025 Corporate Governance Awards, recognizing Murphy’s commitment to strong governance and transparent, thoughtful disclosures.’
Governance as purpose and impact
Several nominees highlighted governance as a vehicle for meaningful impact, beyond regulatory compliance.
Sophie Bail, senior counsel at Bristol-Myers Squibb, described her team’s approach: ‘We’re honored to be recognized by the Corporate Governance Awards for BMS’ commitment to strong governance practices, transparency, accountability and purpose-driven leadership… our goal was to showcase BMS’s governance practices in a compelling and accessible way, and this recognition inspires us to keep raising the bar.’
For Hope Mehlman, chief legal and corporate affairs officer at Ally Financial, the lifetime achievement award reflected a career devoted to governance as a force for resilience: ‘I’m deeply honored to receive the lifetime achievement award from Governance Intelligence. Over the course of my career, I’ve seen firsthand how strong governance can create real value – not just for organizations, but for the communities they serve… It’s a meaningful reminder of how far we’ve come – and how much more we still have to do.’
Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Awards – Hope Mehlman, Ally Financial
Leadership, trust and accountability
The award also offers an opportunity to expand the remit of what can be considered ‘good governance’. Carol Samaan, senior vice president and corporate secretary at Healthpeak Properties, which was nominated for best proxy statement (mid-cap) and Governance professional of the year (small to mid-cap), echoed this thought.
‘Corporate governance is more than rules and compliance,’ she said. ‘A good governance leader cultivates trust, transparency, and accountability… Being recognized as a Governance Professional of the Year by my peers… is humbling and a great honor.’
Winner of theGovernance professional of the year (small to mid-cap) award -Carol Samaan, Healthpeak Properties
Ciara McMenamin, head of legal at ExlService, emphasized integrity as the foundation of responsible growth. ‘Receiving the award for best sustainability reporting (mid-cap) and being named finalist in the Governance team of the year… has reinforced Exl’s belief that integrity and accountability are the foundation of responsible growth,’ she added. ‘We are delighted that our leadership in governance has been recognized.’
Michael Green, chief compliance officer at Arm Holdings, described the personal and professional significance of winning best compliance and ethics program. ‘Winning a Corporate governance award is simultaneously humbling and exhilarating,’ he said. ‘The work that we do is always in service to the public, so being recognized for efforts means so much.’
Winner of theBest sustainability reporting (mid-cap) award -Michael Green, Arm Holdings
Finally, Cara Mia Manzella, manager of ESG programs at Omnicell, framed the recognition as both a milestone and inspiration. ‘Winning a Corporate Governance Award (best sustainability reporting (small cap)) is a significant milestone and a deeply meaningful recognition,’ she explained. ‘It is an honor to be recognized alongside the individuals and companies who are shaping the future of corporate governance.’
Winner of theBest sustainability reporting (small cap) award -Cara Mia Manzella, Omnicell
Across industries the voices of nominees and winners converge on a common message: excellence in corporate governance requires dedication, teamwork and purpose. The Corporate Governance Awards not only celebrate achievements but also highlight the ongoing impact governance leaders have on their organizations, stakeholders and wider communities.