Celebrating 15 Years

Heather Spilsbury

Heather Spilsbury

CEO

Heather Spilsbury is a dynamic and visionary leader, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer at 50/50 Women on Boards, a global 501c3 non-profit organization committed to advancing diversity on corporate boards.

With an impressive history of organizational growth, Heather has played a pivotal role in the transformative journey of 50/50 Women on Boards. Under her leadership, the organization achieved significant milestones, including tripling its audience reach, substantially increasing corporate contributions by 30%, and allocating an impressive 84% of funds toward its mission to bridge the gender diversity gap on corporate boards.

Before her role at 50/50 Women on Boards, Heather served as the Vice President of Marketing and Strategy at The Sheppard, a Los Angeles-based creative agency. During her time there, she not only established the agency’s marketing division but also spearheaded the increase of its EBITDA from $3 million to $26 million.

Heather’s 20-year career is marked by her proficiency in marketing and operations across highly regulated industries. She has successfully led integrated marketing campaigns for renowned clients, showcasing her adaptability and skill across diverse sectors, including LVMH, Moët, Shell Oil, Nintendo, Proctor & Gamble, Ugg, Revlon, Almay, Starbucks, Legends, American Heart Association, and OUE.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Heather is deeply committed to community building, volunteering her time and expertise on the boards of the Hispanic Public Relations Association in Los Angeles and the UC Riverside Extension, with a focus on elevating diverse talent in the pipeline.

Heather is an alumna of Seattle University, where she earned her degree in Business Management with minors in Economics and Painting, reflecting her multifaceted talents. Her dedication to continuous learning is evident in her certifications in crisis communication, data analytics, and predictive modeling from UCLA Extension.

Shape

Code of Conduct: Governing Data & Emerging Tech

Boards are no longer observers of emerging technology; they are stewards of how it’s governed. This panel goes beyond awareness to examine how directors can structure oversight, define accountability, and measure governance effectiveness in AI, data use, and digital innovation. Panelists will share practical strategies for building governance systems that ensure transparency, ethical decision-making, and responsible innovation at scale.

Your First Board Meeting: A Director’s Playbook

Designed for aspiring and newly appointed directors, this session offers practical guidance on how to step confidently into your first boardroom. Learn what to expect in early meetings, how to contribute with purpose, and how to quickly build credibility and trust among seasoned peers. Gain insight into board dynamics, unspoken protocols, and the critical questions new directors should be ready to ask and answer.

Tactics that Work: Case Studies in Navigating Shareholder Activism

In this tactical, director-focused session, participants will engage in case-based exercises to dissect real campaigns and pressure scenarios. From activist letters to proxy fights, explore how boards can craft strategic responses that reinforce governance integrity, protect corporate reputation, and align with long-term priorities. Walk away with actionable tactics and frameworks to strengthen board preparedness in the face of growing investor scrutiny.

Inside the Boardroom: Resilience Planning in Action

This interactive session places directors inside the boardroom during moments of disruption. Through tabletop exercises and real-world scenarios, participants will explore how boards can apply structured frameworks to assess geopolitical risk, anticipate threats, and make decisive decisions under pressure. Designed as a classroom-style session, this breakout provides practical tools to strengthen oversight and build a proactive board response strategy in an increasingly uncertain world.

Reputation & Response: How Boards Navigate Shareholder Activism

As shareholder activism intensifies, boards face mounting pressure to defend strategy, protect corporate reputation, and engage stakeholders with clarity. This panel brings together seasoned directors to explore how boards can respond effectively while maintaining credibility, board alignment, and stakeholder trust. Hear real-world insights on navigating activism in today’s high-stakes, high-visibility environment.

Navigating Global Markets: Trade, Tariffs, and Supply Chain Strategy

As global disruptions reshape business models, this panel will explore how boards can navigate the practical complexities of trade, tariffs, and supply chain shifts across regions. Panelists will share how directors are guiding companies through regulatory changes, sourcing challenges, and new market risks, while seizing opportunities for growth and operational agility.

Strengthening Oversight: Risk Management and Board Resilience

This keynote will equip directors to think globally about risk through the lens of geopolitical foresight, cross-border tensions, and long-term instability. Learn how boards can strengthen oversight and guide enterprise-wide resilience by anticipating disruption and embedding a proactive risk culture in a changing world.