Debbie Bing Thumbnail

Debbie Bing

President and Principal
CFAR, Inc. (Center for Applied Research)
Debbie Bing, president and principal, began at CFAR as a project consultant in 1998, became an associate in 1999, and a principal in 2006. her assumption of the presidency in 2016 represents the shift to CFAR’s second generation of leaders. Debbie is also a member of CFAR’s board of directors and co-leads the firm’s family business and owner-led practice group. She won the Bridger Award in 2008 for her paper, “Crowding Out the Space: The Weakness of a Strong Leader,” and has presented to the Northeastern University Center for Family Business, the Healthcare Business Women’s Association, and numerous Boston area business groups. In October 2014, Debbie was honored as a fellow of the FFI, from which she earned both the GEN and advanced certificates in family business advising. In addition, she has been published in People & Strategy and Family Business magazines. Debbie holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and peace and conflict studies from Haverford College and a Master of International Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University.

SESSIONS

The Board’s Role in Moving the Company Forward Moderator

How can a board help the owners make hard decisions (such as closing a plant or parting ways with a longtime manager or family member)? What types of board discussions lead to strategic progress? What questions can independent directors ask to help the chairman or CEO? 

Takeaways:

• Sample questions independent directors can ask a chairman to get at the tough issues

• Best practices for board discussions that get to the heart of an issue vs. talking around it

• Process for follow-up to ensure these tough issues are addressed between board meetings