Cindy C. Burrell is president of Diversity in Boardrooms, which consults with corporate boards and advisory boards (or councils). Burrell contributes over 20 years of executive search expertise with a special focus in recruiting and referring diverse director candidates who enhance a company’s growth, profitability and social responsibility reputation. In addition, the firm creates new and often innova- tive advisory boards (or councils) for private and public companies. Over the years,
she developed best practices guidelines for boards, and she often serves as a board facilitator. She is a founder of Private Directors Association, an organization that promotes and educates on the private company value of boards. In the Chicago area, Burrell is a recognized leader in the business community as well as a strong diversity advocate nationally. Her academic achieve- ments include a master’s degree from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University.