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Independent Directors Council Announces New Leadership for Governing Council

William Ebsworth has been elected as Chair, Cynthia Plouché to become Chair Emeritus

Washington, DC; October 16, 2024—The Independent Directors Council (IDC) announced today that its Governing Council has elected William R. Ebsworth as chair and Cynthia R. Plouché as Chair Emeritus for the 2025 fiscal year. Ebsworth, who recently served as Vice Chair of the Governing Council, is an independent director of the Allspring Funds. Plouché, who recently completed her second year as IDC chair, is an independent director on the boards of the MassMutual Funds and Northern Trust Funds.

“I am honored to be elected IDC Governing Council Chair and to welcome the newest members of the Council. It’s been so rewarding to work alongside Cynthia, Tom and the entire IDC staff to support and guide independent directors. I am excited to continue our work to strengthen fund board governance,” said Ebsworth.

“I am delighted to continue my leadership service on IDC’s Governing Council as Chair Emeritus. We remain focused on supporting fund independent directors across the industry,” said Plouché. “It has been a pleasure to work alongside Bill as we work to advance IDC’s mission of advocacy, education, engagement, and public understanding. I look forward to his leadership of the Governing Council over the coming year.”

IDC Managing Director Thomas Kim added, “I’ve had the privilege of working with both Bill and Cynthia for many years, and I am excited that they are continuing their service to the independent director community. I look forward to the next chapter for our Governing Council as we work to strengthen fund governance and advance shareholder interests in the United States.”

The Governing Council also elected the following four independent directors to their first term on the Council:

Jonathan W. DePriest
Independent Director, iMGP Funds
 
Coleen Downs Dinneen 
Independent Director, Artisan Partners Funds

Andrew J. Iseman
Independent Director, Pacific Select Fund and Tortoise Capital Series Trust

Marcus L. Smith
Independent Director, Eaton Vance Funds

The full membership of the IDC Governing Council is available on the IDC website.