Adis Vila, a global CXO with expertise in international business and regulation, with extensive experience in public policy and foreign affairs, recently announced the achievement of the NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors) Director Certification, the top director designation available in the U.S.

Vila announced through her LinkedIn profile:

I’m happy to share that I’ve obtained a new certification: NACD Directorship Certification from NACD!

Born in Cuba, Vila, who currently speaks four languages, came to the United States as a political refugee.

She has lived and worked in the U.S., Latin America, and Europe and has been a member of the Council on Foreign Relations for 30 years.

Career Path

With more than 30 years of experience in a variety of multi-billion dollar public and private sector organizations, Vilas is an authoritative voice on executive teams and boards on public policy and regulation.

Vilas is notable for having guided the organizational transformation in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) as the first director of Diversity (CDO) of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA).

There, Vilas designed and executed a comprehensive DEI strategy and was recognized with an Innovation Award by Profiles in Diversity Journal for her work empowering cadets with jobs at multinational companies.

Among her most senior positions in the public sector, Vilas has worked in complex government agencies in C-level positions, including secretary (CEO) of the Florida Department of Administration, and assistant secretary for Management (COO) for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

In the private sector, Vilas has stood out for her influence on profitable global growth and expansion, playing key leadership roles, such as:

• VP of International Business Development for agri-business Vigoro, where she drove market access for products in Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, and Scandinavia and negotiated agreements with distributors and business partners. 
• VP of Government Relations and Regulatory Policy (Caribbean and Latin America) for $22b telecom supplier Nortel Networks, where she led trade, infrastructure development, investment, and social responsibility across 40 countries.

Vilas currently serves on the Board of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Telephone Bank, and on the Advisory Board of Global Asset Management (GAM), a subsidiary of UBS.

Congratulations to #LCDAMember and #LCDASecondViceChair, Adis Vila, for achieving @NACD Directorship Certification.#LatinaLeaders #LCDAOnTheRise pic.twitter.com/AhOyolzieX

— Latino Directors (@LatinoDirectors) May 9, 2023

Various Acknowledgments

Vilas is a recipient of prestigious global grants, including the U.S.-Japan Leadership Fellowship, the Eisenhower Scholarship (U.S. to Argentina), and Rotary International’s Group Study Exchange to India, and Graduate Ambassadorial Fellowship to Geneva, Switzerland.

She was named a 'Leading Latina' by Hispanic Executive and a 'Director to Watch' by Directors & Boards.

“I’ve always felt strongly that men and women and people of all cultures, races, and ethnicities can do whatever they aspire to if they have the talent and are willing to work,” she said to the Hispanic Executive. “Helping people achieve their goals drives what I do.”

About NACD Directorship Certification

NACD Directorship Certification is the premier director designation available in the United States, where participants meet the highest standards of corporate governance and set new standards of excellence for themselves and the boards they serve.

“It is a declaration to your peers and stakeholders that you are capable of leading in the boardroom today and that you are committed to engaging in the ongoing education that will enable you to lead in the future,” points out NACD.

By becoming NACD Directorship Certified, executive leaders are placed at the forefront of governance issues and stand out by demonstrating their commitment to the profession of director.

The program is designed as a framework for continuous learning, equipping certified individuals with the foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities to contribute to the boardroom dialogue from day one.

For experienced directors, certification is a comprehensive way to underscore their commitment and to stay up-to-date with the latest information needed to contribute effectively in the boardroom.

“Candidates who become certified will establish themselves as best-in-class directors, committed to staying ahead of emerging issues with ongoing education, staying connected with a diverse network of cohorts, and demonstrating to stakeholders their continuing dedication to boardroom excellence,” highlights NACD.