• May 23, 2013

Paulson Becomes a Prestigious NACD Fellow

NACD Fellows Demonstrate Their Commitment to the Highest Levels of Corporate Governance and Leadership in the Boardroom

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2013 -- The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) is pleased to announce that Lynn Paulson of Fargo, N.D. has become an NACD Fellow, the highest level of credentialing for corporate directors and corporate governance professionals. Paulson currently serves as a director on the board of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. 

As an NACD Fellow, Paulson has demonstrated his knowledge of the leading trends and practices that define exemplary corporate governance today, and has committed to developing professional insights through a sophisticated course of ongoing study. 

"I am honored to join the distinguished and diverse group of individuals who make up NACD's Fellowship program and who have committed to advancing the highest standards of boardroom leadership," said Paulson. "The resources, insights and connections I've made through NACD's Fellowship program will be key assets to the companies I serve, as well as to my professional growth as a director." 

Paulson is the senior vice president/director of agribusiness development at Bell State Bank & Trust in Fargo. A native of Maddock, N.D., Paulson graduated from NDSU. He has over 30 years of experience in the agriculture and banking business and has worked at Farm Credit Services, Citizens State Bank and as president and CEO of Choice Financial Group. He also serves on the board of directors of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota.

"We are proud to announce that Lynn Paulson has joined NACD's credentialed directors and has taken the next step in the pursuit of boardroom excellence," said Ken Daly, president and CEO of NACD.  "Our fellows help advance the highest standards for those who serve in the boardroom, strengthening our businesses and driving director professionalism. The impact of this program is unmatched and they should be commended for their ongoing commitment to their own professional development."

Candidates for NACD's Fellowship Program complete a strong foundation course which focuses on topical matters and committee-specific issues, followed by additional NACD education within a 12-month period. NACD Fellows renew their status every year, maintaining and advancing their knowledge with continuous learning and peer-led collaboration. 

For information about the NACD Fellowship program, visit www.NACDonline.org/Fellowships. Directors who are interested in becoming an NACD Board Leadership Fellow can contact Lori Whitehand, NACD Fellowship Manager, at 202-572-2084 or email Fellowships@NACDonline.org

About NACD

The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) is the only membership organization focused exclusively on advancing exemplary board leadership.  Based on 35 years of experience, NACD identifies, interprets and provides insights and information that corporate board members rely upon to apply their wisdom and knowledge to make sound strategic decisions and confidently confront complex business challenges and enhance shareowner value. With more than 11,500 corporate director members, NACD provides world-class director education, director training and proprietary research about leading boardroom and corporate governance practices to promote director professionalism and bolster investor confidence.  Furthermore, to create more effective and efficient boards, NACD provides corporate boards and their directors' independent board evaluations and custom-tailored in-boardroom education and training programs, as well as director-led conferences, forums and peer-exchange learning opportunities to share ideas about current and emerging issues. Fostering collaboration among directors and governance stakeholders, NACD is shaping the future of board leadership. To learn more about NACD, visit www.NACDonline.org. To join, please contact Kelly Dodd at kkdodd@nacdonline.org or 202-380-1891.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota

BCBSND is a member-owned, not-for-profit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. As North Dakota's largest provider of health care coverage, BCBSND is taking BOLD steps to collaborate with doctors, hospitals, clinics and members to ensure affordable access to quality health care in the state. To learn more about BCBSND, visit www.BCBSND.com.