Ask the Treasurer

August 2020

Dear Fiona,

I read that you created a registry for women interested in serving on corporate boards. I am an executive with an extensive background in accounting and finance. I have worked for large global corporations as well as start-ups and I currently serve as CFO for a private corporation. I would love to serve on a corporate board, but I am finding it difficult to get traction. How do I add my name to your registry? Also, what tips can you share in how to bolster my board potential and better position myself for board service?

Sincerely,
Cora

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Dear Cora,

I commend you on your initiative to serve on a corporate board. California has made improvements in increasing the number of women serving on its public corporations. However, we still have more work to do to achieve equitable gender representation on corporate boards.

In 2018, California became the first state to require public companies to include women on their boards when Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Jr. signed into law Senate Bill 826 (SB 826), also known as “Women on Boards.” SB 826 required public companies with principal executive offices in California to meet certain requirements by the close of 2021. The companies must have at least two female members on boards with five directors, and at least three female members if they have six or more directors.

To help bring women and corporations together, I created a database of women interested in serving on corporate boards in California. To be included in my Women on Board Registry List, please email your resume to womensregistry@treasurer.ca.gov.

In an effort to accelerate the number of women named to public company boards in California I have teamed up with several professional women’s groups to provide a free virtual workshop. What it Takes to Land a Board Seat will take place August 13, 2020, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. You can register online at https://bit.ly/aug13WOB.

During this webinar we will discuss how to prepare, network, and apply to serve on a corporate board. The program was developed in concert with the Thirty Percent Coalition, National Association of Women Business Owners, 2020 Women on Boards, California Women Lead, and Women in Public Finance.

I wish you luck on your journey to serve on a corporate board!

Stay safe and vigilant!

Sincerely,
Fiona

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Have a Question for the Treasurer?

Readers:
Send your questions for California State Treasurer Fiona Ma via email to: AskFiona@treasurer.ca.gov

Address letters to:
California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Post Office Box 942809, Sacramento, CA 94209-0001