Jessica N. Grounds

About Jessica N. Grounds

Jessica N. Grounds is a visionary leader and a global authority on leadership, diversity practices, and mentorship. Over the last 20 years, she has advised, trained, and empowered thousands of leaders across business, politics, and social sectors to harness the power of diverse perspectives and inclusive cultures for innovation and impact.As the CEO of Corporate Directors Forum (CDF), Jessica guides the organization\'s strategy and expands its programming, influence, and reach. CDF is a membership organization focused on best practices and modern leadership skills for board members, c-suite leaders, governance experts, and advisers to company leaders. The organization offers training, education, and networking opportunities. Based in San Diego, California, the state has led the nation in championing board inclusion and innovative approaches to help corporations tackle global challenges. Jessica recently launched Corporate Directors Forum Institute, the public benefit affiliate organization of CDF which launches innovative governance projects in modern governance, board diversity, and mentorship. The Institute also hosts the world-class Directors Summit which takes place each year in San Diego.Jessica serves on Nasdaq’s Center for Board Excellence Insights Council. She co-founded Mine The Gap, a consultancy that partners with leading organizations to create more effective and inclusive workplaces. Jessica is passionate about advancing diverse leaders of all backgrounds and has conducted original research and spoken widely on this topic. She has a Masters of Science in Leadership from Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business, a graduate certificate in Women, Policy & Political Leadership from the Women & Politics Institute at American University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Pepperdine University.

Experience

1. Chief Executive Officer

   Corporate Directors Forum

   Jan 2023 — Present · San Diego, CA, US

   Corporate Directors Forum is a membership organization offering education, training, and networking opportunities for board directors and corporate leaders. Based in California, which has led the nation in innovation, new thinking to help companies tackle global challenges, and has led the country on board diversity. CDF equips leaders to guide their organizations effectively into the future. As CEO, Jessica guides the organization’s strategy and expand its programming, influence, and reach.Jessica is also the CEO of Corporate Directors Forum Institute, the public benefit 501c3 arm of Corporate Directors Forum. CDF Institute leads education and research projects focused on modern governance practices including advancing mentorship and diversity at the board level.

Education

• American University

  Graduate Certificate, Women, Policy & Political Leadership

  2005 — 2007

• Pepperdine University

  B.A., Political Science

  1999 — 2003

• Georgetown University McDonough School of Business

  Master of Science - MS, Leadership

  2011 — 2012

Skills

• Public Policy
• Program Evaluation
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Policy
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Proposal Writing
• Event Management
• Political Consulting
• Editing
• Leadership Development
• Political Communication
• Event Planning
• Community Organizing
• Management
• Program Development
• Strategic Communications
• International Relations
• Non-Profits
• Entrepreneurship
• Budgets
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Legislative Relations
• Strategic Planning
• Public Speaking
• Research
• Political Campaigns
• Politics
• Grants
• Policy Analysis
• Speech Writing
• Social Networking
• Strategy
• Grassroots Organizing
• Blogging
• Organizational Development
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Philanthropy