New Challenges For Boards in the New Year

Chris Policinski

Former CEO/President of Land O’Lakes and current lead director of Xcel Energy and Hormel Foods

Christopher Policinski is the former president and chief executive officer of Land O'Lakes, Inc. He previously held senior leadership positions at The Pillsbury Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He currently serves as the lead director of the board of Xcel Energy and Hormel Foods. Mr. Policinski earned a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Business Administration degree from New York University.

Jeff Erdmann III

Managing Director – Wealth Management, The Erdmann Group and on the Advisory Council for the Fairfield County Community Foundation

Jeff Erdmann is the founder and leader of the Erdmann Group, a distinguished wealth management team in the United States. Jeff began his Merrill career in 1984 and has garnered national recognition as a leading Financial Advisor. He was named #1 on Forbes’ “America's Top Wealth Advisors” list in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Barron’s has recognized Jeff as one of "America's Top 100 Financial Advisors" from 2004 – 2020 and the top advisor at Merrill from 2009 – 2020. In addition, Merrill honored Jeff with the esteemed David Brady Award in 2017 recognized for his client focus, philanthropy and overall commitment to his company and community. Jeff was also inducted into Research Magazine’s Advisor Hall of Fame in 2010.

The Erdmann Group serves a select group of highly successful clients, designing tailored strategies that reflect their unique circumstances. Over three decades, Jeff has built a team that emphasizes intellectual rigor, in-depth customization, and committed service. He and his team work closely with ultra-affluent individuals and families, helping them streamline the complexities and capitalize on the opportunities of substantial wealth.

Jeff earned his Economics and Business degree from Ohio Wesleyan University. He is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Open Doors in Norwalk where he has dedicated the past 7 years helping transform and build the shelter into a community support organization that provides shelter, food, medical services, job training, counseling and childcare. Jeff is on the Advisory Council for the Fairfield County Community Foundation and is a past Trustee of the New Canaan Country School, the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, NFTE & The Philadelphia Relief Foundation.

Robert Dilenschneider

Founder and Principal of The Dilenschneider Group

Robert L. Dilenschneider formed The Dilenschneider Group in October, 1991. Headquartered in New York and Chicago, the Firm provides strategic advice and counsel to Fortune 500 companies and leading families and individuals around the world, with experience in fields ranging from mergers and acquisitions and crisis communications to marketing, government affairs and international media.

Prior to forming his own firm, Mr. Dilenschneider served as president and chief executive officer of Hill and Knowlton, Inc. from 1986 to 1991, tripling that Firm's revenues to nearly $200 million and delivering more than $30 million in profit. Mr. Dilenschneider was with that organization for nearly 25 years.

Mr. Dilenschneider started in public relations in 1967 in New York, shortly after receiving an M.A. in journalism from Ohio State University, and a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.

Experienced in a number of communications disciplines, Mr. Dilenschneider is frequently called upon by the media to provide commentary and strategic public relations insights on major news stories. He has counseled major corporations, professional groups, trade associations and educational institutions, and has assisted clients in dealings with regulatory agencies, labor unions, and consumer groups, among others.
 

David Shaw

Publishing Director, Directors & Boards

David Shaw is the publishing director of Directors & Boards and its sister publication, Family Business. With more than 30 years of experience in business-to-business and consumer media markets, he has served as an editor, publisher, publishing director, group publisher and group vice president of a variety of publications, trade shows, conferences and websites.

Prior to founding GRID Media, David served as senior vice president for Phillips Business Information Inc., where he oversaw nearly 100 discrete media properties, and helped build the business from $35 million to more than $100 million in annual revenues. He is a frequent author and speaker on issues related to business-to-business media, multi-generational family businesses and private and public company governance. He is married, with two grown children, one serving in the Navy and the other in law school.