Private Company Director’s Directors to Watch 2026 highlights 29 significant and diverse directors who have contributed to and will continue to expand ongoing dialogue on board best practices and corporate governance excellence.
Kerry Chandler
Lyra Health
Kerry Chandler is an independent director recognized for her strategic leadership in human resources, organizational transformation and governance. She serves on the board of Lyra Health, contributing to the compensation and talent committee. Chandler recently served on Redfin’s board, helping to guide the company through its strategic sale to Rocket Companies.
A former global chief human resources officer, Chandler has shaped people and culture strategies at major organizations including Bombas, Endeavor, Under Armour, Christie’s International, The National Basketball Association and Disney (including the most senior human resources roles at Hong Kong Disneyland and ESPN). Her career began with roles at McDonnell Douglas (Boeing), Exxon, Motorola and IBM.
Chandler is a member of Extraordinary Women on Boards.
Challenging for resilience. “Effective private company governance depends on a board’s ability to introduce disciplined, external thinking into every major decision. As an independent director, I focus on bringing a customer-informed perspective that broadens management’s strategic lens and tests assumptions that may feel ‘familiar’ inside the organization. Strong boards leverage the operational and functional expertise of independent directors to anticipate risks, explore alternative pathways and ensure strategy aligns with long-term value. Governance excellence isn’t about oversight alone; it’s about creating an environment where diverse, experience-based challenges lead to better decisions and more resilient companies.”