Independent Directors Council Names Dawn Vroegop as Chair and Elects Two Governing Council Members

Washington, DC; October 8, 2018—The Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council (IDC) has elected Dawn Vroegop as its Chair. Vroegop, who has served as IDC Vice Chair for the past year, is an independent director of Brighthouse Funds and Driehaus Funds.

Jonathan F. Zeschin, who has just completed his second year as IDC Chair, is now IDC Chair Emeritus. Zeschin is an independent director of Matthews Asia Funds. 

“I am honored to be elected as IDC Chair,” Vroegop said. “Fund oversight by independent directors is critical to the protection of shareholders’ interests, and I hope to bring a strong focus on this role to our policy positions and educational efforts. Jon Zeschin, the entire Governing Council, and IDC’s talented staff have laid the groundwork well to continue to address current challenges in fund governance.”

Zeschin said, “The highlight of my term as IDC Chair has been bringing our new Foundations for Fund Directors® program to life. Having the opportunity to get to know this new generation of fund directors personally has given me great confidence that fund directors will continue to be very strong advocates for fund shareholders. Dawn Vroegop is a dynamic leader who will bring great energy and creative ideas to her new role as Chair.”

IDC Managing Director Amy Lancellotta added, “We are grateful for Jon Zeschin’s outstanding service as IDC Chair. His vibrant leadership has greatly benefited the organization. Based on Dawn Vroegop’s proven leadership and accomplishments, I am confident that as Chair she will successfully pursue IDC’s mission of supporting fund independent directors.”

The Governing Council recently elected two new members to serve four-year terms:

• Cecilia H. Herbert, iShares Funds and Salient Funds
• Cynthia R. Plouché, Barings Funds and Northern Funds

IDC serves the fund independent director community by advancing the education, communication, and policy positions of fund independent directors in the United States.

The full membership of the IDC Governing Council is available on the IDC website.