Director Spotlight: Elizabeth Krupa – Ethics, Calm, and Courage at the Boardroom Table
From the halls of justice to the boardroom, Elizabeth Krupa has spent her life at the intersection of law, governance, and ethics. A distinguished trial attorney, state commissioner, board director, and governance expert, Liz brings a rare combination of principled leadership, clear judgment, and calm authority to the organisations she serves.
She has built her career on listening deeply, leading collaboratively, and always taking the high road even when the pressure is on.
“Despite changes in social, administrative, or regulatory landscapes, governance always comes back to one thing: acting in the best interests of stakeholders.”
A Calling Forged in the Courtroom
Liz’s path to leadership started young. Inspired by her father, a Denver sheriff, she first set foot in a courtroom at age seven. That early exposure ignited a lifelong commitment to law and justice.
“Watching my father in court sparked something in me. I knew I wanted to be a lawyer before most kids knew what a lawyer was.”
Throughout her life, Liz has blended legal practice with governance roles, serving on high-profile ethics commissions, leading national nonprofit boards, and building a legal reputation founded on integrity, resilience, and service.
Listening First, Then Leading
What sets Liz apart is her ability to navigate tough decisions without escalating conflict. She is a calming force in the boardroom, the courtroom, and the commission chamber.
“I don’t raise my voice. I don’t posture. I listen, I learn, and then I lead. That calmness helps people feel safe in complexity.”
Whether leading investigations into judicial misconduct or guiding large boards through ESG or AI transitions, she brings composure and professionalism that’s increasingly rare in volatile environments.
Governance in an Age of Disruption
Liz believes board directors must evolve in lockstep with societal and technological shifts, especially in areas like artificial intelligence, ESG, and trust rebuilding.
“AI is here, and boards need to govern it like any major risk. Secure it, test it, understand it because your organisation is already using it.”
She also warns against abandoning ESG just because regulations change.
“Boards still have a responsibility to think about the long-term social and environmental impact of their decisions. That’s not politics. That’s purpose.”
Ethics in Action
Throughout her legal career, Liz has made tough calls. She’s refused cases that violated First Amendment principles and has walked away from pressure when it conflicted with her ethical compass.
“Doing the right thing isn’t always popular. But I never compromise on ethics. Ever.”
Her experience includes nearly a decade at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where she developed deep expertise in regulatory frameworks, financial statements, and institutional compliance.
Boardroom Strengths
So, what does Liz bring to the boardroom?
- Legal Precision and Risk Oversight – especially in regulated sectors
- Proven Governance Leadership – with calm consensus-building across divided groups
- Ethical Frameworks – grounded in real-world litigation and board service
- Transparency and Integrity – a reputation for trust, especially in crisis or reform scenarios
“I’m the director people want in the room when things are tough. I bring objectivity, calm, and clarity.”
Boards That Shaped Her
Among many governance roles, Liz highlights three as most influential:
- The Hispanic National Bar Association, where she led national advocacy work and learned how to build mission-aligned partnerships.
- Special Olympics, which deepened her commitment to inclusion, disability advocacy, and leadership development.
- The National Institute for Trial Advocacy, where she currently serves as Chair of the Nomination and Governance Committee.
Advice to Women Aspiring to the Boardroom
Liz is a vocal advocate for women in leadership. Her advice is clear:
“Start with something you care about. Don’t wait to be asked. Lead from where you are.”
She emphasises the importance of authentic networking—not transactional, but relational.
“It’s not just about telling people what you want. It’s about showing them what you stand for, over time.”
She also recommends board-readiness programs like NACD, International Women’s Forum, and private director education courses to sharpen your edge.
What’s Next?
Elizabeth is now seeking a paid corporate board role where her experience can directly contribute to risk oversight, ethical transformation, and long-term value creation.
Her dream boards include:
- Vail Resorts – reflecting her family history and deep roots in Colorado
- Smith & Wesson – where she can contribute her understanding of law enforcement and regulatory ethics
- Valero – bringing oversight to complex environmental and energy decisions
- Walt Disney – a brand she admires for resilience and reinvention
“I want to serve on boards that aren’t afraid of change but want to navigate it well, with strong governance.”
She’s particularly well-suited to companies navigating disruption, regulatory reform, ESG shifts, or AI risk management. She also expresses interest in outdoor lifestyle brands, apparel, or natural resource companies aligned with her passions.
Connect with Elizabeth
Elizabeth Krupa is available for paid board roles, advisory board engagements, and governance consulting. To learn more or connect directly:
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