For decades, Delaware has been the jurisdiction of choice for most U.S. public companies, offering a well-developed body of corporate law and a respected judicial system that has shaped modern governance standards. Yet recent legal developments, high-profile cases, and evolving market dynamics have sparked renewed attention to Delaware’s role in corporate oversight and incorporation decisions.
In this special SVDX program, Delaware’s Secretary of State and others will offer insights into the current landscape of Delaware corporate law and what it means for companies and their boards. The conversation will explore emerging governance considerations, trends in incorporation and reincorporation, and how Delaware continues to adapt to the changing needs of modern corporations. Designed for public company directors, this discussion will provide a timely perspective on the legal and governance issues shaping the Delaware framework—and why they continue to matter in today’s boardroom.
4:30pm - 5:30pm Arrival and Networking
5:30pm - 6:30pm Panel Program
SPEAKERS
Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez
Charuni Patibanda-Sanchez was nominated by Governor Matt Meyer and sworn in as Delaware’s Secretary of State by the Delaware State Senate on January 28, 2025. Charuni is the third woman and the first person of color to hold the position. As Secretary of State, Charuni leads the most diverse department with responsibilities in virtually every aspect of Delaware state government. The Secretary serves on the Board of Pardons, the Cash Management Policy Board, the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC), and the Port of Wilmington. Prior to becoming Secretary of State, Charuni was General Manager of the New Castle County Department of Land Use.
Regina Mitchell
Regina Mitchell is Deputy Secretary, Delaware Department of State. She was previously Director of the Delaware Division of Small Business, and Business Finance Director with the State of Delaware.
Elena Norman
Elena C. Norman, Partner in Young Conaway's Corporate Counseling and Litigation Section and member of the Firm’s Management Committee, has extensive experience litigating corporate and complex business disputes, primarily in the Delaware Court of Chancery. She has litigated numerous high-profile actions involving derivative claims, contests for corporate control, M&A, governance, and statutory appraisal/valuation disputes. Ms. Norman also regularly counsels boards of directors and senior management on Delaware corporate law. Clients and co-counsel value Ms. Norman’s abilities as a creative and strategic thinker and a clear communicator. Ms. Norman is a member of the Delaware State Bar Association’s Corporation Law Council and is a frequent speaker on Delaware corporate law issues. Ms. Norman has been named one of Chambers USA’s – America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Delaware Chancery (Band One), as well as a Best Lawyer in America®, Corporate Governance Law. She is a Fellow of the American College of Governance Counsel.
F. Daniel Siciliano, moderator
Dan Siciliano is a successful technology CEO-founder and entrepreneur, as well as Vice Chair of the board of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, and a recognized expert in corporate strategy and governance, capital financial markets, executive compensation, and technological disruption (including fintech, AI and cybersecurity). He is currently Chairman of SVDX, board member of the Latino Corporate Directors Education Foundation, chair-elect of the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks, and a fellow at Stanford University.