Diligent Elevate Awards
Recognize the leaders redefining GRC
Nominate a colleague who is driving meaningful impact across governance, risk, compliance and audit. The Diligent Elevate Awards recognize trailblazers who are shaping the future of GRC — and demonstrating what’s possible with AI.
Shine a light on the people who make a difference
Every organization has someone who quietly keeps things on track, steers through complexity, or steps up when it matters. The Elevate Awards are your chance to give them the recognition they deserve.
Celebrate their hard work
A nomination shows them their efforts matter — and that others see the impact they’re making across governance, risk or compliance.
Share their success more widely
Honorees are featured across Diligent channels, helping their story reach the audiences who should hear it: executives, boards, peers and the broader GRC community.
Give a boost to their career
Public recognition signals leadership and momentum. It helps champions inside your organization get the visibility they’ve learned.
What are our award categories?
Here’s who we’re looking to celebrate with our 2026 Diligent Elevate Awards:
Boardroom AI Innovator
For board leaders using AI to strengthen oversight
For board leaders using AI to strengthen oversight This award recognizes someone who brings AI into the boardroom in a thoughtful, strategic way — using insights to improve decisionmaking, streamline board operations, and help their organization move faster and smarter.
Ideal nominees
Directors, corporate secretaries, general counsel, or anyone influencing board operations.
What we look for:
Clear examples of how AI improved oversight, risk discussions, or board effectiveness.
Governance Pioneer
For legal and governance professionals pushing the function forward
This category celebrates someone who goes beyond traditional governance responsibilities - modernizing processes, unifiying risk and compliance efforts, and shaping how good governance drives real organizational impact.
Ideal nominees
General counsel, corporate secretaries, governance leads
What we look for:
Strategic thinking, measurable improvements and leadership in bringing modern governance (including AI) into their work.
GRC Connector
For risk, audit, and compliance leaders who break down silos
This award honors someone who brings teams together across governance, risk, and compliance to work in a more connected, efficient, and impactful way.
Ideal nominees
Risk leaders, internal audit, compliance leaders.
What we look for:
Demonstrated collaboration across functions, process improvements and measurable impact on risk posture — plus leadership in applying AI where meaningful.
Corporate Changemaker
For leaders using AI to drive meaningful organizational change
This award honors a risk, audit or compliance professional who is transforming how their organization approaches governance. These leaders turn AI into trusted insight — helping boards and executives anticipate risk, strengthen oversight and make more confident decisions.
Ideal nominees
Risk leaders, internal audit, compliance leaders.
What we look for:
We’re looking for leaders who use AI-driven insights to meaningfully shape board or executive discussions, modernize risk, audit, or compliance practices beyond traditional reporting, and earn deep trust across teams. They demonstrate the ability to shift mindsets and ways of working, and they create change that lasts.
Community Trust Builder
For public-sector leaders strengthening trust and delivering mission-driven results
This award recognizes someone in government or the broader public sector who leads with integrity and transparency — improving outcomes for their community while modeling values-based leadership.
Ideal nominees
Board secretaries, clerks, city managers, CAOs, superintendents.
What we look for:
Mission advancement, ethical leadership, transparency, and effective use of modern governance practices (including AI).
Mission Trailblazer
For nonprofit and highered leaders driving meaningful mission impact
This category honors someone who strengthens their organization’s mission through strong governance, collaboration, and effective stakeholder engagement.
Ideal nominees
Board admins, executive directors, presidents, board chairs.
What we look for:
Improvements in effectiveness and efficiency, strong alignment to mission, and forward-thinking leadership — including AI where relevant.
Submit your nomination today
Nominations are now open. Submit the story of a colleague who’s raising the bar in GRC — and help bring their achievements center stage at our annual user conference.
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