Smarter Governance with AI: What Every Board Needs to Know

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Today’s board directors are under more pressure than ever to move faster, govern smarter, and stay compliant. As demands grow, many boards are turning to AI to boost effectiveness and efficiency.

But how can boards adopt AI to increase impact while upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and compliance?

In a recent ATLAS Leadership Series webinar, OnBoard CEO Marc Huffman and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Robin Fleming discussed how AI is reshaping governance across industries — including banking, higher education, health care, nonprofits, and public companies. Their discussion covered:

How AI can support smarter, faster, and more focused board meetings
Key considerations around AI-related security, privacy, and compliance
A behind-the-scenes look at OnBoard’s new AI capabilities, purpose-built for real-world governance

Here are a few top takeaways from this timely session.

AI Adoption is High — and Growing

Not long ago, AI was a niche topic. But that’s all changed – and fast.

In a recent survey conducted by OnBoard in partnership with Microsoft Tech for Social Impact, 84% of board professionals said they’ve used AI in the past six months. Among those who haven’t, 73% plan to do so within the next 180 days.

“This is a change that’s occurring in front of us at a much more rapid pace than any other automation or technology adoption we’ve seen in our lifetimes,” Marc said.

Board directors now use an average of 1.87 AI tools, with ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini among the most popular.

“Increasingly high adoption is the name of the game,” added Josh Palmer, Head of Content & Research at OnBoard and the webinar host.

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Legacy Board Processes Aren't Sustainable

Boards are expected to deliver more. But many still rely on outdated, manual workflows that hinder their progress.

“We believe legacy board processes and workflows aren’t sustainable,” Marc said. “Delivery of thoughtful, safe, secure, governance-specific AI in board workflows is a giant leap forward that can deliver much better experiences and outcomes.”

AI can positively transform the work that happens before, during, and after board meetings, and most directors are open to the shift. In fact, 70% of board directors would consider using AI to support board meetings. Another 17% aren’t quite sure, but they’re interested in learning more.

Some top use cases include:

Minutes automation: 82%
Document summaries: 75%
Director prep: 63%
Search and recall: 63%
Board book creation: 57%
Analysis and decisions: 50%

AI is Leveling the Playing Field

Governance isn’t just for Wall Street. It’s happening in communities everywhere.

“Governance is happening on Wall Street, but it’s also happening on Main Street and in the far reaches of local communities,” Marc said. “The Fortune 5 Million has the same governance needs as the Fortune 500, and they’re no less important.”

Of course, the resourcing of these two different cohorts is dramatically different. However, AI levels the playing field. It’s cost effective, user-friendly, and packed with potential.

“The opportunity here is to find new ways to do more of what matters in your governance workflows and processes,” Marc added. “Once we get past the hype cycle, there will just be a new way that we’ll all approach these board processes through the lens of automation, and it’ll deliver a tremendous amount of operational efficiency.”

AI Introduces New Concerns

While AI brings tremendous potential, it also introduces risks. Survey respondents identified their top concerns:

Security: 62%
Lack of skill: 54%
Privacy: 52%
Potential bias: 48%

Risks are especially high when using publicly accessible artificial intelligence tools. Prompts can be stored and used for training and sensitive data can be inadvertently exposed.

“There’s the potential that you’re putting your information out into the public domain unintentionally and training a model based on what it’s digesting,” Marc said. “It’s giving you the benefit that you think you’re deriving but you’re also taking on risk.”

Boards need AI tools built with governance, security, and compliance top of mind.

OnBoard’s AI Suite is Purpose-Built for Governance

OnBoard already transforms how boards meet, plan, and govern. Now, its AI suite further amplifies that impact.

“I am so excited about AI and how this fast-moving technology is driving improvements in a responsible way,” Robin said.

OnBoard’s AI suite is built on Microsoft Azure Open AI, which ensures enterprise-grade security and control. The AI suite includes:

Agenda AI: Builds smarter agendas focused on what matters most.
Book AI: Helps directors prepare to engage meaningfully in board meetings.
Assist AI: An on-demand assistant offering context-aware insights.
Minutes AI: Drafts accurate, concise meeting minutes.
Insights AI: Analyzes meetings to improve focus and effectiveness.
Actions AI: Tracks decisions, flags follow-ups, and links meetings together.

“This is purpose-built and designed for boards,” Robin said. “Our goal is to make board work easier and streamline workflows. Our AI suite comes in to quickly assist each person that’s involved in the board process to do their job more effectively.”

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About The Author

Adam Wire: Adam Wire is a Content Marketing Manager at OnBoard who joined the company in 2021. A Ball State University graduate, Adam worked in various content marketing roles at Angi, USA Football, and Adult & Child Health following a 12-year career in newspapers. His favorite part of the job is problem-solving and helping teammates achieve their goals. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and two dogs. He’s an avid sports fan and foodie who also enjoys lawn and yard work and running.