aspects of Devon’s Board recruitment. Baseline qualifications for a Board member include integrity and accountability, ability to exercise informed judgement, peer respect, and high performance standards. As with all of our Board searches, the GEPP Committee has a “Rooney Rule” policy under which it seeks to include and requires any search firm that it engages to endeavor to include, women and minority candidates in the pool from which the GEPP Committee selects potential Director candidates.
Undertake In-Depth Review of Potential Board Candidates
The GEPP Committee conducts a fulsome review of many potential Board candidates. From this initial screening, a preliminary group of potential candidates is identified, which leads to additional diligence on the candidates. The background of the candidates is reviewed for potential conflicts of interest. The Chair of the GEPP Committee and other Directors often meet with the candidates. The Chair of the GEPP Committee keeps the Board apprised of the status of the process.
Focus Search and Perform Final Review
Candidates interview with the Board. The interviews often occur in an in-person, small-group setting. The Board meets in executive session – with and without management Directors present – to discuss the candidates, arrive at a consensus on potential appointments, and consider potential Committee assignments for the candidates. A more rigorous diligence process is performed, including background checks, reference checks, and independence and related party transaction evaluation.
Finalize Decision and Make Appointments
The GEPP Committee reviews the results of final diligence on candidates, recommends appointments to the Board, and arrives at preliminary independence determinations and proposed Board Committee assignments for the candidates. The Board meets to review the GEPP Committee’s recommendation, approves the appointments, and takes other actions associated with appointments.
Director Orientation and Continuing Education
New Director Orientation
Directors participate in orientation sessions as they join Devon’s Board. The sessions customarily involve providing written background materials on the Company that address business strategy, operations, performance, and corporate governance, as well as key functions at the Company such as finance, business development, human resources, EHS/ESG, marketing, supply chain, and legal and regulatory. Members of our executive leadership team meet with new Directors in a setting that provides an opportunity for open discussion. Other Directors often attend these sessions. The orientation sessions are tailored to the background and experience of the new Director.
Shortly after their appointment to the Board in January, Michael Mears and Gennifer Kelly participated in an orientation session at our corporate offices in Oklahoma City. Over a two-day period, Mr. Mears and Ms. Kelly met with our executive leadership team and other senior executives, as well as our Board Chair.
Director Continuing Education and Related Resources
Board and Board Committee meetings serve as a critical avenue for our Directors to further their knowledge of topics impacting their core responsibilities as Directors. On-going dialogue between the Board and our executives guides the content of updates that the Board receives on a range of topics. Executives and subject