Sara Ward has been serving as a member of our Board of Directors since March 2013, and as the lead independent director since January 2017. Ms. Ward has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Sara Ward & Associates, an executive coaching and economic development consulting firm specializing in site selection and government relations since 1996. From 1993 to 1996, Ms. Ward served as the director of the Arizona Department of Commerce, having previously served as the finance director from 1991 to 1993. Prior to her work in the public sector, Ms. Ward worked in the investment banking industry. From 2014 to 2023 Ms. Ward served as a director for WillScot Mobile Mini Holdings Corp., a publicly traded provider of portable storage and mobile office solutions. Since 2023 Ms. Ward has served as a director of Banner Health, a non-profit healthcare system, and is chair of the compensation committee. Ms. Ward was previously a member of the board of trustees at Seattle Pacific University. Ms. Ward is a graduate of Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations. Ms. Ward is NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors) Directorship Certified. The NACD Directorship Certification program equips directors with the foundation of knowledge sought by boards to effectively contribute in the boardroom. NACD Directorship Certified directors pass a foundational exam developed by experienced directors and, via continuing recertification requirements, commit to continuing education on governance and emerging issues impacting the businesses they service in order to elevate the profession of directorship. We believe Ms. Ward s extensive experience with government, higher education and economic development provides a tremendous resource to our Board of Directors and management team, particularly in the areas of government relations, finance and corporate governance.