U.S. public companies face a host of challenges as they enter 2015. Here is our list of hot topics for the boardroom in the coming year:

1. Oversee strategic planning in the face of uneven economic growth and rising geopolitical tensions
2. Oversee cybersecurity as hackers seek to infiltrate even the most sophisticated information security systems
3. Assess the impact of advances in technology and big data on the company’s business plans
4. Cultivate shareholder relations and assess company vulnerabilities as activist investors target more companies
5. Consider the impact of M&A opportunities
6. Oversee risk management as newer and more complex risks emerge
7. Ensure appropriate board composition in light of increasing focus on diversity, director tenure and board size
8. Explore new trends in reducing corporate health care costs
9. Set appropriate executive compensation
10. Ensure the company has a robust compliance program as the SEC steps up its enforcement efforts and whistleblowers earn huge bounties

Download Top 10 Topics for Directors in 2015