Director pay trends.

• Position: BOARDS OF DIRECTORS - Brief article

Corporate board pay levels are flat or down compared to last year, according to the National Association of Corporate Directors' annual Director Compensation Survey: 2009-2010, which is created with consulting firm Pearl Meyer & Partners. The survey examines pay trends among public boards ranging in revenues and across multiple industry verticles.

Some highlights include:

* The highest compensated industries were pharmaceutical and medical products; diversified financial and brokerage; petroleum/crude oil production and pipelines; and computer products and services.

* The lowest compensated industries included: transportation and distribution; motor vehicles and parts; and banks/savings and loan.

* Audit committee member compensation is highest, reflecting a rise in responsibilities and...