Raymond J. Lohier Jr. has been elected president of the Harvard University Board of Overseers for the 2026-2027 academic year, while Sheryl WuDunn will serve as vice chair of the board’s executive committee, according to a May 21 announcement.
The election brings new leadership to one of Harvard’s two main governing boards. The Board of Overseers is responsible for providing external assessment and counsel on university programs and policies, helping to ensure that Harvard remains committed to its educational mission.
Alan Garber, president of Harvard University, said, “Raymond Lohier and Sheryl WuDunn are distinguished alumni whose devotion to the University shines through their service. They share a deep commitment to the well-being of our students, as well as a keen interest in strengthening our visitation process. I appreciate their work on behalf of our community. I am eager to see the ways in which their leadership will advance the efforts of the board.”
Lohier has served as a federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit since December 2010 and has held various roles at professional and academic institutions including leadership positions at New York University School of Law and co-chairing an ad hoc committee at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. He has also chaired several committees within Harvard’s governance structure since becoming an Overseer in 2021.
“This is about giving back,” said Lohier. “It’s a privilege to serve on a board of dynamic, committed, and extraordinarily talented people… No matter the circumstances, the board is committed to ensuring that Harvard’s departments and Schools continue to deliver the best education and academic scholarship in the country and the world.”
WuDunn is recognized as a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who has worked with The New York Times both as an executive and reporter; she also brings experience from Goldman Sachs & Co., consulting firm FullSky Partners, nonprofit boards such as Oregon Public Broadcasting, Princeton University, Cornell University, among others.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve as vice chair alongside Ray Lohier… At a moment when higher education faces extraordinary challenges and scrutiny,” said WuDunn. “I believe the role of the Overseers in helping safeguard [Harvard’s] academic excellence…has never been more important.”
Lohier and WuDunn will assume their new roles after Commencement ceremonies conclude.
