Harvard University announced on Mar. 31 that Sylvia Mathews Burwell and Michael S. Chae will become the newest members of the Harvard Corporation, the university’s primary governing board, starting July 1.
The addition of Burwell and Chae is significant as it fills two of three upcoming vacancies on the board, which plays a central role in overseeing Harvard’s academic, financial, and physical resources. Their appointments come as Kenneth I. Chenault and Karen Gordon Mills conclude their service at the end of June, following Biddy Martin’s earlier departure.
Burwell has held several prominent roles including president of American University, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 2014 to 2017, director of the Office of Management and Budget, as well as leadership positions at major philanthropic organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Walmart Foundation. She currently serves as president of Harvard’s Board of Overseers until her term ends in May. President Alan M. Garber and Senior Fellow Penny Pritzker said: “Sylvia is known for her integrity, thoughtfulness, and data-informed decision-making, as well as her ability to engage constructively with stakeholders across political and ideological lines.”
Chae is vice chairman and chief financial officer at Blackstone—the world’s largest alternative asset management firm—and serves on the board of Harvard Management Company along with other university advisory groups. Garber and Pritzker described him by saying: “A deeply devoted alumnus, [Chae] has supported undergraduate financial aid and the work of the economics and government departments… An expert in management… Michael is widely respected for his collegiality, humility, and rigor.”
Both new members expressed gratitude for their selection. Burwell said: “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve Harvard… Pursuing my educational dreams at Harvard prepared me for life’s opportunities… I humbly look forward to working with my colleagues to support President Garber…” Chae said: “I am honored to serve an institution that means so much to me… I look forward to working with University leadership…to help Harvard fulfill this critical mission.”
Garber thanked departing members for their service during what he called an “extraordinarily tumultuous period,” stating: “We are grateful to them — and our colleagues past and present — for all their work to ensure that Harvard continues to thrive.” The Corporation was chartered in 1650; its thirteen members exercise fiduciary responsibility over university affairs.
