Board of Overseers restructured

Emerson’s Board of Trustees has approved a significant restructuring of the Board of Overseers, including the appointment of its first nineteen members. Ultimately, the new Board, which will meet twice a year, will have 30 members.

“We are very fortunate to have attracted and retained a talented group of leaders willing to give generously of their time to assist Emerson,” said President Lee Pelton. “I am very grateful to those who have accepted the Board of Trustees’ invitation to serve on our new Board of Overseers.”

Through standing and special committees, Overseers offer advice and recommendations to the President and the Board of Trustees on plans and initiatives related to the schools; the student experience; industry outreach and engagement; diversity and inclusion; fundraising; and special projects identified by the President.

“The restructuring will allow the Overseers greater involvement as the College plans for its future,” said Donna Heiland, vice president and special assistant to the President, “and will strengthen their engagement with Emerson’s faculty, students, and staff.” Heiland, assisted by staff in the President’s office, will facilitate the Board’s work.

Donna Heiland, vice president and special assistant to the President

“It is my great privilege to serve as chairman of the Emerson College Board of Overseers,” said Daniel Black, a shareholder with the law firm Greenberg Traurig, where he co-chairs the Los Angeles Entertainment Practice Group and whose son Alex graduated from Emerson in 2007. “I am rejuvenated by the Board’s new structure, responsibilities, and dedicated and talented members. We are looking forward to helping President Pelton and the Board of Trustees advance Emerson's future.”

Dan Black, chairman of the Emerson College Board of Overseers

The following individuals have been appointed to new the Board of Overseers:

Board of Overseers

Daniel H. Black, Parent ’07, Chair
Donald Spetner, Parent ’12, Vice Chair
Eric Alexander ’78, Emerson College Trustee
Bonnie Comley ’94
Mark Donovan ’89
Sandra Goldfarb ’78
Jan Jacobs Greenhawt ’69
Lisa Gregorian ’83, MA ’86
Michelle Keating ’84
Gary A. Krantz ’81
Michael MacWade ’86
G. Michael Mara Jr. ’81
Winthrop L. McCormack, Parent ’09
Michael Mendenhall ’84
Michael Rogers
Colette A.M. Phillips MS ’76
Janet Scardino ’81
Mike Vasilinda
Mary Sweig Wilson ’64