Statement from Academy President, David Oxtoby
Every non-profit benefits from volunteer leaders who are committed to good governance, principled guidance, and an ambitious vision for the future. These attributes are especially important for a member organization such as ours, so I am very pleased to share that Goodwin Liu (Supreme Court of California) has been elected as the next Chair of the Academy's Board of Directors effective July 1, 2023. I wish to thank all the members who participated in the recent ballot to affirm his election.
Justice Liu was elected a member of the Academy in 2019 and has served the Academy in a number of ways, including as a member of the Committee on Anti-Racism; the Chair of the Membership Section Panel on Law; a member of the Institutional Policy Committee; a member of the Commission on Reimagining Our Economy; and a member of the Board and Trust since 2022. Even before he became a member of the Academy, he was involved in the work of the Access to Justice initiative.
Everyone who has worked with Justice Liu on events, committees, and projects knows – as I do – that he is a wonderful leader, colleague, and mentor. He will serve the Academy well as our next Chair.
The Academy is fortunate to have had Nancy C. Andrews (Boston Children’s Hospital) serve as Chair of the Academy's Board of Directors since 2017. The Academy and I have relied on and benefited from her insights, guidance, and leadership. The months ahead provide time for a smooth transition in strong coordination with the Chair of the Council Paula Giddings (Smith College) and Chair of the Trust Stephen Heintz (Rockefeller Brothers Fund).
On behalf of all its members, the Academy will soon celebrate Dr. Andrews for her extraordinary service and welcome Justice Liu to his new role as Chair of the Board.