HAA Board of Directors
The Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) Board of Directors is an advisory board that guides the fostering of alumni community building and creating University citizens of alumni and alumni volunteers. The main work of the Board of Directors focuses on developing volunteer leadership, increasing and deepening alumni engagement through an array of programs that support alumni communities worldwide. The HAA is funded by, and not independent of, the University.
Composition of the HAA Board
The HAA Board of Directors consists of the following:
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee has oversight of the Board. The president, four vice presidents, secretary, and treasurer of the HAA, the four immediate past presidents, and two at-large members make up the Executive Committee.
Directors for Clubs and SIGs
Clubs and Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) Directors are nominated by the leaders of Harvard Clubs and SIGs in partnership with the HAA staff and appointed by the Executive Committee. They are selected based on their demonstrated leadership in these organizations. These directors are the primary liaison between Harvard Clubs and SIGs and the HAA, sharing best practices, challenges, and innovative ideas to support this network of alumni volunteers.
Directors of Harvard College
College Directors are nominated by Harvard and Radcliffe College alumni and class leaders in partnership with the HAA staff and are appointed by the Executive Committee. They are selected based on their demonstrated volunteer leadership and capacity to work effectively with their College-based generational cohort. Directors serve as liaisons between the HAA, the Board’s College Alumni Outreach Committees, and their cohort classes.
Director for the Harvard College Class Secretaries and Treasurers
Director for the Harvard College Class Secretaries & Treasurers is appointed by the Association of Harvard College Class Secretaries & Treasurers (AHCCS&T) with the approval of the Executive Committee. This director is the alumni liaison to the AHCCS&T.
Directors for the Graduate Schools
Graduate School Directors are appointed from each of Harvard University’s graduate and professional degree–granting Schools with the approval of the Executive Committee. They are identified based on their demonstrated leadership and ability to work with alumni within their own Schools. Directors serve as the alumni liaison between their respective School alumni council or committees and the HAA, facilitating opportunities for collaborative work and raising awareness of HAA and School priorities.
Elected Directors
Elected Directors are elected by alumni to represent the alumni body on the HAA Board of Directors. The election takes place each spring, and all alumni are eligible voters. Directors serve as representatives on the Board and support the HAA’s effort in developing volunteer leaders and increasing alumni engagement.
Directors Ex-Officio
Directors Ex Officio include the president of Harvard Magazine Inc. and the chairs of the Harvard College Fund Executive Committee. These members serve as liaisons to their respective organizations.
Past President Directors
Past President Directors include all living past presidents of the HAA and its predecessor organization, the Associated Harvard Alumni. Directors serve as members of the Board and as mentors to new Board members and Executive Committee members.
Committee Chairs & Initiative Leaders
Committee Chairs and Initiative Leaders are appointed by the HAA president and the HAA executive director. Committee chairs and initiative leaders are responsible for leading the work of their assigned groups; for managing their teams’ work goals and effectiveness; and for ensuring that the work is aligned with the goals of the HAA.
Committee Members
Committee Members are appointed by the executive director of the HAA. They serve as members of the Committees and Initiatives to advance the work of these groups, the HAA, and the alumni communities.