University People

Edward C. Forst ’82 has been named Harvard’s first executive vice president, effective September 1.

EVP

Edward C. Forst ’82 has been named Harvard’s first executive vice president, effective September 1. As the “principal ranking operating officer” at the University, he will oversee financial, administrative, and human-resources functions (each run by a vice president) and administrative information technology. The new position relieves somewhat the administrative pressures on the president and provost, to whom seven vice presidents and 11 deans, among others, now report. Forst, a Goldman Sachs partner since 1998, was most recently global head of investment management (and now becomes a board member at Harvard Management Company, which invests the endowment); previously, he served as chief administrative officer at Goldman Sachs. He has been actively involved in his College class’s reunions and gift commitee.

 

Diversity Development

Conant professor of education Judith D. Singer, former academic dean and acting dean at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, has been appointed the University’s senior vice provost for faculty development and diversity. In that role, Singer, known for developing quantitative methods of social-science research, will oversee and monitor faculty-appointment processes; review junior-faculty appointments; administer University funds used to appoint scholars who make the faculty more diverse; and gather data and report on the status of these efforts (see www.faculty.harvard.edu). She succeeds Evelynn Hammonds, who became dean of Harvard College in June.

 

Communications Chief

Christine Heenan, founder and president of Clarendon Group, a Providence, Rhode Island-based public and government relations firm, will become Harvard’s new vice president for government, community, and public affairs, effective October 1. She succeeds Alan J. Stone.

Heenan, who holds a B.S. in journalism from Boston University, was a business strategy consultant. She then entered government, serving on the Domestic Policy Council staff during the first term of the Clinton administration, focusing on health and women’s issues and writing speeches. She had communications roles at the 1996 and 2000 Democratic national conventions, and was subsequently director of community and government relations at Brown University and Brown Medical School. She founded Clarendon Group in 2000. Her Harvard portfolio extends from Boston’s review of Allston plans and congressional concern over university endowments to news-media matters.

Related topics

You might also like

Three Harvardians win MacArthur Fellowships

A mathematician, a political scientist, and an astrophysicist are honored with “genius” grants for their work.

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences Zeroes in on the Classroom Experience

Class schedules and academics are at the top of the agenda for Harvard faculty.

Harvard In the News

A legal victory against Trump, hazing in the Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra, and kicking off a Crimson football season with style

Most popular

Harvard’s Endowment, Donations Rise—but the University Runs a Deficit

The annual financial report signals severe challenges to come.

Harvard Professor Michael Sandel Wins Philosophy’s Berggruen Prize

The creator of the popular ‘Justice’ course receives a $1 million award.

Harvard’s New Playbook for Teaching with AI

Faculty across Harvard are rethinking assignments to integrate AI. 

Explore More From Current Issue

A vibrant bar scene with tropical decor, featuring patrons sitting on high stools.

Best Bars for Seasonal Drinks and Snacks in Greater Boston

Gathering spots that warm and delight us  

Aerial view of a landscaped area with trees and seating, surrounded by buildings and parking.

Landscape Architect Julie Bargmann Transforming Forgotten Urban Sites

Julie Bargmann and her D.I.R.T. Studio give new life to abandoned mines, car plants, and more.

Illustration of tiny doctors working inside a large nose against a turquoise background.

A Flu Vaccine That Actually Works

Next-gen vaccines delivered directly to the site of infection are far more effective than existing shots.