Inside AGB

AGB Names Mary Papazian as Executive Vice President

AGB announced that Mary Papazian, Ph.D., has joined the association as Executive Vice President. A two-time former university president with extensive board experience, Papazian will orchestrate AGB’s strategic planning processes to strengthen members’ satisfaction with AGB, engage with media and external stakeholders to advance the association’s thought leadership, and oversee partnerships with grant-makers and subject matter experts to expand reach and impact.

With more than 35 years of experience in higher education leadership, Papazian will serve as AGB’s primary thought leader on board governance and will integrate AGB’s thought leadership throughout the association’s resources and services, including research and publications, member convenings, consulting, and executive search. She will also oversee the creation of strategic partnerships with philanthropic organizations to enhance AGB initiatives. Additionally, Papazian will lead AGB’s strategic vision and planning efforts and serve as a media spokesperson for the association.

Previously, Papazian was interim-CEO of the Business-Higher Education Forum, a non-profit membership organization. From 2016 to 2021, she served as the third woman to lead San Jose State University (SJSU). During her tenure, SJSU was named #1 Most Transformative University by Money magazine. She established SJSU’s Division of Research and Innovation and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. From 2011 to 2015, Papazian served as president of Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). There, Papazian created a student success taskforce that drove the development of effective student services, established the Office of STEM Innovation and Leadership, and secured a bioscience partnership between SCSU and the city of New Haven, Connecticut.

AGB Report on Compensation of Foundation CEOs

AGB will release an illustrative report in October that provides initial insights on foundation CEOs’ compensation. The report is based on a Fall 2022 survey of both AGB member and non-member foundation CEOs, responding to AGB foundation members’ requests for more specific data on the topic. Participants reported wide variations in the structure of and functions performed by their foundations, as well as in the scope of their responsibilities.

AGB Advisory Council Nominations

AGB invites nominations for individuals to join its seven advisory councils. The councils include distinguished experts who contribute to AGB’s thought leadership and strengthen higher education governance across the country through their members’ experience, perspectives, and insights. The councils focus on key leadership roles and priority areas: Presidents, Board Chairs, Board Professionals, Finance Committee Chairs, Foundation Leaders, Senior Fellows, and Student Success. All seven councils meet regularly to discuss critical issues and provide timely guidance to AGB.

AGB is currently recruiting for the 2023–2024 year; however, we invite nominations year-round. To nominate a colleague or express your interest in participating in these initiatives, please email programs@AGB.org. To learn more, go to AGB.org/advisory-councils.