November 7, 2012

I am delighted to announce that the Board of Trustees of The New School unanimously elected Joseph R. Gromek to serve as board chair at its October 25 meeting. Joe, who has been a member of Parsons’ board of governors since 2005, a New School trustee since 2011, and chair of the Parsons board since the spring, will assume his new responsibilities immediately.

His election comes at an opportune moment for The New School. Having worked closely with Joe, I know he values the creativity and innovation characteristic of this university. He understands the nontraditional role The New School has played in the past and the clarity of vision required to advance into the future. We will soon share that vision with the entire community and invite you to consider the premise that design and social research are key to understanding and improving the world. Whatever their field of study, New School students and faculty address critical global issues with an interdisciplinary approach, guided by a commitment to social justice and civic engagement. Joe Gromek recognizes these fundamental values and will lead the board to sustain and support them.

Joe retired from his position as president and CEO of Warnaco Group last February after a nine-year tenure, during which he transformed the company from a domestic apparel wholesaler into one of the world’s foremost retailers. As chair, he succeeds Mike Johnston, who led the university through its own transition in leadership and presided over the board’s approval of the University Center.

I am excited about the prospect of working closely with Joe in the coming years and ask you to join me in congratulating him.