California Academy of Sciences Elects Jerome C. Vascellaro As Chair of the Board

SAN FRANCISCO (May 15, 2014)—The California Academy of Sciences is pleased to announce the election of Jerome C. Vascellaro as the new chair of its board of trustees. Vascellaro has served on the Academy's board since 2009, most recently as co-chair of the Development Committee and a member of the Executive and Finance Committees. Additionally, he recently chaired the search committee for the Academy's newly appointed executive director, Dr. Jonathan Foley, who will begin his tenure at the Academy on August 18. As board chair, Vascellaro will lead the Academy through one of the most exciting chapters in its long and illustrious history, as the institution expands its programs of public engagement, education, and scientific exploration and revolutionizes the way natural history museums address the global challenges of sustainability.

"Jerome's nomination was unanimously supported by the board," said Dr. Gregory C. Farrington, current executive director of the Academy. "His passion for the Academy and his distinguished record of academic leadership through his service to Brown University have made him a tremendously effective trustee for the Academy over the past five years. I have enjoyed working with him enormously, and I am confident that his dedication and leadership will serve the Academy well in the years to come."

Vascellaro is a partner of TPG, a global private investment firm. He is the firm's Chief Operating Officer and a member of the firm's Executive Committee. Prior to joining TPG, he served as senior director of McKinsey & Company, an international management consulting firm. An active alumnus of Brown University, Vascellaro serves as vice chairman of his alma mater's Board of Trustees. In addition, he recently co-chaired Brown's Comprehensive Fundraising Campaign. In addition to his work with the Academy, Vascellaro is also a board member of the Echoing Green Foundation, which supports exceptional leaders and the organizations that are solving deep-rooted social problems. He received a BS degree from Brown University, where he studied engineering and economics and graduated with highest honors, and an MBA from the Harvard Business School, where he graduated as a Baker Scholar.

"I am honored to serve as board chair during this exciting chapter in the Academy's 160-year history," said Vascellaro. "As a result of its passionate and talented team of scientists, educators, and other professionals, along with generous supporters, the Academy is wonderfully positioned to advance our understanding of some of the most important issues of our time."

Vascellaro succeeds John C. Atwater, who has completed four years of dedicated service as the Academy's board chair. During his tenure, annual fund giving has increased dramatically, and the Academy has piloted a number of innovative new programs to increase its global reach and impact—from digital field trips and online courses to new models for rapid dissemination of scientific research results.

"I am extremely pleased that Jerome has been chosen to succeed me as the Academy's board chair," said Atwater. "His proven experience and dedication will make him an excellent leader for this beloved institution."

Vascellaro will begin his new role on July 1, 2014.