On May 5, the Notre Dame Board of Trustees welcomed two impressive new members: Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, the former CEO of Feeding America, and Adm. Christopher Grady, who is the 12th vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
In addition, Fr. Patrick Neary, the bishop of Saint Cloud, Minnesota, and Paulita Pike, managing partner at Ropes & Gray’s Chicago office, were elected to the Board of Fellows. They both have previously served as Trustees and will continue in their roles as ex officio members.
The Board of Fellows is the highest governing body at Notre Dame, made up of both lay members and priests from the Congregation of Holy Cross. They have the important responsibility of maintaining the university’s Catholic character and electing the Trustees.
These appointments will officially start on July 1.
Board chair John Veihmeyer commented, “The election of these talented leaders strengthens our Boards. Their diverse experiences and commitment to Notre Dame will offer crucial insights as we face the future.” University President Fr. Robert Dowd expressed gratitude for the willingness of these new members to serve in such vital roles.
Claire Babineaux-Fontenot has an impressive track record. Before her leadership at Feeding America, she held significant financial roles at Walmart. She is also the upcoming recipient of the 2024 Laetare Medal, an award that celebrates those who bring light to the world.
Adm. Grady brings 41 years of U.S. Navy experience and was a leading surface warfare officer. He graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in history and furthered his education with a master’s from Georgetown.
Bishop Neary was appointed bishop of Saint Cloud in 2022. He spent eight years leading a seminary in Kenya and chairs the board of Catholic Relief Services. He is an alumnus of Notre Dame.
Paulita Pike has been with the Board of Trustees since 2022. She earned both her bachelor’s and law degrees from Notre Dame and teaches law at Notre Dame Law School and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.
These appointments reflect Notre Dame’s commitment to strong governance and maintaining its legacy while navigating an evolving landscape. Notably, recent surveys indicate that schools with strong leadership are better positioned to adapt to challenges and seize opportunities. This addition of diverse perspectives suggests Notre Dame is proactively addressing the future.
For a closer look at the governance structure of Notre Dame, you can visit the university’s official page.
