{"id":667512,"date":"2025-09-19T12:19:42","date_gmt":"2025-09-19T16:19:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/newscenter\/?p=667512"},"modified":"2025-09-19T12:19:42","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T16:19:42","slug":"chris-boehning-elected-board-chair-667512","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/newscenter\/chris-boehning-elected-board-chair-667512\/","title":{"rendered":"Chris Boehning elected Board of Trustees chair"},"content":{"rendered":"

Boehning, who joined the board in 2017, is a valued leader and University supporter.<\/h2>\n
\"headshot
Chris Boehning \u201987, \u201988 (MS) (Provided photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The University of Rochester<\/a> Board of Trustees elected Chris Boehning \u201987, \u201988 (MS) as board chair at its September meeting. Boehning begins his term as chair immediately and succeeds Rich Handler \u201983, who announced the transition in August after completing his fourth and final term, bringing his service on the University board to 20 years.<\/p>\n

Boehning has served as a University trustee since 2017. He is a partner in the litigation department at the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in New York City, representing clients in a wide variety of complex commercial and civil litigation matters, criminal, civil and other regulatory inquiries, and international arbitrations. He is also a driving force behind Paul, Weiss\u2019s sports practice, while maintaining a robust pro bono practice with a particular focus on gun violence prevention. In 2021, he was highlighted as a \u201cSports, Gaming & Entertainment Trailblazer\u201d by The<\/em>\u00a0National Law Journal<\/em>, which recognizes sports and entertainment lawyers who have had the greatest impact in these industries. For his dedication to gun violence prevention, he was named a 2022 \u201cNortheast Trailblazer\u201d by\u00a0The American Lawyer\u00a0<\/em>in connection with the historic $73 million settlement on behalf of the Sandy Hook families.<\/p>\n

A political science major, Boehning was also a standout member of Rochester\u2019s men\u2019s varsity soccer team. In 2017, he provided a leadership gift to establish the Boehning Varsity House<\/a> within Genesee Hall at the Brian F. Prince Athletic Complex<\/a>, reflecting his belief that college athletics are a key component of the undergraduate experience. He also provides ongoing support to Rochester through the George Eastman Circle<\/a>, the University\u2019s leadership annual giving society. In his time as a University trustee,\u00a0he\u00a0has led the\u00a0Litigation Committee, chaired the Committee on Audit & Risk Assessment, and contributed his time and expertise to many other volunteer roles. Boehning has also chaired both the Arts, Sciences & Engineering National Council and the Athletic Campaign Committee, and is a member of Friends of Rochester Athletics<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In 2012, he received the University\u2019s John N. Wilder Award. Named for John Wilder, the University\u2019s first ever Board chair, the award honors philanthropy that inspires others in support of \u201cEver Better.\u201d And in 2016, Boehning received University Athletics\u2019 Garnish Memorial Citation.<\/p>\n

\u201cChris has demonstrated his commitment to the University and the board in very meaningful ways by being a key adviser, a dedicated alumnus, and a champion of the student experience,\u201d says University President Sarah Mangelsdorf. \u201cI very much look forward to continuing to partner with Chris on advancing our key strategic initiatives, especially as we embark upon our comprehensive campaign.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI continue to be amazed by the talent, drive, and vision of the University of Rochester community, which is always innovating,\u201d Boehning says. \u201cIt is an honor to serve as the new board chair. We look to the future with deep gratitude for Rich Handler\u2019s strong board leadership that has guided us so well for many years. I hope to build on that legacy with the same integrity, dedication and Meliora spirit to help enable our great university to reach new heights.\u201d<\/p>\n

Boehning earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in political science and master\u2019s degree in public policy analysis from the University of Rochester in 1987 and 1988, respectively, and a law degree from Washington University School of Law in 1994.<\/p>\n

Gratitude to outgoing chair Rich Handler<\/h3>\n

Handler, CEO of investment bank Jefferies, completed his fourth and final five-year term as a member of the board at the September meeting. He joined the board in 2005 and served as chair since 2018. He now is board chair emeritus.<\/p>\n

In addition to being board leader, he also has served as chair of the Investment Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee over the years. He was cochair of the University\u2019s historic $1.37 billion comprehensive campaign, the Meliora Challenge<\/a>, which successfully concluded in 2016. Among his generous philanthropies to the University are the prestigious Alan and Jane Handler Scholarships<\/a>. Named in honor of Handler\u2019s parents, the scholarships provide in perpetuity complete financial support for exceptional undergraduates who have overcome adversity, demonstrate outstanding academic and leadership potential, and have significant financial need. Rich Handler and his wife, Martha, established the program in 2007 with an ultimate commitment of $25 million, and to date, 173 Handler Scholars have either enrolled or graduated from the University.<\/p>\n

He earned his bachelor\u2019s degree in economics magna cum laude with high distinction from the University in 1983 and his MBA from Stanford University.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m extremely grateful for everything Rich has done for the University,\u201d Mangelsdorf says. \u201cHis love for the University is unmatched, and his dedication to student success is remarkable, helping guide our learners with purpose and ensuring that they never lose sight of their potential to grow, thrive, and lead here. \u00a0Rich has made our institution ever better and positioned us very well for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been an honor and privilege to serve our great University of Rochester,\u201d Handler says. \u201cI will always be appreciative that I found my way to Rochester in 1979, and I know my heart will never leave our fine institution.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Boehning, who joined the board in 2017, is a valued leader and University supporter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":126,"featured_media":667562,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[42,57],"class_list":["post-667512","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-university-news","tag-alumni","tag-board-of-trustees"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nChris Boehning elected Board of Trustees chair<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The University of Rochester alumnus, who joined the board in 2017, is a valued leader and supporter.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/newscenter\/chris-boehning-elected-board-chair-667512\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" 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