New Board of Trustees Chair

Emory’s Board of Trustees has elected business executive Robert Goddard III to serve as its new chair. The resolution passed at the full board’s annual meeting in November.

Goddard, who has served as a trustee since 2008 and as vice chair of the board since 2016, succeeds John Morgan 67Ox 69B, who is retiring as chair after serving in the role since 2013 and as an Emory trustee since 1996. Morgan will remain active as an emeritus trustee.

“Bob Goddard is a dynamic, thoughtful, and creative leader who understands the breadth and depth of Emory’s strengths and responsibilities as a leading research university,” says Emory President Claire E. Sterk. “His collaborative approach and his commitment to our faculty, students, patients, and alumni make him a compelling leader of, and advocate for, Emory University.”

Goddard is chairman and CEO of Goddard Investment Group, a privately held firm investing in commercial real estate, primarily in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, and Washington, D.C.

“One of the qualities that sets Emory apart is our commitment to working together to transform society on a local, national, and international scale,” says Goddard. “I see that commitment across the university, from our colleges and graduate and professional schools, to our research and health care enterprises, each of which draws people from all over the world.”

Goddard, who holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Mercer University, graduated from Harvard University’s Owners and Presidents Management program.