Board of Directors
The American Friends’ board members reflect the depth of the College community in the USA:
Mr Bill Webb (TC 1957) is a top international corporate executive and distinguished Trinity alumnus who has led operations in the Altria groups of companies including food giant Kraft, Millers Brewing, and Philip Morris. He is respected around the world for his wisdom and outstanding leadership capacity and now serves on many boards including Pernod Ricard, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the Foreign Policy Association, and the American Australian Association. The College is delighted that Bill readily agreed to assist Trinity in this way.
Dr Bob Nicholls (TC 1957) a distinguished academic and researcher, ardently champions opportunities for young people. His own life was transformed when he won a scholarship to Trinity to study engineering and found College life expanded his horizons in every direction. This led to a distinguished career spanning more than thirty years at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the engineering of advanced electronics. Bob has long supported Trinity philanthropically, and he and his wife, Diane, have now pledged a major gift in support of the American campaign.
Mr Phillip Cohen (TC 1966) is a merchant banker and businessman who has lived in New York for over thirty years and has been hosting alumni receptions in his home for more than ten years. He is passionate about the College's capacity to ‘open up the world to young people’ and eager to redress the fact that the College is ‘hundreds of millions of dollars behind in its endowment’ compared with similar institutions in America. He believes ‘the quality of what is on offer in human terms at Trinity is second to none, but the physical plant is in serious need of upgrade’.
Ms Pera Wells (JCH), as Secretary General of the World Federation of United Nations Associations, brings to the board a truly international perspective. Her skill in the building of international communities to support a mutual vision, her engagement with young people through projects such as model United Nations, and her extensive global connections with community and political leaders, bring invaluable perspectives to the College as it reaches out to its international community.
Bishop Andrew St John (TC 1968) hosted the inaugural Board meeting in his rectory home of the Church of the Transfiguration, more famously known as the ‘Little Church around the corner’. Bishop Andrew has been Assisting Bishop in New York for the past three years, as well as rector of two Manhattan parishes. Bishop Andrew has been a long-term supporter of the College, especially the Theological School, and offers himself as chaplain to the Trinity community in New York.
Dr Duncan Thomas (TC 1979) from Los Angeles chairs the group. Originally a veterinarian, he is now Chairman and CEO of Newbridge College, in Los Angeles. Duncan, who has pledged a major gift to the campaign, told the meeting that, ‘Trinity was … a remarkable and inspiring place that builds and shapes wonderful people, and we need to ensure the Trinity legacy endures and flourishes for others.’