Harvard University has appointed two distinguished alumni, Sylvia Mathews Burwell and Monica Bharel, to take on leadership roles for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Burwell, the former president of American University and ex-secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has been elected president of the Harvard University Board of Overseers.
Bharel, a physician and public health leader, will serve as vice chair of the board’s executive committee.
These appointments mark the transition to new leadership for the board, as Burwell and Bharel succeed Vivian Hunt and Tyler Jacks, who held the roles during the past academic year.
About Sylvia Mathews Burwell
Sylvia Mathews Burwell is a leader with a wealth of experience in government, academia, and philanthropy.
As the 15th president of American University, she navigated the institution through the COVID-19 pandemic and spearheaded several successful initiatives, including the Changemakers for a Changing World strategic plan and the $500 million Change Can’t Wait campaign.
This campaign resulted in major advancements such as the establishment of new research centers and scholarships.
Before her time at American University, Burwell served as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, overseeing a trillion-dollar department that included the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
She also held leadership roles at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Walmart Foundation.
Burwell’s career reflects her strong commitment to service, stemming from her upbringing in a small town in West Virginia. Her diverse experiences have shaped her approach to leadership, and she looks forward to guiding Harvard through a time of significant challenges and opportunities.
About Monica Bharel
Monica Bharel brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for public health to her new role. Bharel, who holds an M.P.H. from Harvard University, is the global clinical lead at Google Health, focusing on using technology to tackle public health challenges.
Before joining Google, she served as the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, where she managed the state’s response to several public health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid epidemic.
During her time as commissioner, Bharel led Massachusetts to rank as one of the healthiest states in the U.S. and initiated groundbreaking public health projects, such as the Public Health Data Warehouse.
Bharel’s leadership in public health, combined with her medical expertise, has made a lasting impact on the state of Massachusetts and the nation.
Bharel’s leadership role at Harvard is also shaped by her belief in the power of collaboration and her ability to approach complex health challenges with innovative solutions.
She is passionate about working with Harvard’s leadership and community to further the university’s mission of advancing learning, teaching, and research.
The Role of the Board of Overseers
The Harvard Board of Overseers plays an essential role in the governance of the university, providing oversight and counsel to the leadership on key initiatives and plans.
The board also manages the university’s visitation process, which ensures that each of Harvard’s schools and departments is externally assessed and remains aligned with the university’s mission.
Comprised of elected alumni members, the Board of Overseers helps ensure that Harvard remains a leading institution for higher learning.
The board also has the authority to approve actions such as the election of new members to the Harvard Corporation, the university’s other governing body.
Looking Ahead
Both Burwell and Bharel bring impressive leadership experience and a strong commitment to service to their new roles. With their diverse backgrounds in government, philanthropy, and public health, they are poised to make significant contributions to Harvard’s continued success.
As the university faces new challenges in higher education, their leadership will be crucial in guiding Harvard to further strengthen its mission of teaching, learning, and research.
Their shared experience of overcoming complex challenges in extraordinary circumstances will undoubtedly help Harvard navigate a rapidly changing world.
Both Burwell and Bharel are dedicated to fostering a future where Harvard continues to make a positive impact globally.
