WPI names former GE engineer and DEI leader as new board chair

Photo | Courtesy of Worcester Polytechnic Institute William Fitzgerald, Board of Trustees chair at WPI

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By Katherine Hamilton

William Fitzgerald, a former jet engine engineer and alumnus, will serve as Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s next Board of Trustees chair.

Fitzgerald will succeed Jack Mollen, who will rotate off the board this summer after six years as chair and 15 total on the board, according to WPI’s Monday press release.

Recently retired from GE Aviation, an Ohio-based subsidiary of General Electric, Fitzgerald served as vice president and general manager of commercial engines operation during his career. He began his lengthy career at GE Aviation in 1983 after receiving his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at WPI.

During his time on WPI’s board, Fitzgerald has chaired the Task Force on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, evaluating the board’s member recruitment practices. He chairs the board’s Nominations & Governance Committee and is vice chair of the March of Dimes National Board of Trustees.

“This is a critical time for WPI; not only are we working to incorporate lessons learned about how we can be stronger and more relevant to the global community, we are also looking inward to focus on building a culture of greater inclusion, belonging, and respect,” Fitzgerald said in a written statement. “Like all higher education, WPI is reflecting on the shifting needs of students, looking beyond their academic and career needs to also address their developmental, social, mental health, and overall wellness needs.

WPI’s president, Laurie Leshin, will depart WPI at the end of the academic year to lead NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Provost and Senior Vice President Winston Oluwole “Wole” Soboyejo will serve as interim president.