The Barnard Board of Trustees has elected longtime trustee and alumna Laura Blankfein ’75 as Chair of the Board, effective July 1, 2025. Blankfein succeeds Cheryl Milstein ’82, P ’14, who has served as Chair for the past eight years and on the Board for nearly three decades.
In an email to the Barnard community, President Laura A. Rosenbury praised both leaders, calling Milstein’s tenure “an exceptional era” and describing Blankfein as “a bold and visionary leader whose deep commitment to Barnard is reflected in her service across nearly three terms on the Board.” Since first joining the Board in 2008, Blankfein has served on a wide range of committees — including Academic Affairs, Development and Campus Life, Executive, and Governance — and has chaired both the Nominations Committee and the Enrollment and Communications Committee.
“Over the last eight years, Cheryl has led with tremendous strength, grace, and a clear focus on making sure future generations of Barnard students have a place to learn and grow,” said Blankfein. “Barnard has shaped my life in countless ways, and I’m honored to step into this role and serve alongside such a thoughtful, passionate, and visionary Board of Trustees. Together, we will continue to expand access and opportunity for students and create bold new pathways for women’s leadership in every field.”
Rosenbury also thanked Milstein for her enduring contributions to the College.
“Cheryl’s wise counsel, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to Barnard have left an enduring legacy,” she wrote. “Her partnership and generosity helped transform our campus, and her leadership will continue to shape the next generation of women leaders for years to come.”
Milstein reflected on her own time at the College with deep affection.
“Barnard has been one of the defining throughlines of my life, first as a student, then as an alumna, then a parent, and most recently as Chair,” said Milstein. “It’s been an honor to serve an institution I hold so close to my heart. I’m proud to pass the baton to Laura Blankfein, whose devotion and belief in the power of women’s leadership make her exactly the right person to guide Barnard into its next chapter.”