University Organizational Chart
David Fithian
Secretary of the University
David Fithian
David Fithian is the Secretary of the University. He works with President Robert J. Zimmer as part of a leadership team working on plans to advance the strategic goals of the University.
In this role, Fithian is the primary liaison to the Chair of the Board of Trustees and other Trustee leaders. He oversees and manages meetings for the board, works with deans to coordinate the University’s visiting committee program that brings leading civic and business leaders to campus, and plays a lead role in managing University governance in order to further the long-term strategic interests of the University.
Fithian began his duties at the University July 1, 2007. Prior to this role, he served as Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Secretary of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University, facilitating communication between the Dean of the Faculty and the Faculty’s elected governing body, the Faculty Council. He also worked closely with the President’s Office and the Office of the Governing Boards. His work required involvement with students, faculty, staff, and alumni. He began his career at Harvard in 1995 when he was named Assistant Dean of Freshmen.
Fithian received a B.A. in sociology and English from Clark University in 1987, and M.A. (1988), M.Phil. (1990) and Ph.D. (1994) degrees in sociology from Yale.
- Related site: Board of Trustees