Public Notice
Helene Gayle Joins The Rowen Foundation Board
Spelman College President Brings Background in Local and Global Health to Board of Georgia’s Largest Knowledge Community
The Rowen Foundation announced the addition of one of Georgia’s most respected higher education and healthcare leaders to its board: Spelman College President Dr. Helene Gayle. Dr. Gayle has broad public and private sector experience in public health, public finance, economic development and innovation.
“Dr. Gayle is known globally as a health expert and problem solver, and her efforts have benefited the state of Georgia and beyond for many years,” said Rowen Foundation Board Chair Sachin Shailendra. “Her unique perspective and experience in the medical and educational sectors will be vital as Rowen continues to drive impact in those industries in Georgia and around the world.”
Dr. Gayle is the 11th president of Spelman College. Prior to assuming the role in July 2022, she was the president and CEO of The Chicago Community Trust. Before joining the Trust, she served nearly a decade as president and CEO of Atlanta-based CARE, one of the world’s largest international humanitarian organizations with poverty fighting programs that reached 82 million people in 2010.
“The Rowen Foundation’s mission-driven commitment to solving global challenges while providing high quality jobs to Georgians is a unique opportunity,” said Dr. Gayle. “I am thrilled to offer my expertise to the bold vision of Rowen as we create a destination for future-focused organizations rooted in medicine, the environment and agriculture.”
Dr. Gayle was recognized for her work on COVID relief and recovery for Chicago by securing the Chicago Mayor’s Medal of Honor in 2021. A recognized author and distinguished leader, Dr. Gayle was one of Forbes’ “50 Over 50 – Impact” in 2022 and named to NonProfit Times’ “Power and Influence Top 50” in 2021.
An epidemiologist by training, Dr. Gayle also spent 20 years at the Centers for Disease Control, working primarily on HIV/AIDS and at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with a focus on global public health. Dr. Gayle holds a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in Psychology from Barnard College of Columbia University, a M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and a M.P.H. from Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health. Dr. Gayle serves on several public and nonprofit boards, including The Coca-Cola Company, Organon & Co – a women’s health care company, Palo Alto Networks – a cybersecurity company, and the Brookings Institution. She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Gayle joins Rowen Chair and SG Contracting President Shailendra, Emory University Senior Vice President for Research Dr. Deborah Watkins Bruner, Gwinnett Resident Sam Hinton, University of Georgia Provost Dr. S. Jack Hu, Georgia Gwinnett College President Dr. Jann L. Joseph, Georgia Institute of Technology Vice President of Institute Relations Bert Reeves, Former Congressional Advisor Arthur Tripp, and CEO and President of the Rowen Foundation Mason Ailstock on the board of the 2,000–acre knowledge community.
