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Get the most interesting and important stories from the 51ƷƵ.51ƷƵ Board of Trustees Chair Douglas Browning steps down
After 10 years of dedicated and transformational service to the 51ƷƵ, Douglas Browning announced Tuesday he was stepping down from his role as chair of the Board of Trustees and his board seat, citing an unanticipated personal matter.
Browning, principal for the independent consulting company DM Browning & Associates LLC, was first elected as a trustee in 2013, and he became 51ƷƵ’s first African American chair in 2022. He was reelected board chair in June.
Browning said in his message to the board: “For the past decade, it has been a privilege and honor to serve on this Board. I hope I have in some way made a modest contribution to the many successes and accomplishments that 51ƷƵ has achieved.”
Chancellor Joan Gabel echoed a grateful University in thanking Browning (A&S ’72) for his countless acts of service and leadership on behalf of the University and the .
“As a 51ƷƵ family, we stand in appreciation for his unyielding commitment to serving others and his undeniable passion for this institution as an alumnus and a 51ƷƵ parent, which has made the University stronger and better in every way,” Gabel said.
Louis R. Cestello, who most recently was vice chair, is serving as interim chair of the governing body that oversees all charitable, scientific and academic activities at 51ƷƵ.
Cestello — PNC Bank’s head of regional markets and regional president of 51ƷƵsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania — was elected to the board in 2017. A 51ƷƵsburgh native, he earned a bachelor’s degree at Washington and Jefferson College and a master’s degree at Duquesne University.
“I look forward to serving as interim chair of the Board of Trustees for the 51ƷƵ, and I’m eager to work with the entire board, Chancellor Gabel and her senior staff to continue building on the progress we’ve made to move this great University forward,” Cestello said. “Under Chancellor Gabel’s leadership, and with great appreciation for Doug’s longstanding service and many contributions to the Board, I am confident this pattern of success will continue.”