As Harvard University grapples with internal turmoil surrounding its president, Claudine Gay, the attention has turned to the powerful governing body overseeing the institution—the Harvard Corporation. A New York Times report indicated that despite the controversies surrounding Dr. Gay, the Corporation has expressed support for her leadership.

Formally known as the President and Fellows of Harvard College, the Harvard Corporation holds significant influence over the university’s affairs. According to the NYT report, it consists of 13 members (with one position currently vacant), and is tasked with crucial responsibilities such as appointing the university president and making pivotal policy decisions. The members, who convene multiple times a year, do not receive compensation for their roles.

The Corporation, the smaller and more influential of Harvard’s two governing boards, boasts a rich history dating back to 1650, making it the oldest corporation in the Western Hemisphere, according to the university, the NYT report said. Originally comprising the university president and six others, the board expanded to its current 13-member composition in 2010, responding to calls for improved communication with the broader Harvard community.

Current Members:

Timothy R. Barakett: Steward of Finances and Philanthropy

Timothy R. Barakett, Harvard’s treasurer, plays a pivotal role in managing the university’s financial affairs. His experience as the founder, chairman, and chief executive of Atticus Capital, a once-prominent hedge fund, demonstrates his acumen in the financial realm. Despite the challenges faced by Atticus Capital, Barakett’s leadership skills persisted, leading him to establish TRB Advisors, a family investment firm, in 2010. Beyond financial matters, Barakett engages in philanthropy, exemplified by his service on the board of the Harvard Management Company, responsible for overseeing the university’s endowment. Barakett’s dual role as a financial steward and philanthropist showcases a holistic commitment to Harvard’s well-being.

Kenneth I. Chenault: A Visionary Leader in Finance and Philanthropy

Kenneth I. Chenault, serving as chairman and managing director for General Catalyst, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as chairman and chief executive of American Express Company. With a proven track record in finance, Chenault’s strategic insights extend to his role on the boards of influential corporations, including I.B.M. and Procter & Gamble. Beyond the corporate sphere, his commitment to societal impact is evident in his board membership at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and Bloomberg Philanthropies. Chenault’s multifaceted leadership reflects a vision that transcends the financial landscape, aligning with Harvard’s commitment to broader societal contributions.

Mariano-Florentino (Tino) Cuéllar: Legal Luminary and International Advocate

Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, a former justice of the Supreme Court of California, occupies a unique position in Harvard’s governance. His journey from the White House, where he served during the Clinton and Obama administrations, to his role as president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace highlights a career marked by legal expertise and international advocacy. Cuéllar’s contributions to the U.S. Department of Education’s Equity and Excellence Commission and the Immigration Policy Working Group underscore his commitment to justice and policy. His two-decade tenure as a faculty member at Stanford University attests to his academic prowess. Cuéllar’s multifaceted background positions him as a key figure shaping Harvard’s global perspective and commitment to excellence.

Paul J. Finnegan: A Steward of Finances and Education

Paul J. Finnegan, with an illustrious history at Harvard, has been a stalwart in both financial management and educational leadership. A former treasurer for Harvard and president of the Harvard Alumni Association, Finnegan’s commitment to the university is evident. As the chairman of Madison Dearborn Partners, a Chicago-based private-equity investment firm he co-founded, Finnegan brings financial acumen to the table.

Beyond the realm of finance, Finnegan has demonstrated a dedication to education. His roles as a former member of the Harvard Board of Overseers and chairman of the Chicago regional advisory board of Teach for America underline his commitment to shaping the educational landscape. Serving on the board of the Harvard Management Company further solidifies his influence in strategic decision-making.

Claudine Gay: Breaking Barriers as Harvard’s President

Dr. Claudine Gay, 53, an accomplished academic and advocate for diversity, etched her name in history as Harvard’s first Black president. Assuming office in July, she carries the dual responsibility of president and board member, signifying her integral role in shaping Harvard’s trajectory.

A distinguished scholar, Dr. Gay holds a Ph.D. in government from Harvard, solidifying her deep connection to the institution. Her tenure as dean of Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, starting in 2018, showcased her leadership skills. Dr. Gay’s appointment as president came at a pivotal moment, coinciding with the Supreme Court’s rejection of race-conscious admissions—a challenge she is uniquely positioned to navigate.

Biddy Martin: A Scholar and Leader in Higher Education

Biddy Martin, a scholar in German studies, has left an indelible mark on higher education through her diverse leadership roles. As the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the longest-serving provost at Cornell University, Martin showcased her commitment to advancing educational initiatives.

Her presidency at Amherst College, the 19th in its history, further solidifies her reputation as a transformative leader in academia. Martin’s emphasis on financial aid and the humanities at Cornell reflects her dedication to broadening access to education and fostering intellectual inquiry.

Karen Gordon Mills: A Trailblazer in Small Business Advocacy

Karen Gordon Mills’s illustrious career includes serving as the administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) under President Barack Obama for over four years. Additionally, she played a key role in the National Economic Council, showcasing her prowess in economic policy. Mills, currently a senior fellow at Harvard Business School, brings a wealth of experience in small business advocacy, making her a valuable asset to Harvard’s leadership. As the president of the investment firm MMP Group, Inc., and vice chair of the board of directors of the National Bureau of Economic Research, Mills continues to shape economic discourse.

Diana L. Nelson: A Philanthropist and Advocate for Children

Diana L. Nelson’s contributions to Harvard extend beyond the boardroom. As a former member of the Harvard Board of Overseers, Nelson showcased her commitment to alumni engagement. Her involvement in the Harvard College Fund and leadership roles in organizations focused on children and the arts underscore her dedication to philanthropy. Recognized by Queen Silvia of Sweden in 2007 for her work in aiding exploited children, Nelson’s multifaceted contributions align with Harvard’s commitment to societal impact.

Tracy Pun Palandjian: Catalyzing Social Impact through Finance

Tracy Pun Palandjian, the chief executive and co-founder of Social Finance, stands at the intersection of finance and social impact. Leading a nonprofit that invests in housing and education for marginalized populations, Palandjian exemplifies a commitment to societal betterment. Her role as a former member of the Board of Overseers, where she served as the vice chair of the executive committee and chaired key subcommittees, showcases her dedication to Harvard’s overarching mission.

Penny Pritzker: Billionaire Businesswoman and Harvard Corporation Lead

At the helm of the Harvard Corporation is Penny Pritzker, a billionaire businesswoman and scion of the Hyatt hotel fortune. A significant supporter of Barack Obama’s presidential candidacy, Pritzker’s leadership extends beyond Harvard to the national stage. Her stint as the U.S. secretary of commerce in the Obama administration solidifies her influence in both business and politics.

Shirley M. Tilghman: A Luminary in Molecular Biology

Shirley M. Tilghman, the former president of Princeton University and luminary in molecular biology, brings scientific acumen to Harvard’s leadership. Her role as the chair of the review of life sciences at Harvard underscores her contributions to shaping the university’s scientific pursuits. Tilghman’s multifaceted career positions her as a guiding force in both academia and research.

Theodore V. Wells Jr.: A Legal Luminary Championing Justice

A prominent trial lawyer and co-chair of the litigation department at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, Theodore V. Wells Jr. brings legal expertise to Harvard’s governance. His role as the chairman of the board of directors for the N.A.A.C.P. Legal Defense and Educational Fund highlights his commitment to justice. The Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award, bestowed upon Wells in 2011, recognizes his enduring impact in the legal realm.

As Harvard continues to evolve, the Corporation’s decisions will play a decisive role in preserving its legacy and guiding the university toward a future of continued academic excellence.