New vice president and secretary of the University appointed to lead the Office of the Governing Boards 

Suzanne Glassburn has been selected as vice president and secretary of the University, announced President Alan Garber on Thursday.

“A highly experienced and well-regarded senior university administrator, Suzanne embodies exceptional grace, diplomacy, and intelligence,” Garber remarked. “Her direction of the Office of the Governing Boards will enhance and fortify the vital work of both the Corporation and the Board of Overseers at a crucial time for Harvard and higher education.” 

Before her role at Harvard, Glassburn dedicated 15 years to MIT, where she most recently served as vice president and secretary of the Corporation, having previously worked as counsel in the Office of the General Counsel. Prior to her transition to academia, Glassburn was a partner at the Boston law firm Nutter, McClennen & Fish, LLP.  

“I am immensely thankful to President Garber for the chance to contribute to an institution with such an impressive legacy of robust governance and esteemed leadership,” stated Glassburn. “I eagerly anticipate collaborating with a team committed to preserving, strengthening, and enhancing this vital relationship between administration and governance.” 

As vice president and secretary of the University, Glassburn will act as the chief administrative officer of the governing boards, which include the Corporation and the Board of Overseers. As head of the Office of the Governing Boards, she will establish the priorities and vision for the office, which is tasked with supporting and guiding the boards. 

“It is a privilege to work alongside the committed individuals on the Corporation and the Board of Overseers,” remarked Glassburn. “I look forward to providing counsel and support to assist in steering this venerable institution toward a future where it continues to make significant and meaningful contributions to society.” 

In her role as secretary of the Corporation at MIT, Glassburn coordinated the functions and operations of a substantial governance body, along with its standing and visiting committees. Her responsibilities included advising on governance matters, acting as a liaison between MIT’s senior administration and governing board members, and overseeing the Office of the Corporation.

As vice president, she was a senior adviser and chief of staff to MIT’s president and a member of the senior team, which incorporated the president’s direct reports. She also managed the Office of the President, federal relations, institute events, and the ombuds office. 

Her tenure in the MIT Office of the General Counsel concentrated on academic and research collaborations, various contracts, governance, and policy. Notably, Glassburn collaborated with peers in Harvard’s Office of the General Counsel to establish edX, Inc., a nonprofit online learning and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) provider. 

At Nutter, McClennen & Fish, Glassburn represented public entities and private enterprises across various sectors, in addition to nonprofits, and held several leadership and administrative positions within the firm. Her areas of practice included mergers and acquisitions, trademarks, intellectual-property licensing, and securities. 

Glassburn will follow Marc Goodheart, who announced plans in September to conclude his service as vice president and secretary of the University. Goodheart, who held the role for nearly three decades, will transition to the role of senior adviser to the president and other University leaders while ensuring a smooth transition within the Office of the Governing Boards. 

“We are fortunate that Marc will continue to lend his customary insight and wisdom to the University during Suzanne’s transition into her new role,” said Garber.

Glassburn is an alumna of the University of Pennsylvania Law School and obtained her undergraduate degree in English from Vanderbilt University.