MIAMI (March 16, 2010) Robert Briggs starts today as chairman of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Board of Trustees. He succeeds W. Gerald Austen, M.D. who has been a foundation trustee since 1987 and served as chairman of the board for the past 14 years.
Briggs became a Knight Foundation Trustee in 2002 and served as vice chair from 2005 until his appointment as chair elect in March 2009. He is president of the GAR Foundation in Akron and chairman emeritus and former CEO of the law firm Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs.
“Knight Foundation’s mission has never been more crucial than today, given the profound changes in how people and communities receive their information,” Briggs said. “Knight is committed to its leadership role in promoting innovative ways of informing residents, engaging communities and strengthening democracy. I am honored to lead Knight’s board at such a critical time and follow in very big footsteps.”
Dr. Austen is stepping down from Knight’s board, following bylaws he helped create that call for trustees to retire at age 80. He is an internationally recognized heart surgeon who served as chief of surgical services at Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital for 29 years. Both Jack and Jim Knight sought Dr. Austen’s medical guidance and he became their medical advisor and trusted friend.
“I have tried to carry on the ideals and values of my friends Jack and Jim Knight,” Dr. Austen said. “Serving Knight Foundation has been one of the great joys and privileges of my life, next to my work at Massachusetts General Hospital. I have full confidence in Rob’s ability to take the helm as chairman.”
Alberto Ibargüen, president and CEO of Knight Foundation, thanked Dr. Austen for his dedicated service. “Jerry’s ability to listen and build consensus was matched only by the firm confidence of a surgeon’s hand to get things done and move the foundation forward. We are forever in his debt.”
Ibargüen said Briggs’ great sense of community will fuel his leadership tenure. “I look forward to working with Rob and with the entire board,” Ibargüen said, “as we continue to advance journalism in the digital age and promote informed, engaged communities.”
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation advances journalism in the digital age and invests in the vitality of communities where the Knight brothers owned newspapers. Knight Foundation focuses on projects that promote informed, engaged communities and lead to transformational change. For more, visit www.knightfoundation.org.
Contact: Marc Fest, Knight Foundation, 305-908-2677; [email protected]
- High-resolution photo: Robert Briggs 2007 1200x1500px.jpg
