Board of Trustees welcomes new members

Publication Date

The Union College Board of Trustees recently elected three new members, announced Robert Bertagna ’85, chair of the board.

They are Paul D. Ginsberg ’84, Kenya LeNoir Messer ’90 and Emily Stein ’24. John Johnson ’85 was also re-elected alumni trustee.

“On behalf of the board, it is my pleasure to welcome Paul, Kenya and Emily,” Bertagna said. “Dedicated to supporting Union, they are excited to use their time and talents to advance the College’s mission. I look forward to introducing them at our fall meeting.”

Additionally, Kate Barry ’01 and Bill Perlstein ’71 will serve as secretary and general counsel, respectively, while Julie Greifer Swidler ’79 will serve as the first female vice chair of the board.

Meet the trustees:

Paul D. Ginsberg ’84

Paul D. Ginsberg ’84 was elected term trustee. He is president of Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta‐based private equity firm. Prior to joining Roark, he was a partner at the international law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. Paul is a member of the advisory council for the Union Financial Network. As a student, he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Pi Sigma Alpha. Paul also received the Oswald Heck – Irwin Steingut Prize, the Charles A. Dana Foundation Scholarship and the Stanley R. Becker Scholarship.

John Johnson ’85

John Johnson ’85 was re-elected alumni trustee. He is senior director of sales and marketing for Arizona Beverages Snack Food Division. Previously, he was senior director of client development with Acosta Sales & Marketing. A four-year starter on the Union football team, John won several ECAC player of the week honors, including the Ralph H. Rue MVP Award. He also lettered in track and field, and was a founding member of Union’s Pi Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He is the parent of John K. Johnson II ’10.

Kenya LeNoir Messer ’90

Kenya LeNoir Messer ’90 was elected term trustee. She is president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Baton Rouge. A published author, researcher and lecturer on issues affecting student success, access and retention in college, Kenya is a fellow of the American Academic Leadership Institute. She has been recognized by many organizations, including the U.S. Office of Minority Health. At Union, Kenya was vice president for the African and Latino Alliance of Students and a member of the Delphic Honor Society. Today, she serves as Terrace Council co-chair and is on the Campaign Steering Committee.

Emily Stein ’24

Emily Stein ’24 was elected student trustee. A biochemistry major from Worcester, Mass., who is also minoring in psychology, she is a Posse Scholar and active student leader. Emily is dedicated to increasing diversity on campus, goes out of her way to help friends and peers, and was secretary/treasurer for her class during her first year. Now, she serves as class president and as a residence advisor in Davidson and Webster House. Emily loves being outdoors and making a difference in people’s lives.