The New School’s Parsons School of Design Announces Michael Donovan as New Chair of Board of Governors
October 21, 2024, New York – The New School’s Parsons School of Design today announced Michael Donovan as Chair of the Board of Governors at the country’s top-ranked art and design school. As Chair of the Board of Governors, he will support the annual Parsons Benefit, seek new partnerships, and identify fund-raising opportunities. His appointment is effective immediately.
“Parsons School of Design has been an essential ingredient in my professional life. I graduated from Parsons, taught Environmental Design, Drawing, and Color, and met my partner, in life as well as business, at Parsons. I am eternally grateful, and look forward to supporting our Executive Dean, Yvonne Watson, and new President, Joel Towers, as well as my fellow board members in continuing Parsons’ amazing legacy and trajectory.”
Michael Donovan was the founding partner, with Nancye Green, of Donovan/Green a communication and design consultancy. For decades the firm specialized in inventing new forms of experience design, information design and storytelling. Donovan joined Metsera, a fast-growing biotech start-up launched by Population Health Partners, as Chief Design Officer.
“I am thrilled to welcome Michael Donovan as our new Chair of the Board of Governors,” said Yvonne Watson, Interim Executive Dean of Parsons School of Design. “He has been a strong advocate for Parsons over the years and will continue to support the mission and vision of this important institution in his new role. I would also like to express my gratitude to Liz Rodbell and Dominique Bluhdorn for their leadership with Parsons. Liz has served as Chair since June 2020, leading us through a time of much change, and her steadfast focus and dedication to Parsons has been integral to our success. On behalf of Parsons I share our profound thanks as they transition out of their roles as Chair and Vice Chair.”
“Serving Parsons as Chair of the Board of Governors has been a tremendous privilege, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished. Michael has such a deep appreciation and commitment to the school – I know that those achievements will continue with Michael at the helm, and I wish him ongoing success in this role,” shared Liz Rodbell, outgoing Chair of the Board.
In addition to his work with Parsons, Donovan has served on the boards of the Municipal Arts Society, the American Institute of Graphic Arts, The Society of Environmental Graphic Design, The National Design Center, and The Art Directors Club, and served as an advisor to the Aspen Design Conference.
Throughout his creative career, he has received recognition and awards for branding solutions, information design, and environmental design. He was recognized in Richard Saul Wurman’s book, ”1000 Most Creative People in America.” He was an NEA Fellow and received the Christian Petersen Award for Creativity from Iowa State University, his first alma mater, where he served as an advisor to the Design College.
Donovan holds degrees from Iowa State University and Parsons School of Design, and, in addition to teaching at Parsons, he has taught at Pratt Institute. He and Nancye Green were awarded the American Institute of Graphic Arts Medal — the most distinguished in the field—in recognition of their exceptional achievements, service, and contributions to the field of design and visual communication. Donovan has also received the Distinguished Service Award from The New School for leadership in communication, strategy, and sustainable design.