York College of PA BOT elects Laura Wand of York as first woman chair

Laura Wand has been elected as Chair of the York College Board of Trustees. She is the first woman to serve in this role. Wand began her three-year term on July 1, 2022, succeeding Jeff Hines, who led the Board from 2018.

“I joined the Board at the same time as Jeff over a decade ago and have had the opportunity to watch and learn from an incredible leader,” said Wand. “I am honored and humbled to follow him as Chair.”

A trustee since 2009, Wand has chaired the Trusteeship committee for the last three years, while also serving on the Audit and Executive committees. During her tenure, she has served on various committees, including search committees for the positions of York College President and the affiliated York Country Day School Head of School.

“The board of trustees of York College is an extraordinary group of individuals who share a very deep affection for the College and know the importance of listening to and balancing the interests of students, faculty, employees, alumni, administration, and the broader community in order to guide the institution,” Wand said. “Together we will continue to help the College serve our students, pursue new opportunities, and navigate unpredictable times.”

“The election of Laura to Chair of the Board of Trustees represents an important milestone for the College,” said York College President Pamela Gunter-Smith. “Her administrative and management acumen coupled with her deep commitment to York College will be of exceptional benefit especially during the upcoming transition in presidential leadership.”  

Wand is currently an Independent Director for Burnham Holdings, Inc. and a Senior Advisor for TowerBrook Capital Partners, LP and for Shield T3 Health, a university-related organization of the University of Illinois. Her career in industrial general management culminated in her role as the Vice President and General Manager of Johnson Controls’ $2.5B Applied HVAC business. She retired from Johnson Controls in March 2020. 

Wand also serves on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board of Directors and is a member of National Association of Corporate Directors. She earned her Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1982. She and husband Steve Wand live in York, where they have raised their three children and continue to be engaged in the community.