The new year brought in five new members to the University’s Board of Trustees. University President Rev. Peter Donohue, O.S.A, PhD, was pleased to announce these new members and welcome them to the Board. The Board of Trustees serves as the governing body of the University, consisting of alumni and friends who offer their time and expertise to extend critical oversight and counsel to the University.

Paul A. Tufano was elected Chair of the Board of Trustees, succeeding Catherine M. Keating, who has served as Chair since 2013. 

Tufano is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, headquartered in Philadelphia. AmeriHealth is one of the nation’s leading Medicaid Managed Care organizations, providing access to health care for the poor. “It is ironic how the name of the company has the word ‘Caritas’ in it, just like in the core values of Villanova University, ‘Unitas, Veritas, Caritas,’” Tufano said. 

Tufano, an active member of the Philadelphia community provides legal support for the poor, education and the arts. He received both his Bachelor of Science degree and his J.D. degree from Villanova.

“Given my love for the University, I am deeply honored and excited to help the University live out its mission,” Tufano recalled about his new position.

When asked what compelled him to give so much back to Villanova, Tufano responded, “What stands out most to me was the sense of community since the first moment of freshman year ‘til today. The sense of belonging and genuine care has had a major impact in my life, in addition to the classroom learning I received during my time at Villanova.” Described by University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue O.S.A., PhD as a “knowledgable and accomplished Villanovan”, much is expected of Tufano in the next two years.

Tufano hopes to see Villanova staying on the same track during his two-year term as Chairman. “I will make sure, along with the Board, that the University continues to stay on a great path and continue to excel.”   Tufano will oversee beginning construction on the Lancaster Avenue Project.

“Every Chair brings a unique style to the Board. Paul has been an active mem

member of Villanova’s community, even serving as the President of the University’s Alumni Association. We look forward to seeing what the energy he brings to the Board will do for the overall vision of the University” President Rev. Peter M. Donohue O.S.A., PhD said.

Tufano, an immediate past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, is a strong advocate of the arts, a factor that will hopefully play out in his term. 

Along with Tufano’s appointment, Joseph V. Topper, Jr., the CEO and President of Cross America Partners LLP, was elected as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. Topper has been a member of Villanova’s Board of Trustees since 2010. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in accountancy from the Villanova School of Business.

Rev. Joseph L. Narog, O.S.A., Pastor of St. Thomas of Villanova Parish, was elected Secretary of the Board of Trustees. Narog was ordained an Augustinian priest in 2005. Before that, Fr. Narog worked with the Federal government as an Intelligence Analyst and as the manager of the U.S. Government’s Counterterrorism Training Program. 

Five new members were also welcomed to the 34-member Board. 

The Rev. Francis J. Doyle, O.S.A. is the Prior of the Bellesini Friary in Ardmore. Doyle received his Bachelor of the Arts degree the University. 

Also elected is Tom Klein, President and CEO of Sabre Corporation, a technology solutions provider to the global travel and tourism industry. Klein earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the Villanova School of Business. 

Nnenna J. Lynch is the Director of Development for The Georgetown Company, a privately held real estate investment and development firm in NYC. Lynch received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Villanova’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She became the first of three Rhodes Scholars in University history.  Lynch is also a professional runner, and her résumé includes five NCAA and nine Big East titles, as well as NCAA Woman of the Year and NCAA Top Eight Awards. She was also inducted into the University Athletics Hall of Fame. 

Thomas M. Quindlen is Executive Vice President and CEO  of Retail Card of Synchrony Financial, the largest provider of private label credit cards in the U.S. Quindlen earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from the Villanova School of Business. 

The Rev. James Halstead, OSA is a professor of religious studies at DePaul University. He was named Distinguished Honors Professor in 2010 and founded DePaul’s Program in Catholic Studies. 

Also joining the Board is The Rev. Francis J. Horn, O.S.A., JCD.  Horn is the Treasurer of the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. He is a Trustee of the Support Fund Trust of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova and a Founding Member of the Augustinian Secondary Education Association. Fr. Horn received his Bachelor in Science degree the University.

One thing all the new Board of Trustees members share is their love and dedication to the University. 

Tufano concluded, “Whenever I return to Villanova, I feel like I never left. I am as welcomed and as at home as the first day. This is what distinguishes Villanova from any university.”