WPI Names New Board Chair

Andrew Aberdale ’89, a member of WPI’s Board of Trustees since 2012, has been elected board chair. He succeeds Jack Mollen, whose term as chair began in 2016. A former CFO of Target Hospitality, Aberdale, who holds a BS in chemical engineering from WPI and an MBA from St. Mary’s College of California, previously spent 12 years at W.R. Grace in various engineering, manufacturing, and plant management roles.

He was one of the original members of the WPI Tech Advisors Network, a group of more than 80 alumni and friends who, as experienced entrepreneurs, innovators, and mentors, offer their expertise and networks to support other WPI innovators and entrepreneurs. Through this work and other endeavors, Aberdale has forged solid relationships with faculty, staff, students, and others in the broader WPI community. He has also been a leader in supporting the university’s goals of increasing global impact, bringing more women into STEM, diversifying the student body, and infusing inclusion and equity into all aspects of campus life.

Andy’s commitment to WPI, his professional acumen, his experience, and his perspective will serve the university well in his role as board chair.

Laurie Leshin

“Andy’s commitment to WPI, his professional acumen, his experience, and his perspective will serve the university well in his role as board chair,” says President Laurie Leshin. “As the university continues to transform lives, turn knowledge into action to confront global challenges, and revolutionize STEM through our distinctive project-based learning and research, Andy’s guidance will be critical. He understands and appreciates the intelligence, dedication, and potential within our students, faculty, and staff. As a business leader, he also understands the need for universities to strengthen existing and forge new relationships so we can better prepare more people for the work of the future.”

“I received an incredible education at WPI,” Aberdale says, “and I consider it a major part of my success—so it’s always been important to me that I find ways to give back to a place that gave me so much.”

Aberdale’s wife, LindaLeigh (Richert) Aberdale ’88, is a member of the executive board of WPI’s Women’s Impact Network and co-chairs The Business School Dean’s Council of Strategic Advisors. Their son, Andrew Aberdale II, earned bachelor’s (’18) and master’s (’20) degrees at WPI.

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