Harvard Business School Alumni

Christine Fairchild to Head External Relations

Fairchild Photo by Thomas J. Fitzsimmons

Christine Fairchild, who has played a key role in HBS alumni relations for the past fifteen years, has been appointed executive director of External Relations, with overall responsibility for alumni outreach, communications, and fundraising. She succeeds Donella M. Rapier (MBA ’92), formerly the School’s associate dean for External Relations and chief financial officer. Rapier recently became Harvard University’s vice president for alumni affairs and development. Richard P. Melnick (MBA ’92) has been appointed HBS chief financial officer.

Fairchild joined External Relations as assistant director of alumni relations in 1988, after spending nine years at the Harvard University Art Museums. She was promoted to associate director in 1992 and was named director in 1993. Under her leadership, the School’s alumni programs and services have greatly increased in scope and professionalism. They include the annual Global Leadership Forum, career services and lifelong learning programs for alumni, and a vibrant reunion program that is the envy of other professional schools and undergraduate institutions.

Commenting on her new responsibilities, Fairchild said, “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to broaden my work with alumni.” She noted that her two major tasks involve “following through on the momentum of the current capital campaign and continuing to engage our alumni on multiple levels. We are seeing more and more alumni involved with the life of the School. It’s a very exciting time at HBS.”

In announcing Fairchild’s new position, Dean Kim B. Clark praised her leadership and extensive knowledge of the Harvard Business School community: “I am confident Christine will bring her leadership capabilities, experience, and enthusiasm to bear in equal measures on the capital campaign and the entire External Relations organization.”

Melnick first came to HBS as a research associate in 1986. He joined the Financial Office in 1992 as assistant director of financial management. He was promoted to asso-ciate director in 1993, director in 1996, and managing director in 2001.

Rapier, who began her new duties on October 6, joined the HBS administration in 1996 as CFO. In 2001, she assumed the additional role of associate dean for External Relations.