The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. today announced the appointment of Luis Ubiñas as Chairman of its Board of Directors. Mr. Ubiñas joined the Foundation’s Board in 2014, serving as Vice Chair since 2018. Mr. Ubiñas replaces Albert C. Bellas, who has been Board Chair since 2015 and remains on the Board.

“I am pleased to pass the chairmanship torch to Luis Ubiñas,” said Mr. Bellas. “With an extensive and diverse background that includes business, government, and the nonprofit sector, Luis is certain to be a strong leader, adeptly shepherding the Foundation toward its next endeavors.”

“It is a deep honor to succeed Albert in this role, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are beacons to the meaning of America, symbols of welcoming and freedom,“ said Mr. Ubiñas. “I look forward to building on Albert’s legacy.”

Mr. Ubiñas is an investor and advisor as well as a nonprofit leader. He served as President of the Ford Foundation from 2008 through 2013, where he led a broad-based restructuring of the organization, including resetting its strategies and operating programs; reinvestment of over 80% of the endowment; and rebuilding facilities, systems, and cost base. Prior to Ford, Mr. Ubiñas was a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, leading the firm’s media practice on the West Coast. He served technology, telecommunications, and media companies, working with them to develop and implement strategies and improve operations.

Mr. Ubiñas has published extensively, including articles and opinion pieces in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, and a range of other publications in the United States and abroad. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He serves on several multilateral, governmental, and nonprofit boards and advisory committees, including the Advisory Board of the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships and the New York Public Library.

Luis Ubiñas attended Harvard College, where he was named a Truman Scholar, graduating magna cum laude in government with a Certificate in Latin American Studies. He earned an MBA from Harvard Business School, graduating with highest honors as a Baker Scholar.