JWU Welcomes Four New Members to Board of Trustees


Story by JWU Media Relations , on Jun 23, 2021 12:00 PM

PRESS RELEASE

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — June 23, 2021 – The Johnson & Wales University (JWU) Board of Trustees formally elected four new members at its annual meeting on June 22: Shivan S. Subramaniam; M. Teresa Paiva Weed, J.D.; Chef Lorena Garcia ’00, ’14 Hon.; and Rob Palleschi ’86, ’14 Hon.

“These new members bring a strong level of expertise and leadership in industries important to the university,” said JWU Chancellor Mim Runey, LP.D. “They are joining the Board as we position Johnson & Wales to be an innovative and comprehensive university that prepares students for careers and leadership roles in their chosen fields of study. We welcome their counsel and input as we pursue new initiatives and academic programs to meet the evolving needs of a wide range of mature, high-growth and emerging industries.” 

Shivan S. Subramaniam*
Shivan Subramaniam is the retired chairman and chief executive officer for FM Global, headquartered in Johnston, Rhode Island, one of the world’s largest commercial property insurance companies. The company insures more than $8 trillion in business property worldwide for more than one-third of FORTUNE 1000 companies in more than 130 countries.

Teresa Paiva Weed, J.D.*
Teresa Paiva Weed is the president of the Hospital Association of Rhode Island, based in Providence, and formerly served as the president of the Rhode Island Senate for eight years. Her work in the R.I. Senate has been recognized by many organizations, including the American Heart Association, the Rhode Island Center for Hispanic Policy and Advocacy, and the Rhode Island Council of Community Health Centers.

Chef Lorena Garcia ’00, ’14 Hon.*
Chef Garcia is an entrepreneur, cookbook author, media personality, cookware designer, and restaurateur based in Miami, Florida. She also started a non-profit organization aimed at combatting childhood obesity, “Big Chef, Little Chef,” that helps children and their families take control of their eating habits and their lives.

Rob Palleschi ’86, ’14 Hon.*
Rob Palleschi is the chief executive officer of G6 Hospitality, the parent company of the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands in the U.S. and Canada. G6, based in Carrollton, Texas, owns, manages or franchises nearly 1,400 economy lodging hotels in the United States and Canada.


*Full biographies and headshots are available upon request.