Pitt Board of Trustees Chair Douglas Browning steps down

After 10 years of dedicated and transformational service to the University of Pittsburgh, Douglas Browning announced Tuesday he was stepping down from his role as chair of the Board of Trustees and his board seat, citing an unanticipated personal matter.

Browning, principal for the independent consulting company DM Browning & Associates LLC, was first elected as a trustee in 2013, and he became Pitt’s first African American chair in 2022. He was reelected board chair in June. 

Browning said in his message to the board: “For the past decade, it has been a privilege and honor to serve on this Board. I hope I have in some way made a modest contribution to the many successes and accomplishments that Pitt has achieved.”

Chancellor Joan Gabel echoed a grateful University in thanking Browning (A&S ’72) for his countless acts of service and leadership on behalf of the University and the Board of Trustees.

“As a Pitt family, we stand in appreciation for his unyielding commitment to serving others and his undeniable passion for this institution as an alumnus and a Pitt parent, which has made the University stronger and better in every way,” Gabel said.  

Louis R. Cestello, who most recently was vice chair, is serving as interim chair of the governing body that oversees all charitable, scientific and academic activities at Pitt.

Cestello — PNC Bank’s head of regional markets and regional president of Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania — was elected to the board in 2017. A Pittsburgh native, he earned a bachelor’s degree at Washington and Jefferson College and a master’s degree at Duquesne University.

“I look forward to serving as interim chair of the Board of Trustees for the University of Pittsburgh, and I’m eager to work with the entire board, Chancellor Gabel and her senior staff to continue building on the progress we’ve made to move this great University forward,” Cestello said. “Under Chancellor Gabel’s leadership, and with great appreciation for Doug’s longstanding service and many contributions to the Board, I am confident this pattern of success will continue.”