Ralph J. Cicerone, the prominent atmospheric scientist who heads the National Academy of Sciences, and Richard Beattie, Chairman of the global law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, have been elected to the board of Carnegie Corporation of New York.
The announcement was made today at the foundation’s board meeting by former Governor Thomas H. Kean, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Carnegie Corporation of New York and Vartan Gregorian, the foundation’s President.
“I am pleased that Ralph Cicerone and Richard Beattie have accepted our invitation to join the board,” said Governor Kean. “They offer us their experience at a critical time for the nation and at an important moment for the foundation.”
Commenting on Dr. Cicerone’s appointment, Vartan Gregorian said, “As one of the country’s foremost research scientists and a considerable force in the development of science policy, Ralph’s passion and intellect will help inform key initiatives ranging from Carnegie Corporation’s effort to improve the quality of math and science education, to the reduction of nuclear weapons and their proliferation risk.”
Dr. Cicerone’s research in atmospheric chemistry and climate change has involved him in shaping science and environmental policy at the highest levels nationally and internationally. His research was recognized on the citation for the 1995 Nobel Prize in chemistry awarded to University of California, Irvine colleague F. Sherwood Rowland and Mario Molina. The Franklin Institute recognized Dr. Cicerone’s fundamental contributions to the understanding of greenhouse gases and ozone depletion with its 1999 Bower Award and Prize for Achievement in Science. One of the most prestigious American awards in science, the Bower also recognized Cicerone’s public policy leadership in protecting the global environment.
Commenting on Mr. Beattie’s appointment, Vartan Gregorian said, “Dick Beattie’s understanding of the fundamental importance of education to our country’s future—and the startling complexities of education reform—are matched by his reputation for promoting innovative solutions.”
Richard Beattie has a long record of public service. During the Carter Administration, he served as General Counsel of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and in 1980, as Director of the Transition and Counsel to the Secretary of Education, he was in charge of organizing the U.S. Department of Education. During the 1980’s, Mr. Beattie served on the New York City Board of Education. He has served as a Special Advisor to the Secretary of State and during 1995-1997 was President Clinton’s Emissary for Cyprus. Mr. Beattie is also Chairman of the Board and founder of New Visions for Public Schools, a not-for-profit organization that develops and implements programs to affect system-wide improvements in public education in New York City.
Carnegie Corporation of New York was founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote “the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding.”