Payments and financial services company Square announced Tuesday that it was adding former Brown University President Ruth Simmons to its board of directors.
Simmons, who will take the company’s total number of directors to nine, is just the second woman to serve on the San Francisco startup’s board.
“Ruth has inspired generations
of young people to follow their dreams, break down any barriers that stand in their way, and make an impact in their communities,” Square CEO Jack Dorsey said in a statement. “I know she will bring that same passion to Square on behalf of our sellers, and I am honored she will be joining our board.”[Related: Women of Power: 10 Education Leaders Who are Making a Difference]
From 2001—2002, Simmons served as the president of Brown University and from 1995—2000 she was president of Smith College. After earning a Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures at Harvard, she worked in various faculty and administrative roles at the University of Southern California, Princeton University and Spelman College. She serves on the boards of Texas Instruments, Chrysler, and Mondelez, as well as a number of nonprofit boards.
“In my experience the best companies draw their strengths from their ideals and their customers,” said Simmons. “Square puts its sellers first, empowering them with tools that allow them to participate and help drive the economy. I look forward to helping the team advance this important goal.”
Simmons will sit on Square’s board of directors alongside CEO Jack Dorsey, Roelof Botha, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Vinod Khosla, Jim McKelvey, Mary Meeker, Larry Summers and David Viniar.