Lisa Chester and Rob Biodrowski Elected to ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ Board of Trustees

At its May 6 meeting, the ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ Board of Trustees elected Lisa Chester and Rob Biodrowski as new Board members.At its May 6 meeting, the ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ Board of Trustees elected Lisa Chester and Rob Biodrowski as new Board members.
ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ welcomes Lisa Chester and Rob Biodrowski to its Board of Trustees, bringing leadership experience across philanthropy, finance, business, and community engagement.

ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ has appointed Lisa Chester and Rob Biodrowski to its Board of Trustees, adding leadership expertise in philanthropy, finance, organizational growth, and community engagement. Their appointments reflect Columbia’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a board with broad professional perspectives and a strong investment in higher education, student success, and the creative economy.  

“Lisa and Rob bring a remarkable breadth of leadership experience shaped by service, innovation, and a deep understanding of the evolving cultural and economic landscape,” says President Shantay N. Bolton. “Their stewardship will help Columbia continue fostering an environment where creativity, purpose, and opportunity intersect to prepare students for meaningful and lasting impact.” 

Lisa Chester 

Lisa Chester is an accomplished executive leader whose career spans philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, government strategy, media, and community development. She currently serves as chief development officer at the Southern Education Foundation, where she leads fundraising, strategic planning, and partnership initiatives focused on educational opportunity and community advancement. Her previous leadership roles with Rockdale County Government (Ga.) and Warrick Dunn Charities focused on economic mobility, public service, and organizational transformation. Chester brings extensive experience in governance, institutional advancement, strategic communications, and community engagement, as well as a deep commitment to educational access and equity. 

Earlier in her career, Chester worked in advertising and entertainment with Turner Broadcasting (now WarnerMedia) and McCann Worldgroup, supporting national campaigns and original content productions from Steven Spielberg to Tyler Perry. 

Chester earned a Bachelor of Arts from Morris Brown College, a Business Intelligence Certificate from Emory University, and an MBA in health care management. 

“I am honored to join the Board of Trustees of ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ, an institution whose commitment to creativity, innovation, and student-centered learning deeply resonates with both my professional journey and personal values,” Chester says. “What especially drew me to ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ is its ability to prepare students not only for careers in arts, media, and communication, but also to shape culture and strengthen communities through their work.” 

Rob Biodrowski 

Rob Biodrowski serves as division executive for Commercial Banking within the Midwest Division of Wells Fargo & Company, where he leads banking operations and relationship teams across multiple states. Prior to taking on his current role, he was a managing director and head of Middle Market Investment Banking Coverage, where he managed Wells Fargo’s investment banking business for 12 regional offices throughout the United 
States. 

With more than 20 years in financial services and investment banking, Biodrowski has extensive experience in strategic growth, financial management, investment banking, and corporate relationship development.  

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Biodrowski serves on the boards of several nonprofit and civic organizations, including the American Childhood Cancer Organization, the Chicago Executive Club, and the Minneapolis Business Partnership. His leadership and financial expertise will support Columbia’s continued growth and strategic priorities. 

Biodrowski earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska. He and his wife live in Chicago with their three children. 

“I’m honored to join the Board at ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ, an institution with a clear and important mission focused on developing the next generation of creative talent,” Biodrowski says. “I look forward to supporting Columbia’s continued influence in shaping culture, community, and the broader economy.” 

Chester and Biodrowski join Columbia’s Board of Trustees at an important moment for the College as it continues to strengthen its role as a leader in arts, media, and creative education.  

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