Harvard University has announced the appointment of Jennifer O’Connor as the institution's new Vice President and General Counsel, a role she will assume on July 29th. The announcement was made by interim President Alan M. Garber, who highlighted O’Connor’s extensive experience and dedication to public service.

Born in Cambridge and a Harvard College alumna of 1987, O’Connor returns to her alma mater from Northrop Grumman, where she is currently the Vice President of Technology and Information Law and Policy. In her role at Northrop Grumman, O’Connor has been at the forefront of addressing complex legal issues surrounding artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data protection.

Her appointment comes at a time when the legal challenges facing higher education are increasingly complex, touching on issues of technology, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. O’Connor's expertise in these areas is expected to be a significant asset to Harvard.

O’Connor’s legal career is marked by notable positions in both the public and private sectors. Her public service includes a tenure as General Counsel for the Department of Defense under President Barack Obama, and roles within the White House as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy White House Counsel. Her responsibilities have spanned various critical areas including national security, immigration, and foreign policy.

In the private sector, O’Connor was a Partner at the law firm Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr, and she has also held positions at Miller Cassidy Larroca & Lewin and Baker Botts. Her judicial experience includes clerking for the Honorable Judith Rogers at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

Reflecting on her new position, O’Connor expressed her enthusiasm for returning to Harvard and her commitment to supporting the University's mission. She also acknowledged the work of the Office of General Counsel in advancing the institution's objectives.

O’Connor succeeds Diane Lopez, who retired after a commendable 30-year tenure at Harvard. Interim President Garber also expressed his gratitude to Eileen Finan for her interim leadership in the role of General Counsel.

With a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center, O’Connor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role at Harvard. Her involvement extends beyond her professional duties, serving on various committees and boards, including the American Bar Association’s Law and National Security Advisory Committee and the Department of Defense Advisory Committee on Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces.

Harvard’s community has welcomed O’Connor’s appointment, anticipating her contributions to the University's legal strategy and governance at a crucial juncture for the academic world.

For more information on Jennifer O’Connor’s appointment and her professional background, you can read the full announcement from Harvard University.