The Savannah College of Art and Design, a private, international nonprofit university for the arts, is governed by the college’s elected Board of Trustees, which serves as the supreme authority of the institution by establishing broad policies for the college, securing financial resources to adequately support the college’s goals, and electing the president. The SCAD administration is accountable to the Board of Trustees. Board members direct the administration of the college to implement and comply with the policies and guidelines required by the criteria for accreditation issued by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Board of Trustees holds biannual meetings to transact and resolve any and all business.

Chairman Paul S. Bradley, M.D., has consistently and generously lent his guidance, support and time to the ongoing advancement of SCAD's mission to provide the best art and design education to its students. He is highly regarded by both the college and the community at large. A Savannah, Ga., native, he is a lead physician at St. Joseph’s/Candler Medical Group. Dr. Bradley holds Bachelor of Science degrees in history and chemistry from Tulane University and a medical doctorate from Emory University. He currently serves as chair of the SCAD Board of Trustees. Dr. Bradley resides in Savannah with his wife and two children.
Nancy Herstand is considered a pioneer in the South Florida arts community. Herstand is the executive counsel of the Florida Grand Opera’s Magnum Opus Campaign. She has enjoyed a long and successful career working with several of America’s major performing and visual arts institutions. Herstand’s extensive knowledge of arts management and fundraising is highly respected by the board and SCAD.
Alison Hopton is a SCAD alumna. She graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree in interior design in 1993. She currently teaches upper-level interior design courses and is the interior design coordinator for project management, accreditation and interior design courses at Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss. Additionally, she is the house and garden editor for Mississippi Magazine, a position she has held since 2000. Hopton resides in Jackson, Miss., with her son.
Chan Laiwa is a distinguished entrepreneur, diplomat and patroness of the arts. In 1999, she established the China Red Sandalwood Museum in Beijing, China — the first and only museum of its kind dedicated to the preservation and education of the ancient Chinese art of sandalwood carving. Dr. Chan has continuously promoted international arts education and cultural exchange and is involved with many worthy causes in Asia and abroad. In recognition of her philanthropy and profound commitment to the arts, Dr. Chan was awarded an honorary doctorate from SCAD in 1999. Dr. Chan resides in Beijing with her husband.
Don Mondanaro has an extensive background in historic preservation and the performing arts. A former professional tap dancer, he has taught tap and ballroom dance to children and adults. An avid traveler, Mondanaro once resided in Portugal. In 1998, he established the Ben C. Morris Memorial Scholarship at SCAD, which funds study abroad tuition for one student each year. He is now retired and lives in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he enjoys playing tennis, cooking and entertaining.
May Poetter is a visionary co-founder of SCAD who continues to take an active role in the life of the college. She brought her experience as a schoolteacher to the position of SCAD’s first vice president for admission, successfully recruiting talented students from diverse locations. To this day, alumni remark about the profound impact that Poetter and her late husband, Paul, also a co-founder of the college, have had on their careers and lives. Poetter is now retired and resides in Savannah.
Sally Waranch Rajcic is the owner and director of the Sarah Bain Gallery in Brea, Calif., where she represents and exhibits the work of emerging artists. Her clientele include local collectors as well as art aficionados from across the nation and around the world. Rajcic is the former director of the Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton, Calif. She enjoys investing in thoroughbred racing horses.
André Leon Talley joined Vogue magazine in 1983 and now serves as its editor-at-large. With a master’s degree in French studies, he forged a career in the world of high style. He has worked closely with some of the most celebrated names in fashion, Hollywood and the arts. The André Leon Talley Lifetime Achievement Award is given annually to luminaries of the fashion world at the college’s annual fashion show. Talley resides in New York and is an active member of his community and church.