Morgan named UF Board of Trustees chair; McGriff named vice chair

June 15, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Dianna Morgan was named chairman of the University of Florida Board of Trustees on Friday, while trustee W.A. “Mac” McGriff III was named vice chairman. The positions become effective July 1.

Morgan succeeds Manny Fernandez, who has filled the position since 2004. Morgan has served as vice chair since 2001.

One of the original members of the board when it was created in 2001, Morgan, of Windermere, also is a former member of the UF Foundation Board of Directors. Before retiring, she served as senior vice president of public affairs for Walt Disney World, where she was responsible for the company’s lobbying efforts, philanthropic programs; conservation initiatives and media relations. She attended the University of Florida and graduated from Rollins College with a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication.

Morgan also serves as a member of the board of directors for Orlando Regional Healthcare System and the Children’s Miracle Network. Her corporate board service includes Orlando-based CNL Hotels & Resorts.

Also one of the original UF board members, McGriff is a private investor in Jacksonville. He was president of Alliance Mortgage Co. from 1975 to 1989. He also is the former president of Florida Mortgage Bankers Association of Florida and a former chairman of the board of directors of Associated Industries of Florida. He graduated from UF with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1969 and received the UF Distinguished Alumnus award in 1993. McGriff served as one of the UF representatives to the University Medical Center Board from 1986 to1996 and served as CEO of the hospital from 1996 to 1999.