Now Senior Counsel Emeritus at Hogan Lovells in Washington, D.C., Ashford previously served as a senior partner leading the firm鈥檚 Tax-Exempt Organizations practice, where she听advised听major foundations, universities, hospitals, and international NGOs on governance, tax, and regulatory matters.听
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鈥淎shford鈥檚 record of service to and for international organizations dovetails with AUR鈥檚 mission,鈥�听said听AUR President Scott Sprenger.听鈥淎 champion of the Liberal Arts, with her help we will听strengthen governance, expand partnerships, and enrich the student experience in Rome.鈥澨�
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Ashford brings more than four decades of legal leadership in the nonprofit sector alongside a wealth of distinguished international service. In 1996 she was nominated by President Clinton and elected by the听United Nations General Assembly听to serve as judge for the听United Nations Administrative Tribunal. She was re-elected in 1999 for a second term and later served as the Tribunal鈥檚 Vice-President. She has also contributed to mission-driven organizations as听Director of The Cousteau Society听and听Advisory Council member to Equality Now, reflecting a sustained commitment to civil society and global engagement.听
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On announcing Ashford鈥檚 appointment,听Chair of AUR鈥檚 Board of Trustees Tom McCarthy听stated,听鈥淲ith a career devoted to strengthening educational and cultural organizations, and long-standing ties to Italy, Deborah is an ideal partner for AUR at this moment of growth. We are delighted to welcome Deborah Ashford to the Board.鈥澨�
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Ashford鈥檚 appointment enhances AUR鈥檚 Board with deep听expertise听in nonprofit law, international institutional governance, and public-interest leadership鈥攅xperience that will support AUR鈥檚 mission as a U.S.-accredited university in Rome preparing students for purposeful, globally engaged careers.