University of New Haven’s Board of Governors Elects New Chair and Vice Chair

The University of New Haven’s Board of Governors has elected Michael H. Ambrose ’84, ’19 Hon., as its chair and David J. Peterson, Jr. ’88, ’17 Hon., as its vice chair. Each will serve a two-year term.

“The University of New Haven has always stood for transforming lives and society in an impactful way,” said Ambrose. “Higher education today is faced with potentially extensional challenges — from decreasing populations, rising costs of education, and even the value proposition of higher education.  The University, our Board, and I truly embrace these challenges and the opportunity to do amazing things to accelerate the University’s impact on society and on individuals.”

Ambrose served as chair of the Presidential Search Committee, culminating with Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., being elected by the Board to lead the University at a pivotal moment in the institution’s rich history.

“From the first time I met Dr. Frederiksen, Ph.D., I saw we were kindred spirits in many ways,” said Ambrose. “We both shared the conviction that the mission of the University comes before anything else — and that is to better the lives of students and society through impactful careers and partnerships.”

Ambrose is the principal partner for MH Ambrose Consulting and serves on the RBC Bearing Company board of directors. He had a 38-year career at Sikorsky Aircraft, where he held many executive roles, including chief engineer and vice president of engineering & technology.

He was elected to the University of New Haven’s Board of Governors in January 2015 and was vice chair from 2020 to 2024. He served as the president of the University of New Haven’s Alumni Association from 2012 to 2014.

Ambrose earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of New Haven in 1984. He was a standout member of the track and field team and still owns seven University track records. He was inducted into the University of New Haven Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Tagliatela College of Engineering Hall of Fame in 2016.

He has a master’s degree in engineering management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of New Haven awarded him an honorary Doctor of Engineering in 2019.

Peterson, the new vice chair, said, “I look forward to an exciting several years ahead under Michael’s leadership and will support him and the Board of Governors as we embrace opportunities and tackle challenges within higher education.”

Peterson is the Founder and CEO of 4Media Central, a full-service marketing agency established in 2003. His portfolio spans various industries, including online payment processing, health and wellness, and marine services. His entrepreneurial spirit has led to several successful ventures, including the Institute of Regenerative Medicine, SD Marine LLC, and Costa Carts LLC.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of New Haven in 1988 and was a powerhouse member of the football team. He received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012. In 2017, he was inducted into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame and conferred an honorary Doctor of Business Administration. Peterson's commitment to the University has been evident through his collaboration and philanthropy to create the Peterson Performance Center, a state-of-the-art athletic facility that opened in the Spring of 2023.

Charlies E. Pompea ’71, Hon. ’06, who served as chair of the Board of Governors for the last four years and who will continue as a voting member, said, “I am positive that Mr. Ambrose and Mr. Peterson will continue our successful path. I also strongly believe that President Frederiksen is the right person to lead us to future growth and expansion. His energy is contagious, and his communication is open and honest.”

In addition to being chair, Pompea served as vice chair of the Board from 2018 and 2020 and from 2000 to 2006.

In reflecting on his service, Pompea said, “While we experienced some difficulties through the COVID pandemic, I was and am very proud of how everyone stood strong, stayed together, and kept in mind our mission. We have developed great school spirit, where community members are proud to be Chargers.”

Looking to the future of the University and his tenure as chair of the Board, Ambrose said, “Quite simply, the Board must partner with the University to transform once again to best meet the challenges and opportunities of higher education today. This means overseeing the evolution of the strategic vision and its execution, partnering with stakeholders who share our mission, and collaborating to attract faculty, staff, and students and engage alumni who see the potential for the University for themselves and society.”