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Gregory Hartmann elected chair of UC’s Board of Trustees

With completion of Monica Turner’s term, trustees elect new board chair, vice-chair and secretary

headshot of John Bach By John Bach 513-556-2019
3 minute read January 13, 2026

The University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees elected officers during its Dec. 16, 2025, meeting, and Greg Hartmann was unanimously elected chair for 2026. Jill McGruder will serve as vice-chair, and Shelly Gillis will serve as secretary. Their terms in these new roles began Jan. 1, 2026. Hartmann replaces Monica Turner, who completed her term on the Board, including the last year as chair.

During Turner’s tenure, UC:

  • Enjoyed overall record-setting enrollment, which reached 53,682 during fall semester.
  • Graduated more than 12,000 students
  • Celebrated a record $740 million in external research funding
  • Reopened Old Chem building after complete renovation
  • Recorded highest-ever collective annual co-op earnings for students reaching $94M

New Board Chair: Greg Hartmann

Greg Hartmann

Greg Hartmann

Greg Hartmann started his 9-year term on the UC Board of Trustees in 2020 and served as vice-chair in 2025. Hartmann is a partner at KMK Law and a trusted advisor with decades of diversified experience as an attorney, former government official and a private consultant for Ohio government relations. Hartmann began his career as a Hamilton County prosecutor and was later elected to serve as Hamilton County Commissioner and Hamilton County Clerk of Courts.

“The University of Cincinnati plays a pivotal role in shaping Ohio’s future through education, innovation and public service,” said Hartmann. “I am honored to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees and to work alongside my fellow trustees, President Neville Pinto, and the university’s leadership to advance UC’s mission. Together, we will continue building opportunities that empower students and strengthen our region.”

I am honored to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees and to work alongside my fellow trustees, President Neville Pinto, and the university’s leadership to advance UC’s mission. Together, we will continue building opportunities that empower students and strengthen our region.

UC Board of Trustees Chair Greg Hartmann

Vice Chair: Jill T. McGruder

Jill McGruder serves as senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Western & Southern Financial Group. Since joining Western & Southern in 1991, McGruder has been responsible for the startup, acquisition, integration and growth of core businesses with more than $65 billion in assets under management and $13 billion in annual sales.

Secretary: Michelle “Shelly” A. Gills

Michelle (“Shelly”) A. Gillis serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of American Financial Group with responsibilities for Human Resources, Communications, Marketing and Branding, Real Estate, and various corporate shared service functions.

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The University of Cincinnati drives Ohio's economy with a $22.7 billion statewide impact, supporting over 125,000 jobs. Through innovation, research and workforce development, UC fuels economic growth and enhances quality of life across the state.

Learn more about UC’s statewide impact.

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