Stephen J. Squeri ’81,’86 (MBA), Appointed Chair of Manhattan College’s Board of Trustees

Stephen J. Squeri ’81,’86 (MBA), chairman and chief executive officer of American Express Co. has been named the new chair of the Manhattan College Board of Trustees, effective May 1. Squeri is an influential and distinguished business leader for one of the world’s most respected companies, a benefactor to the College, and has been a member of the Manhattan College Board of Trustees since 2013. He will succeed Thomas O’Malley ’63, who assumed the role of chair in August 2022. 

“Mr. Squeri is a visionary leader that has exemplified Manhattan College’s mission to prepare graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement and service to their fellow human beings,” said Brother Daniel Gardner, FSC, president of Manhattan College. “Through the years, Mr. Squeri has demonstrated a loyal commitment to his alma mater both as a generous donor and as a friend to the entire Jasper community. As chair, we know that he will always be looking out for the College’s best interests. I’d also like to thank Mr. Thomas O'Malley '’63, for his leadership over the course of this academic year. We are grateful for his guidance and support.” 

“I am incredibly honored to serve as the new chair of Manhattan College’s Board of Trustees,” said Stephen J. Squeri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Express. “Manhattan College instilled in me lifelong lessons about the importance of living with purpose and giving back to our communities. It’s a privilege to leverage the experience I’ve gained since then so that other students can continue to learn these principles and achieve their full potential.”

In 2021, Squeri made a $10 million gift to Manhattan College that was allocated toward enhancing facilities and infrastructure. In recognition of Squeri’s contribution, the on-campus building that houses Smith Auditorium and the Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers was named Squeri Hall to honor the Squeri family's longstanding generosity to Manhattan College. Those ties began with Joseph Squeri ’54, Squeri’s father, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Manhattan College and served in the United States Marine Corps before pursuing a successful career working at Colgate, CBS and Bloomingdale’s.

Squeri became Chairman and CEO of American Express in 2018 and first joined the company in 1985 as a manager in the Travelers Cheque Group. Since becoming Chairman and CEO, Squeri has been fostering a culture focused on backing customers, colleagues and communities to make a difference in people’s lives in ways that matter most to them. Under his leadership, American Express has launched innovative payment, financial management and lifestyle offerings for consumers and businesses, expanded strategic partnerships, enhanced digital capabilities and reshaped its strategy to drive growth in international markets.

Squeri is a native New Yorker who grew up in Astoria, Queens, and is deeply committed to giving back to the community and advancing opportunities for education and economic development. He serves on the Board of Directors of Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School, his alma mater. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and The Valerie Fund. He is a member of the Business Roundtable, The Business Council and the American Society of Corporate Executives.