The two newest Northwood Board of Trustee members are distinguished alumni who bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to liberty, earned success, and the importance of free enterprise.
“We are thrilled to welcome Joe Cauley and Chris Clements to our Board of Trustees,” said Northwood University President Kent MacDonald. “Their remarkable professional accomplishments, proven leadership, and unwavering commitment to Northwood’s mission will infuse our work with fresh insights and renewed vigor. Together, we will continue advancing our dedication to providing exceptional education that champions personal responsibility, earned success, ethical leadership, and the transformative power of capitalism—the only economic system to have lifted billions out of poverty.”
Joe Cauley graduated in 2009 with an automotive marketing and management degree. As a Northwood student, Cauley was a member of Phi Delta Theta and the International Fraternity Council. He also served on the Northwood University International Auto Show Executive Board. He went on to excel in the automotive field through his deep involvement in his family’s prestigious Cauley Ferrari business, where he employs a customer-focused approach and a passion for automotive excellence.
“My Northwood experience shaped not only my career path but also my values in business,” Cauley shared. “Joining the Northwood University Board of Trustees is a privilege, and I look forward to supporting my alma mater in its pursuit of nurturing future leaders and innovators.”
Chris Clements, a Northwood alumnus of the class of 1996, currently serves as senior vice president and chief financial officer for the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. Clements has an impressive track record, overseeing extensive financial operations, strategic projects, and philanthropic endeavors, including his role in leading the Dolphins Cancer Challenge charity, which has raised over $75 million. A certified public accountant, Clements’ business achievements and his commitment to community impact demonstrate the character and drive Northwood aims to inspire in its students.
“Northwood’s emphasis on ethics and free enterprise has been foundational in my professional journey,” said Clements. “As a trustee, I am excited to contribute to Northwood’s growth and ensure that our students continue to receive a world-class education.”
Board of Trustees President Jennifer Panning noted Cauley and Clements exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and principled leadership defined in The Northwood Idea, the University’s guiding philosophy.
“We are thrilled to have them on board, and we look forward to the invaluable contributions they will make to our strategic vision,” Panning added.
Northwood University’s Board of Trustees works with President MacDonald and his executive team to guide the university’s philosophy and provide oversight on financial performance, academic planning, and long-term initiatives. As trustees, Cauley and Clements will play essential roles in helping shape Northwood’s future.
For more information about the Northwood University Board of Trustees, visit https://www.northwood.edu/about/board-of-trustees/.
