Following President Baird Tipson’s decision earlier this year to accept the presidency of Washington College, the Wittenberg Board of Directors has appointed attorney and business executive William H. Steinbrink ’64 as interim president effective July 1.

“We are very grateful that Bill has the time and talent to give to Wittenberg at this important juncture,” said Ingrid Stafford ’75, board chair.

“It was crucial to the board of directors that the university sustain its momentum established by President Tipson in three areas: its strategic planning process, its recruitment for students and important members of the administrative team, and preparation for future fund-raising initiatives,” Stafford continued.

“While the university begins its search for a new president, Bill Steinbrink brings a knowledgeable, dedicated servant of Wittenberg to assist the strong, committed existing leadership with the senior officers, staff, faculty and students.”

A member of the board since 1996, Steinbrink has served as vice chair since 2001. He also currently serves on the board’s finance committee. In 1967, Steinbrink earned his L.L.B. from Duke University Law School before joining the international law firm Jones Day in its Cleveland headquarters.

Following 27 years of service with the law firm, where he assisted and advised businesses in connection with fundamental transactions, financing and governance, Steinbrink left the firm to head Laurel Industries Inc. as its president and chief executive officer.

After the sale of that company, Steinbrink then became president and chief executive officer of CSM Industries Inc. before rejoining Jones Day to lead an initiative to implement formal knowledge management practices at the firm.

For years, Steinbrink was also involved with the evolution of technology at Jones Day and served as the administrative partner for several years. He will take a terminal leave of absence from the firm to serve as Wittenberg’s interim president.

“I am absolutely excited to be back at Wittenberg to serve in this capacity,” Steinbrink said. “We knew as a board that we couldn’t allow a year of inactivity during the presidential search, and we have so much to do.

Once the new president is selected, he or she is going to have to run to catch up with us.” Active in his community, Steinbrink serves on numerous boards, including the Cleveland Institute of Music.

He is also a life member of the board of visitors at Duke University Law School, and the director of the J.M. Smucker Company and Engineered Materials Solutions Inc.

Steinbrink and his wife, Betsy Allen Steinbrink ’64, have two adult children, Scott and Laura. Witt/Kieffer, a national executive search firm specializing in the education and notfor- profit sectors, will conduct the search for Wittenberg’s 13th president.