Douglas Hertz named chair-elect of the Board of Tulane

Atlanta businessman and nonprofit leader Douglas Hertz has been named chair-elect of the Board of Tulane, the university's main governing body. Hertz’s three-year term as chairman will begin July 1, 2017.  

“We are exceedingly fortunate to have Doug accept the role of chair-elect of the Board,” said current Board Chairman Darryl Berger. “He is a renowned and very highly respected business, philanthropic and civic leader who has deep connections to Tulane and broad experience in higher education. Doug is the perfect choice to continue the university’s tremendous momentum in the years ahead.”  

Hertz earned his undergraduate degree and MBA from Tulane. He is president and chief executive officer of United Distributors Inc., a privately held beverage distribution business. Under his leadership, it has grown to be listed as one of the top 25 private companies in Atlanta.

"I'm flattered and humbled to be asked to lead the Board of Tulane,” Hertz said. “I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to lead both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, but there can be no greater honor than to be asked to lead one's alma mater."

"I am terribly excited about working with Doug in his new capacity,” said Tulane University President Michael Fitts. “He has been deeply committed to Tulane for many years, chairing critical committees that have helped shape the modern university. Doug is also a nationally recognized business and nonprofit leader, who has chaired the boards in Atlanta of a major pediatric healthcare system and the city’s performing arts center. Institutions for which he has assumed leadership responsibilities have all benefited enormously from his wisdom and energy. I very much look forward to his leadership at Tulane.”

Hertz is chair and founder of Camp Twin Lakes, a camping facility for chronically ill and special needs children that serves nearly 9,000 children and adults annually. He was chairman of the board at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the largest pediatric healthcare system in the country. Hertz is a limited partner in the Atlanta Falcons and serves on the boards of the Marcus Foundation, Atlantic Capital Bank, Georgia Research Alliance, Mother Nature Network, the Woodruff Arts Center and the Westminster Schools.

Hertz has received numerous civic and philanthropic awards. He was one of 20 recipients of the Jefferson Award in Washington, D.C., for distinguished service to children. Business to Business magazine honored him as Philanthropist of the Year in 2009 and the Atlanta Business Chronicle named him one of the city’s 100 most influential individuals.

A high-resolution photo of Hertz is available online here.