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Four candidates are vying for two seats to represent their fellow Cornellians on the University's governing body

By Cornellians staff

Each year, all Big Red alumni have the opportunity to vote in the election to fill two seats on the University's Board of Trustees. The 2026 slate of candidates seeking four-year terms as alumni-elected trustees has been announced; online voting will be open from February 1–28.

(Paper ballots are also available; information can be found on the election website.)

Here's a brief look at the four alumni candidates, with links to their full bios.

To hear directly from the candidates, tune in at 6 p.m. EST on Tuesday, February 10, for a webinar on live.alumni.cornell.edu (requires log-in with Cornell NetID). It will be hosted by Alumni Affairs staffer, Big Red history expert, and Cornellians contributing editor Corey Ryan Earle ’07.

And for more information on the board, check out our Trustees 101 feature—plus our 12-question trivia quiz on the subject!

Meet the Candidates

Alex Bhak ’89

Lives in: London, UK.

Current position: Senior partner, Bain & Co.

Alumni service includes: University Council; CAAAN Advisory Committee; 35th Reunion Campaign Committee.

Student involvements include: Air Force ROTC cadet commander.

Thoughts on the single most important issue the board should address: "Cornell’s financial pressures—shrinking funds, rising costs, and uncertainty across higher ed—require a reimagined institutional model. To sustain access, diversity, and excellence, the university must steer change with clarity. Financial stability matters, but lasting success depends on strategy, imagination, and execution."

Read more about Alex.

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Arturo Carrillo ’96, MEng ’97

Lives in: Dallas, TX.

Current position: Chief financial officer, Tabani Group.

Alumni service includes: University Council; 30th Reunion Campaign Committee; director, CAA of Dallas Fort Worth.

Student involvements include: President, Mexican Student Association.

Thoughts on the single most important issue the board should address: "Cornell faces heightened scrutiny from government, the public, and its own alumni at a moment when institutional leadership is paramount. The Board of Trustees must lead in reaffirming Cornell’s preeminent role in society by anchoring the university firmly in '… any person … any study,' while safeguarding financial independence."

Read more about Arturo.

Mark Cisz ’91

Lives in: Northport, NY.

Current position: Managing director, JPMorgan Chase.

Alumni service includes: University Council; Class of 1991 Reunion Campaign Committee; president, Cornell Club of Long Island.

Student involvements include: Cornell Democrats; resident advisor.

Thoughts on the single most important issue the board should address: "Despite Cornell’s endowment, fundraising successes, and reinstated funding, Cornell faces significant financial challenges to its long-term viability and affordability. Trustees must provide strong financial oversight to uphold Cornell’s commitment to an accessible education for 'any person' to 'find instruction in any study.'”

Read more about Mark.

Ernest Eric Elmore ’86, JD ’89

Lives in: Silver Spring, MD.

Current position: Merger and acquisition antitrust consultant.

Alumni service includes: University Council; Law School Advisory Council; Cornell Black Alumni Association.

Student involvements include: Alpha Phi Alpha; Big Red Marching Band.

Thoughts on the single most important issue the board should address: "Consistent with its mission of '… any person … any study,' Cornell must, to the extent possible, ensure that every ready, willing, and capable student can access a top-tier education at Cornell—one not reserved only for the privileged or wealthy."

Read more about Eric.

Top: Photo of the Great Seal on Day Hall by Cornell University; all candidate images provided.

Published January 7, 2026