Joy O. Higa

Cornell degree: AB ’89 (A&S)

Endorsed by the Committee on Alumni Trustee Nominations 

Read Joy’s interview.

“Cornell is at an inflection point that requires us to navigate affordability, demographic changes, technological disruption, and cultural dynamics. Selecting our 15th president is a critical board decision that will influence how successfully we lead through these challenges and foster Ezra Cornell’s principle of ‘… any person … any study.’”

Professional experience:

  • UnitedHealthcare, chief compliance officer and senior vice president, Regulatory Affairs, 2021–present; senior vice president, National Regulatory Affairs, 2018-2021; prior leadership roles in regulatory affairs and government affairs, 2006-2018 
  • California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS), board member, 2014–2022; chair, Investment Committee, 2020–2022; chair, Audit Committee, 2018–2020 
  • Office of the California State Controller, deputy chief of staff, 2004–2006 
  • Office of the California Governor, chief deputy cabinet secretary, 2003 
  • California Department of Managed Health Care, deputy director, 2000–2002 
  • UCLA Center for Health Sciences, director, Government Relations, 1998–2000 
  • Prior work in health policy and advocacy in California and Washington, D.C. 

Alumni service:

  • College of Veterinary Medicine Advisory Council, Council liaison, 2024–present 
  • West Coast Tower Club, committee member, 2024–present, 2005–2007 
  • Arts and Sciences Career Connections Committee, Healthcare team member, 2023–present
  • Cornell University Council, member, 2022–present, 2016–2020, vice chair, 2022–2024; Development Committee, chair, 2020–2022, vice chair, 2018–2020 
  • President’s Council of Cornell Women, sustaining member, 2010–present, member, 2000–2010, vice chair, 2007–2009; Student Life and Mentoring committee, chair, 2004–2006, vice chair, 2002–2004 
  • Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network, member, 2003–2023 
  • Reunion Campaign Committee, member, 2013–2014, 2008–2009, 2003–2004 
  • Cornell Alumni Association, director at large, 2010–2014 
  • Cornell Club of Los Angeles, board member, 2004–2013 
  • Class of 1989, Annual Fund representative, 1999–2009 
  • Regional Phonathon, member, 1995–2002 

Community/public service/philanthropic priorities:   

  • Venice Family Clinic, board member, 2023–present; co-chair, Public Policy Committee, 2023–present; Venice Family Clinic Foundation, board member, 2021–2023; vice chair, Audit Committee 2021–2023 
  • National Organization of Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Associations, board member, 2020–present; chair, 2024–present; vice chair/treasurer, 2023–2024 
  • National Charity League, Inc., South Bay Chapter, member, 2014–present; founding president, 2014–2016 
  • Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, board member, 2019–2023 

Student involvements/activities: 

  • Cornell Daily Sun 
  • Cornell campus tour guide 
  • Cornell Health Services, student health volunteer 
  • Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority  
  • Student Phonathon 

Additional information:

Joy has spent her career in healthcare and public policy, with experience in both private industry and appointed roles in California government. She was born and raised in Hawaii and experienced snow for the first time during her inaugural Ithaca winter. A Cornell volunteer for more than 30 years, Joy has held President’s Council of Cornell Women (PCCW) and Cornell University Council leadership roles and supported regional, development, mentoring and class programs. She lives with her husband Chris Tuffli in Manhattan Beach, California with their two dogs, with children Ben and Olivia launched on their adult journeys.