Richard B. Handler ’83

Richard B. Handler ’83 is chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and CEO of Jefferies Financial Group. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics magna cum laude with high distinction from the University in 1983 and his MBA from Stanford University in 1987. Handler was elected to the University of Rochester Board of Trustees in 2005, served as chair of its Investment Committee from 2007 until 2018, and was appointed chair of the Board in 2018. He was co-chair of the University’s historic $1.37 billion comprehensive campaign, The Meliora Challenge, from its public launch in 2011 until its conclusion in 2016.

Handler began his career as a bond trader at Drexel Burnham Lambert and joined Jefferies in 1990. He is the longest serving CEO on Wall Street and has worked with his many partners over the past three and a half decades to build Jefferies into one of the leading, independent, full-service global investment banking firms. He is also chairman and chief executive officer of the Handler Family Foundation, a non-profit foundation working primarily with underprivileged youth, the environment, and education.

For 17 years, Handler and his wife, Martha, have been committed to the Alan and Jane Handler Scholars program at the University of Rochester. Named in honor of Handler’s parents, the scholarship provides complete financial support for exceptional undergraduates of diverse backgrounds who have overcome adversity, demonstrate outstanding academic and leadership potential, and have significant financial need. The endowment for the Handler Scholars allows for one percent of each class (currently fifteen students per year) to be awarded this prestigious scholarship once admitted to the University of Rochester.  The scholarship covers all tuition, living expenses and a living stipend to allow each student to graduate in the same manner as Rich Handler’s parents afforded him, with an exceptional degree and no student debt. Current and graduated Handler Scholars total 140.

Rich Handler is active on Instagram and X  (@handlerrich) where he shares advice and perspective on education, finance, economics, family, mentoring and career development.