Rodman W. Moorhead III ’62: A Life of Leadership, Service, and Dedication

Rod Moorhead III ’62 was captain of the football team his senior year at Taft.

Rod Moorhead ’62, former Chair of Taft’s Board of Trustees and a remarkable leader in education, healthcare, and philanthropy, passed away on December 17. His life was a testament to the values of hard work, generosity, and commitment to improving the lives of others.

Moorhead first established himself at Taft as a student more than 60 years ago. During his three years on campus, he served as a monitor, corridor monitor, and member of the class committee. He was also a member of the Glee Club, Church Choir, and Alpha Club president. His leadership extended to the Chapel Committee, Switchboard Committee, and Community Chest Committee. Moorhead earned varsity letters in football— he was a legendary running back and captain of the team his senior year—basketball, and track.

“I have known Rod since he was a heroic athlete in his senior year at Taft, through his amazing years as a devoted trustee and parent, and then as his teammate in working on educational investments for Warburg Pincus,” said Headmaster Emeritus Lance Odden. “For more than 60 years, Rod called it as it was — a true man of principle and loyalty. What a difference he made wherever he went.”

Grant Porter ’69 and Rod Moorhead ’62 both served as Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Moorhead’s connection to Taft remained steadfast throughout his life. As Chair of the Board of Trustees from 2006 to 2016, he guided the school through transformative initiatives, ensuring Taft’s enduring mission of educating the whole student. The Moorhead Academic Center and Moorhead Wing, dedicated in his honor, are testaments to his commitment to student learning and intellectual curiosity.

“As someone who would have benefited from a resource like the Moorhead Academic Center during my time at Taft, I am deeply grateful for Rod’s vision and generosity in bringing it to life,” said Head of School Peter Becker ’95. “His dedication to Taft enabled the school to evolve in pursuit of its mission to educate the whole student.”

After earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from Harvard, Moorhead pursued a successful career in private equity. He spent more than thirty years at Warburg Pincus, where, as head of healthcare investments, he played a pivotal role in growing the firm’s assets under management from $40 million to $15 billion.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Moorhead was a passionate advocate for education and healthcare. He served on the boards of Proximity Learning, the Scientific Learning Corporation, and Imagine Schools, Inc., among others. His dedication extended to ElderTrust, Harvard Medical School, and environmental organizations such as the Jackson Hole Land Trust and Stroud Water Research Center.

Moorhead began his leadership at Taft in 1991 as an alumni trustee. Over the years, he held numerous roles, including treasurer, before serving as Chair of the Board.

From Left: Clay Moorhead ’98, Willy MacMullen ’78, Lance Odden, Rodman Moorhead III ’62, and Rodman Moorhead IV ’97.

“I remember Rod so well from the Board meetings he Chaired,” said Board Chair Emeritus Grant Porter ’69. “He was the lion overlooking his pride. He did not always say a lot, but when he spoke, everyone listened. No one had a greater love for or dedication to Taft. I felt blessed to step into his shoes as the next Chair when he retired.”

His thoughtful stewardship touched every aspect of school life, from admissions to campus planning. A recipient of the Horace D. Taft Alumni Medal, Moorhead exemplified Taft’s commitment to service.

“If a new history of Taft is written, Rod Moorhead will deserve his own chapter,” said Head of School Emeritus Willy MacMullen ’78. He was a giant figure for the school, and there is no doubt that he made Taft a better school, through the force of his will, the scale of his generosity, and the fierceness of his passion.”

“Rod loved Taft, and it was on that love that all his work rested,” MacMullen continued. “Other than his family, I am not sure anything mattered more to Rod than his school. He knew what it was like to struggle as a student, and so he created the Moorhead Academic Center to bring cognitive and learning research into all teaching and learning. He saw that a larger endowment would allow Taft to support teachers, increase financial aid and improve facilities, and so he became the inspiring force in our last capital campaign. He saw the beauty and importance of our Main Building and led us to the stunning renovations of the dining halls and classrooms of the Moorhead Wing. And as a Board Chair, he brought a unique combination of qualities: he was driven and demanding, and yet he was warm and friendly; he was interested in the day-to-day but he could think strategically; he was serious when needed but also could get the entire Board laughing. Every trustee looked forward to meetings with Rod.”

Head of School Emeritus Willy MacMullen ’78 and Rod Moorhead ’62 outside Moorhead Wing.

“Perhaps most of all, to me, he was an amazing partner, someone who supported, challenged and trusted me; and over our years, and through trials and triumphs, we became the closest of friends. I cannot think of my years as head, or think of the school itself, without thinking of Rod.”

Moorhead balanced his professional and philanthropic endeavors with a love for the outdoors. He and his wife, Alice, shared a life enriched by fly-fishing, golf, and traveling, often exploring France, Italy, Alaska, New Zealand, and the American West.

Moorhead is survived by his wife, Alice, and their sons, Clay ’98 and Rodman ’97, along with Rodman’s wife, Brooke, Clay’s wife, Jillian, and five grandchildren. His legacy of leadership, generosity, and unwavering dedication to Taft and the broader community will continue to inspire generations to come.

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