CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- John Morikis, chairman and CEO of Sherwin-Williams Co., is the new chair of the Policy Advisory Board of the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies.

“As our Policy Advisory Board enters its 50th year of supporting housing research at Harvard, I couldn’t be more pleased to have John at the helm,” said Chris Herbert, managing director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies. “He brings nearly four decades experience in the US housing industry that will be invaluable in helping the PAB further its mission of advancing housing as a national priority.” 

Morikis has been the CEO of Sherwin-Williams since 2015. He began his career as a management trainee with the company in 1984 and is the first management trainee to become CEO. Morikis also serves as vice chairman of University Hospital System in Cleveland, and is a member of the board of directors of Fortune Brands Home and Security, the American Coatings Association, and the Greater Cleveland Partnership. He holds degrees in both Business Administration and Psychology from Saint Joseph’s College and a Master’s degree in Business from National Louis University.

In 2020, Morikis also led the effort to establish an Inclusion & Diversity Forum for the PAB, as an opportunity for listening, learning, and best practice sharing on attracting, engaging, developing, and progressing underrepresented talent throughout PAB companies while building inclusive cultures.

The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies advances understanding of housing issues and informs policy. Through its research, education, and public outreach programs, the Center helps leaders in government, business, and the civic sectors make decisions that effectively address the needs of cities and communities. Through graduate and executive courses, as well as fellowships and internship opportunities, the center also trains and inspires the next generation of housing leaders. 
 
Established in 1971, the Joint Center for Housing Studies Policy Advisory Board has a longstanding history of supporting housing research at Harvard. The group also serves as a national forum for leading companies across all industries with interests in the future of housing, including homebuilding, building materials manufacturing and distribution, housing and mortgage finance, industry media, design, construction, and renovation. Representatives on the Policy Advisory Board play an important role in identifying emerging issues and trends and are committed to advancing housing as a national priority.