Incoming Student Association Co-Presidents to build executive team and launch transition.
HBS has chosen Sabine Nau (MBA ’26) and Camille Dawson (MBA ’26) as Student Association (SA) Co-Presidents for the 2025-2026 term.
The Co-Presidents-elect ran on a vision for a “stronger, more connected HBS.” Their three-pillar platform emphasized transparency, inclusion, and empathy. Nau currently serves as Section A President, and Dawson as Section E President.
First, on transparency, Nau and Dawson promised a weekly SA newsletter, increased financial transparency in the SA budget, a student-led Spring career fair, and open office hours with SA leadership. The team plans to “establish a Chief Communications Officer” who will “streamline the frequency of communications.” They will also work with the Dining Team to publish weekly menus, and “pilot discounted bulk ticketing options for events.”
Second, on inclusivity, the Co-Presidents-elect will “weave this into every decision and initiative.” Nau and Dawson told The Harbus they plan to designate an SA officer to source monthly MyTakes, and will launch “a Summer Happy Hour series in the top three intern cities to ensure the community stays connected.” Also be on the lookout for more accessible social events (e.g., family-friendly barbecues), student-designed merch offerings, and regular coffee gatherings. Notably, this marks a shift away from the current administration’s strategy of prioritizing budget for marquee HBS events (e.g., Holidazzle, Gala).
On empathy, SA leadership will work on “changing the language around success” by acknowledging the joys and the difficulties of HBS and creating “low-pressure spaces.” The team plans to start a “Rising EC/Incoming RC mentorship program to ensure the incoming RCs feel ready to tackle their HBS journey.”
Dawson, a Stanford alumna, said her “leadership experience comes from my time as captain of the women's fencing team…where I learned how to help others balance high performance with intentional wellbeing.” Nau, who served as VP of Administration of the University of Chicago, “worked with students and staff…on budget transparency and negotiation as well as mental health and DEI efforts on campus.”
Jordan Thomas (MBA ’25) observed that “these elections — and the general spirit of collegiality that define them – are some of the most cherished traditions at HBS.” As Head Senator of the SA Senate and Co-Chair of the Senate Elections Committee, Thomas also helped oversee the election of RC section officers in the fall alongside MBA Program Administration.
The 2025 campaign featured modified regulations designed to balance financial inclusivity with open communications. Thomas said his team was “pleased with the positive, information-sharing effects that stemmed from allowing a limited form of campaigning… an amount up to $200 could be spent on campaign materials like posters, videos, etc.”
Ahead of the election, students heard from the candidates first-hand at the Candidate Town Hall, moderated by Tim Ford (MBA ’25) and Michelle Yu (MBA ’26) of The Harbus. Jess Williams (MBA ’26) and Brian Rath (MBA ’26) emceed the event and spearheaded logistics, seamlessly integrating candidate participation via Zoom. Following a moderated session, audience members submitted questions for candidates via QR code.
Nau and Dawson edged out candidates Denis Balko (MBA ’26) and Tre Mansdoerfer (MBA ’26), who serve as Presidents of Section C and Section F, respectively. Their platform promised to “enhance day-to-day life at HBS,” “foster closer intra-section bonds,” and “leverage the value of the student body.” At the Town Hall, Balko and Mansdoerfer emphasized their commitment to collaborating with Nau and Dawson regardless of the election outcome.
From here, the Co-Presidents-elect will build their executive teams and transition from current Co-Presidents Taylor Walden (MBA ’25) and Hayden Tanabe (MBA ’25). Tanabe shared that “we’ve been working all year with Sabine and Camille as RC Section Presidents and are so excited for them to continue growing the SA as its next Co-Presidents and build a more inclusive community.” Nau, Dawson, and their executive team will co-govern alongside the SA Senate “in representing, advocating for, and building community among the HBS student body,” said Thomas.
The Harbus congratulates incoming SA Co-Presidents Nau and Dawson, and all those who made the election process a success, including Balko, Mansdoerfer, Thomas, Co-Chair of the Senate Elections Committee Tien Vo (MBA ’25), Kirt Matthews (MBA ’25), Ashka Stephen (MBA ’25), Rath, and Williams.
Tim Ford (MBA ’25) is originally from New Jersey. He graduated from the University of Virginia with degrees in Commerce and Spanish, and completed an M.Phil. in Latin American Studies at the University of Cambridge. Prior to the HBS MBA, Tim worked in growth equity at TPG in San Francisco.
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