Pedro Govantes is the Executive Director, Schools & Institutes at New York University. Pedro is the son of Cuban immigrants and is the only member of his family born in the United States. He has over thirty years of experience working in the nonprofit and higher education sector, including working at Villanova University, University of Michigan, and now NYU.

Pedro is a recognized leader in professional development associations and in issues of diversity, equity and inclusion within the higher education advancement community. He is a past member of the board of directors of the Planned Giving Council of Greater Philadelphia. He served on two different committees at University of Michigan that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion and is currently serving on one at NYU. Pedro leads the Multicultural Advancement Professionals committee for CASE that focuses on helping young people, particularly young people of color, begin and thrive as professionals in higher education advancement. Pedro also mentors young professionals of color through the Association of Fundraising Professionals in New York City.

Pedro has three master's degrees, including an MBA from Villanova, and is currently pursuing a fourth master's at NYU. Pedro also has several certifications and designations in fundraising. His bachelor’s degree is from the University of Maryland in Government and Politics.

Pedro and his wife Christy live in Pennington, New Jersey. Christy works as the program manager for The Mamdouha S. Bobst Center for Peace and Justice at Princeton University. They have been married for over 31 years and have three children.