Since stepping in as interim co-deans for the Weatherhead School of Management in September 2022, J.B. Silvers and Andrew Medvedev (CWR ’97) are now embarking on new endeavors: Medvedev, an active alumnus and long-time investment banker and investor, will become the school’s dean, and Silvers, an expert in financial management and health services who has served on the faculty and in various leadership roles since 1979, will move to emeritus status as a senior fellow.
As interim co-deans, the pair successfully launched innovative programs such as the online MBA in product management; revamped the school’s development and alumni engagement strategy; and established the Office of Strategic Research Initiatives to drive thematic, interdisciplinary funded research opportunities.
“Andrew and J.B. have been instrumental in guiding Weatherhead through a period of transition,” said President Eric W. Kaler. “Andrew’s proven leadership and deep ties to the university make him an exceptional choice to lead Weatherhead into its next chapter, and J.B.’s decades of service, expertise, and passion for education have been invaluable. While we will miss his presence, we celebrate his well-deserved retirement.”
Medvedev to become dean on July 1
In his role as dean, which begins July 1, Medvedev aims to build upon the work he and Silvers have done since 2022. Among his goals: cultivating a culture of trust and belonging in the school, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration and research, implementing impactful experiential learning, and creating a workplace in which innovation thrives. He envisions Weatherhead as the intellectual entrepreneur’s home of choice.
“I believe Weatherhead can be an audacious school solving the most urgent challenges in management,” Medvedev said. “I believe we get there by fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, attracting bold talent, making critical investments, and focusing on impacting how people think and act.”
Medvedev’s appointment reaffirms Weatherhead’s strategy as a pathbreaking, impact-focused institution that serves as the intellectual and talent hub of the management community.
“I am constantly impressed with Andrew’s vision and dedication,” Provost Joy K. Ward said, “and I have no doubt that, under his guidance, the school will emerge stronger than before.”
Before returning to his alma mater to serve as interim dean, Medvedev was a managing director and portfolio manager at Morgan Stanley Investment Management. In 2016 Medvedev partnered with trustee Joe Sabatini (MGT ’82) to create the school’s Wall Street Trek. This alumni-funded program readies undergraduates for financial careers and links them with opportunities in NYC’s financial community. Since its inception, about half of the program’s 200 alumni have gone on to work on Wall Street. In 2018 Medvedev joined Weatherhead’s visiting committee.
Medvedev and his family immigrated to Cleveland from Russia in 1992. His ties to CWRU run deep: His mother, Irene Medvedev, served the School of Medicine for 22 years as a senior technologist, and he obtained his undergraduate degree in economics from CWRU in 1997. He earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 2004.
Medvedev lives in Shaker Heights with his wife, Christine, and their three children.
Silvers to retire after 45 years of service
For Silvers, the move to retire—effective June 30—comes as an opportunity to explore a different stage of life.
“For most of my career, I have had the luxury of ignoring time limits,” Silvers said. “But at age 80, I can’t deny the clock anymore. And I have so much more to do! On the list are at least one more book, several articles, and lots of time with my new grandkids along with much travel and learning.”
Since joining Case Western Reserve in 1979, Silvers has held leadership roles at Weatherhead in academic affairs, resource management and planning, and the Department of Banking and Finance. In addition to his current interim dean role, he also held the position in 2012.
Silvers’ specialties—in both teaching and research—have centered on health finance, insurance, strategic financial management and value creation, and health policy and management decisions. He’s been a prolific source of research and insights, whether in journals and presentations or, often, to raise public awareness.
Silvers is a regular contributor to international media outlets such as The New York Times and Business Insider. Professionally, Silvers has testified to Congress, several state legislatures, federal and state courts. He has also served on committees at the National Academies and several national and state commissions.
Silvers earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Purdue University and his doctorate from Stanford University.
“We are grateful to J.B. for his excellent leadership of the school at such a critical time and for his decades of research contributions and accomplishments in the areas of financial management and health services,” President Kaler said. “While we will miss J.B., we know he will remain an active member of our campus community.”