IESC Mourns the Passing of Long-Serving Board Member Richard (Dick) Aldrich, Jr.
IESC mourns the passing of long-serving and highly valued Board Member Richard (Dick) S. Aldrich, Jr. Dick left a lasting impact on IESC and the many IESC colleagues who were privileged to know him.
Specializing in corporate law, Dick spent 33 years at Shearman & Sterling, including stints in Athens, Hong Kong, and São Paulo. Fluent in Portuguese and integrated in Brazilian culture from childhood, Dick was a lifelong champion of both his home and adopted countries, an invaluable asset to both Shearman & Sterling and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP—the latter where he finished his illustrious career—as he established São Paulo offices for both firms. After “retiring,” in addition to serving on IESC’s Board, Dick continued as adjunct faculty at Vanderbilt Law School, served on the board for Cosan SA, and was the Executive Chairman for Private Export Funding Corporation (PEFCO).
Dick served on IESC’s Board from 2013 until his passing in 2026. His service to IESC included traveling to Tanzania to meet with IESC staff, see IESC’s work in agricultural sector development firsthand, and engage with key Tanzanian private sector and public sector counterparts. Dick’s initial connection to IESC was a particularly special one given that his “Cousin David,” David Rockefeller, was a visionary founder of IESC and its enduring mission.
Our deepest condolences go out to Dick’s family and loved ones. He will be missed.
