The Honorable May Chao

    Former Chair and Executive Director of
    the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB)

    May Chao was born in Taiwan and came to the United States when she was three years old not speaking any English. Her father, Dr. James S. C. Chao, had immigrated to the United States three years prior and the first time she saw her father was when she arrived in America.

    An honor student in high school, May Chao graduated from Wellesley College in 3-1/2 years with high honors as a Wellesley College Scholar and a B.A. in Economics. She earned her MBA from Harvard Business School. At Harvard, she was also President of the Asia Club.

    After graduating from Harvard Business School, she worked for 12 years as Vice President in corporate treasury, cash management, and investment functions.

    Subsequently, she was appointed as Chair and Executive Director of the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) which was established by the New York State Legislature, as the State’s top consumer watchdog. She oversaw a staff of over 100 attorneys, investigators, and other professionals who worked to enforce the state’s consumer protection laws. May also served as the Chair of the New York State Antitrust Task Force. Among her accomplishments: Secured a $10 million settlement from a car company, the highest settlement ever; implemented a new program to educate consumers on their rights; worked with the state legislature to pass new laws to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive practices. May is a strong advocate for consumer rights. She was known for her tough stance against businesses that violated the law. She was also a skilled negotiator and was able to secure significant settlements for consumers. May Chao made a significant difference to better the lives of consumers.

    She serves on the Harvard Business School Alumni Board. After the passing of her beloved Mother, Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, she co-authored a book on recovering from grieving entitled: Good From Grief in loving memory of her mother.

    Active volunteers and philanthropists, May and her husband Jeffrey Hwang, are the happy parents of twin daughters. They reside in New York City.