William 'Bill' Rainey

William “Bill” Rainey joined the board of the University of Arizona Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory in 2018. As of September 2024, he serves as chair of the board.

Rainey is a distinguished legal and governance expert with over 23 years of experience serving as General Counsel and Secretary of Fortune 500 publicly traded companies as well as a board member of a number of non-profit organizations. His extensive career encompasses roles as a senior executive officer, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, and Corporate Governance Specialist. Bill’s diverse industry expertise spans retail pharmaceuticals, footwear and accessories, specialty chemicals, energy, forest products manufacturing, real estate, and financial services.

Bill’s legal acumen includes significant experience in mergers and acquisitions, where he has provided legal oversight for the negotiation and buyout of three companies. Bill is adept at navigating shareholder litigation and possesses a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, including SEC regulations, banking laws, and healthcare compliance. Rainey received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his law degree from the University of Michigan School of Law. Bill and his wife, Cindy, live in Arizona, sharing homes in Tucson and Flagstaff.