Louis Chênevert is an award-winning aerospace industry executive. He is the former CEO and chairman of United Technologies Corporation (UTC), and prior to that, was president of its subsidiary Pratt & Whitney. A fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, he was named Person of the Year by Aviation Week & Space Technology.
However, some of Chênevert's proudest accomplishments are related to his philanthropy. In 2009, he and his wife, Debra, established the Chênevert Family Foundation to support impactful initiatives in medicine and education. The foundation has since granted millions to support medical research at Yale Cancer Center, Connecticut Children's, and St. Anthony's Hospital in Florida, among other institutions.
The Chênevert Family Brain Tumor Center at Yale Cancer Center
Chênevert has served as chairman of the Yale Cancer Center Advisory Board since 2013 and as a board member since 1999. In 2021, the Yale Cancer Center inaugurated the Chênevert Family Brain Tumor Center with support from a transformative $4.3 million donation by the Chênevert Family Foundation—its largest single donation.
A global leader in neuro-oncology research, the Chênevert Family Brain Tumor Center mobilizes renowned Yale University and Yale School of Medicine scientists, physicians, and faculty for multidisciplinary studies with the intent of advancing scientific innovations to improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with brain tumors. Physicians and researchers from Smilow Cancer Hospital also contribute to scientific advancements at the center.
Chênevert and his family have a personal connection to cancer research: He was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2016 and was treated at Yale.
"As a survivor of Stage 4 CNS lymphoma, our family is thankful for the great care provided by doctors and staff at Yale during my battle," he said in 2021. "I am fortunate that now I can give back personally and through our foundation to change the outcome and cure for others affected by brain cancer."
Specialists at the Chênevert Family Brain Tumor Center have extensive experience with primary CNS lymphomas and primary brain tumors (glioblastomas, astrocytomas, etc.), brain and leptomeningeal metastases, and rare brain tumors including ependymomas pineal tumors and craniopharyngiomas. They also specialize in managing neurological complications from cancer and their treatments.
In addition, the Chênevert Family Brain Tumor Center is a leading hub for National Cancer Institute clinical trials.
$3.5 Million Gift to Connecticut Children's
Through their foundation, Chênevert and his family also recently gifted $3.5 million to Connecticut Children's to support cutting-edge cellular and gene therapy research and treatment. The donation—made in the name of Debra and Louis Chênevert and their daughters Lisa Chênevert-Krause and Sophie Chênevert-Schilke—funded the creation of the Chênevert Family Advanced Cellular and Gene Therapy Unit in Connecticut Children's new eight-story clinical tower, which opened in December 2025.
With this donation and the creation of the new facility, pediatric cancer patients in Connecticut no longer have to travel out of state for lifesaving procedures like gene therapy, bone marrow transplants, and stem cell transplants. These procedures generally require extended hospital stays of up to several months, which can create additional challenges for families that are already dealing with the emotional weight of their child's illness.
“We are so proud of the new center coming together in 2025 and excited that our gift enables improving outcomes for the next generation of children in Connecticut and beyond,” said Chênevert in a press statement. “Improving the life of so many families facing such challenges is where our foundation aims to always make a difference through research and better care.”
Donation to St. Anthony's Hospital Foundation
Besides supporting medical institutions near their home in Connecticut, the Chêneverts are active in philanthropy in Florida. In June 2025, the Chênevert Family Foundation made a $1.5 million donation to St. Anthony's Hospital Foundation, which funds medical equipment, research, programs, and scholarships at the St. Petersburg, Florida, hospital of the same name.
St. Anthony's Hospital held a naming dedication ceremony in fall 2025 during which it officially renamed its main lobby as the Chênevert Family Foundation Lobby. In a press release, the St. Anthony's Hospital Foundation said the generous donation "will support major initiatives across our campus," while the renamed lobby "will also serve as a daily reminder of the impact made possible through philanthropy."
Support for HEC Montréal
Chênevert's philanthropy extends outside of the medical field. As one of the most prominent alumni of HEC Montréal, he is a longtime supporter of the university. He is a founding director and chairman of Friends of HEC Montréal, through which the US-based HEC alumni community comes together in support of their alma mater. He is also chairman of the HEC Montréal International Advisory Board, which shapes its global strategy. In October 2022, the Chênevert Family Foundation donated $500,000 to HEC to support the construction of a new campus building centrally located in Montréal's business district.
The Hélène Desmarais Building is a sustainably designed building located near St. Patrick's Basilica. It is a hub for business education and innovation with various executive-level courses, graduate diplomas, and MBA/EMBA programs. The modern, light-filled building boasts 27 classrooms, a 296-seat auditorium, technology to support multimedia instruction, meeting and co-working spaces, and a spacious conference and event center. In recognition of the gift, HEC named one of the fourth-floor auditoriums in the new building the Louis R. Chênevert Auditorium.
“I see this new building as a fulcrum for people from all backgrounds to learn and work together in an inclusive environment,” said Chênevert in an announcement of the gift. “It will allow students to find their passion, like I did.”