Principal Stephen Friedlaender of the Boston-based architectural firm HMFH Architects has been named chair of the board of trustees of the New England Conservatory (NEC) in Boston.

The oldest independent school of music in the United States, NEC is designated as a National Historic Landmark along with its premier concert venue, Jordan Hall.

Prior to his nomination to the position of board chair by a committee within NEC’s board of trustees, Friedlaender served the institution for 15 years.

He was a member of the NEC’s board of overseers for six years beginning in 1993, and was then elected to the board of trustees, where he served until his election as board chair in April 2008.

Friedlaender will remain in his current role for a maximum of two three-year terms.