New York, NY—June 8, 2007—Lawrence S. Blumberg of New York has been elected Chairman of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science by the organization’s Board of Directors. He will succeed Robert B. Machinist of New York, who served as Chairman for four years. The change in leadership is effective in October 2007, and will be officially marked at the 2007 Global Gathering, October 11-14, in Chicago.
“I am delighted that Larry has agreed to accept the challenge of chairing the American Committee,” Mr. Machinist said. “Larry’s longstanding commitment to the Weizmann Institute makes him uniquely qualified to serve as Chairman in the U.S., and to work closely with the new administration at the Institute, led by Mandy Moross, Chair of the Board of Governors.”
Mr. Blumberg has been intimately involved with the Weizmann Institute for more than 25 years, honoring a family tradition of friendship with the Institute. His father, Gerald Blumberg, joined the Board of the American Committee in the 1970’s and served as Vice President. Now, at age 95, Gerald Blumberg is an Honorary Vice Chairman of the Committee and a Governor Emeritus of the Weizmann Institute. Gerald Blumberg and his wife, Rhoda, as well as Lawrence Blumberg and his wife, Robin Lynn, are members of the American Committee’s President’s Circle.
Mr. Blumberg devotes himself to both national and international support for the Weizmann Institute. In 1981, he attended a symposium entitled “The Impact of Science Upon Our Lives,” which introduced him to the importance of basic scientific research and the critical role the Weizmann Institute plays both in science and in the development of the State of Israel. The symposium inspired Mr. Blumberg, and his passion has not wavered. He travels frequently to Israel and to the Institute’s campus in Rehovot. He regularly attends meetings of the International Board of Governors. Mr. Blumberg is the Vice-Chairman of the Institute’ s Executive Committee and recently completed the maximum term of nine years as a Deputy Chairman of the Board of Governors. In 2001, the Weizmann Institute awarded Mr. Blumberg a Ph.D. Honoris Causa in recognition of his outstanding leadership and philanthropic commitment.
Mr. Blumberg has proven a dedicated and determined friend to the American Committee, as well. He is an enthusiastic participant in U.S. regional events, having served as Chair of the New York Region. Since joining the national Board of Directors in 1981, Mr. Blumberg has served on its Executive Committee and Administrative Council and led the Planned Giving Committee and the New York Executive Committee. He has acted as Secretary, Vice-President, and General Counsel.
As managing partner of Gerald & Lawrence Blumberg, LLP (www.glblumberg.com), Mr. Blumberg advises and represents individuals, families, and charitable organizations, particularly in estate planning, real estate, family-owned businesses and charitable giving. Mr. Blumberg began his career representing consumers’ interests in Washington, D.C. with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
Mr. Blumberg was a University Scholar at NYU’s University College of Arts and Sciences. He received his J.D. from Columbia Law School, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. Mr. Blumberg is married to Robin Lynn, who works in the field of urban planning and advocacy for the Municipal Art Society of New York. They have three children, Daniel, Carla and Ilana.
The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, is one of the world's top-ranking multidisciplinary research institutions. Noted for its wide-ranging exploration of the natural and exact sciences, the Institute is home to 2,500 scientists, students, technicians, and supporting staff. Institute research efforts include the search for new ways of fighting disease and hunger, examining leading questions in mathematics and computer science, probing the physics of matter and the universe, creating novel materials, and developing new strategies for protecting the environment.