NEW YORK, NY—December 1, 2009—Richard L. Stone, dedicated advocate of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science (ACWIS), has been appointed Chair of the American Committee's Palm Beach Region. In this role, Mr. Stone will spearhead efforts to recruit new supporters and increase the visibility of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, one of the world's top-ranking multidisciplinary research institutions.
Mr. Stone succeeds Dr. Albert Willner, whose leadership over many years engendered a strong, committed presence for Weizmann in Palm Beach. In his new role as Chair, Mr. Stone will strive to heighten awareness of the important work of the Weizmann Institute. As part of this campaign, he will further involve Institute supporters in the greater Palm Beach area.
Mr. Stone, a prominent litigator, is an attorney of counsel at Kirby McInerney, LLP, in New York. Joining the firm in 1997, he has been lead counsel on several major consumer and securities class actions. Since earning his J.D. from Columbia Law School, Mr. Stone has amassed extensive legal expertise, dating back to his earliest experience as a law clerk for the Honorable Charles P. Sifton of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. In addition to practicing law, Mr. Stone teaches at the Florida State University School of Law and the Nova Southeastern School of Law.
"The American Committee is fortunate to have Richard Stone in this important leadership role," said Larry Blumberg, national Chairman, adding, "the Palm Beach Region represents a major source of support for the Weizmann Institute. Consequently, we are delighted that Richard will be leading this growing region to even greater achievements and recruiting new participants to the Weizmann Institute family."
Mr. Stone's appointment to the Chairmanship reflects his steadfast support of the Weizmann Institute of Science. He is a member of ACWIS' Executive Committee and Board of Directors and has been an American Committee Regional Board member and served as a Co-Chair of both the 2008 and 2009 annual Palm Beach Region "Focus on the Future" dinners. Earlier this year, Mr. Stone and his family visited the Weizmann Institute.
In addition to his involvement with the Weizmann Institute, Mr. Stone is a member of the Board of Trustees of Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches and founder of Supporters for the Pre-law Magnet, a non-profit that supports and teaches pre-law programs at local high schools. Mr. Stone has also served on the board of numerous Jewish charities in Palm Beach County.
The American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science is a community of dedicated people who share a common vision in support of the Institute. The generous assistance the Institute receives from individuals, foundations, and corporations is vital for its future. Committee members show their devotion to the advancement of the Institute's goals by becoming partners in the search for answers to the most difficult challenges facing humanity.
