Nonprofit and philanthropic leader Reynold Levy will lead a discussion at Grounds For Sculpture (GFS), the 42-acre not-for-profit sculpture park and arboretum located in Hamilton, NJ, on April 7 from 4-5:30pm as part of GFS’ continued speaker series. With this series, GFS aims to serve as a leader and an advocate for the statewide arts and nonprofit sector. The April 7 discussion is sponsored by GFS and the Princeton Area Community Foundation.
Reynold Levy led Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts through a dramatic $1.2 billion revitalization during his 13-year tenure as its President, which included the aftermath of 9/11 and the economic storms of 2008. Levy’s most recent book They Told Me Not to Take that Job: Tumult, Betrayal, Heroics and the Transformation of Lincoln Center addresses the challenges which nonprofit staff and board leaders face. Through candid tales and lessons learned from his career in the nonprofit sector, he provides valuable and practical examples of the positive effects of good leadership and governance as well as many cautionary examples of the opposite, which he refers to in the book as “noble feats of leadership and their painful acts of omission and commission.”
“This has been a transformative year for GFS as we evolve from a founder-led institution to a self-sustaining one with a greater reliance on public support. As GFS 
broadens its base of fundraising support and seeks to expand its board of trustees we could not think of a better time for Reynold Levy to visit,” said Gary Garrido Schneider, Executive Director at GFS. “His book, They Told Me Not to Take that Job: Tumult, Betrayal, Heroics and the Transformation of Lincoln Center, speaks to the critical role the community of donors play in supporting the continued vitality, growth, and positive impact of our nonprofits. We are honored to serve as hosts for this important conversation.”
Levy is the newly appointed President and CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation. Concurrently, he serves as a Senior Advisor to the private equity firm, General Atlantic, Adjunct Professor at Columbia University’s School of International Affairs, a consultant to nonprofit institutions and foundations, and a Director of First Republic Bank. A four-times published author, he has written extensively and spoken widely about philanthropy, the performing arts, humanitarian causes and issues, and the leadership and management of nonprofit institutions. Levy is the chairman of the board of the Charles H. Revson Foundation, a member of the board of overseers of the International Rescue Committee, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a trustee of the National Book Foundation, and a Fellow in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2014, he was elected to serve a three-year term as a member of the Tony Awards Nominating Committee.
“We believe that central New Jersey deserves to be inspired by the world’s leading nonprofit minds, and Reynold Levy is certainly among them,” said Jeffrey Vega, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “The Community Foundation brings together generous people and innovative nonprofits to strengthen our region. The arc of Mr. Levy’s career shows us how philanthropy can reshape communities, and reminds us of the power of giving and working together. We are delighted to co-host this event.”
Presented by GFS and the Community Foundation, this rare access to Reynold Levy is not to be missed. Ticket price includes afternoon lecture and informal reception. For tickets, visit groundsforsculpture.org/events or call (609) 586-0616, x. 243
ABOUT GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE
Grounds For Sculpture (GFS), located in Hamilton, New Jersey (midway between Philadelphia and New York), is a forty-two acre not-for-profit sculpture park and arboretum founded by Seward Johnson. Its collection features more than 270 contemporary sculptures by renowned and emerging artists. Exhibitions change seasonally in six indoor galleries. With rich educational offerings, a robust schedule of performing arts, and fun family events, the park is open year-round. Shopping and dining options complement every visit. For hours, admission prices, and a calendar of events, visit www.groundsforsculpture.org.
ABOUT THE PRINCETON AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The Princeton Area Community Foundation promotes philanthropy and builds community across Mercer County and central New Jersey. It helps people and companies make effective charitable gifts and awards grants to nonprofits. Since its founding in 1991, the Community Foundation has grown into an organization with more than $120 million in assets and made grants of over $70 million, including $16 million in 2015. Learn more at www.pacf.org.
