Alliance President and CEO Peter Goldberg Dies Unexpectedly

What terrible news. I loved working with Peter over the years, from our days in the NY foundation world, to more recent times at the Aspen Institute.

Peter had a big heart and a great, ever-present smile.  He was a font of innovative ideas to strengthen nonprofits and help people in need.   He was also a font of fantastic and fun political trivia.  Peter talked about his wife and children often, with pride and love.  We will so miss Peter.

Cinthia Schuman Ottinger

As a former Vice President for Government Relations at the Alliance for Children and Families, I was shocked when I heard the news about Peter's death.  He was fit and swift as he travelled on behalf of children and families and all the organizations he represented.

I was away on travel until August 20th so I am posting this message after his service.  Betsy, Jessica and Michele your loss is immeasurable.

Peter's indomitable spirit and persistence in all the enterprises he undertook will be, I am sure, an inspiration to you and to the colleagues at the Alliance and the other sister organizations he led with vigor and integrity for so long.

Carmen Delgado Votaw

It is with great sadness that we express our sympathy on the loss of Peter Goldberg, a visionary leader whose contributions have touched millions of children, youth and families in the U.S. and beyond.

We have lost a great friend and colleague, whose determination and commitment served as a strong foundation for the field of human services and philanthropy. We know that his energy and gifts will, for many years to come, continue to influence our thinking and actions to support vulnerable children, youth and families.  

We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and the many colleagues and friends whom we know will work to achieve his mission.  

We, at The Kresge Foundation, wish to share our admiration, respect, and appreciation for Peter and all that he helped to create to make this a better world. He will be missed and, as always, admired, loved and respected.

-- Rip Rapson, president and CEO, the Board of Trustees, and staff

After hiring one of my former students and working with her for seven years I had a chance to reunite with Peter and work with him again. What made me most excited was that I got to introduce her to Peter so she could get the experience of working with him as well.  She would always remark about how lucky she was to learn from him and she was right. With Peter, it was always about you and not about him. He really, really cared about you when you were with him and when you were apart. He was a great man.  I will never forget him, Mike Eichler, Consensus Organizing Center

As many of Peter's colleagues and friends, I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing.  To say that he will be missed is an understatement.  I have known Peter for over 25 years, and during that time, he has been a friend, a mentor, a guide, a leader.  Families, children, education, but most particularly, communities will miss his conviction in democracy, engagement and respect for those who have no voice.  He was the exempelar of what nonprofit leadership is all about--he taught us and reminded us of our nonprofit and professional obligations to the cause, and we will have his powerful work and accomplishments as beautiful memories of work yet to be done.  I extend my personal sympathy and prayers to his wife and family. Peter, I will miss you.

On behalf of The Family Partnership, I extend our sympathy to the Goldberg family, the staff of the Alliance, and all of the members who have been touched by Peter's work and humanity. In addition to the qualities others have mentioned, I would like to call out his passion for advocacy and civic engagement - for and with families who are too often marginalized. I will also remember Peter as a consummate "family man," embodying the spirit of what we are all about. Molly Greenman, The Family Partnership, Minneapolis

I am shocked and saddened to learn of Peter's passing.  His influence and committment to the Alliance and the non profit sector will be missed.  Peter was such a visonary, always understanding and communicating what was important/essential to non profit agencies.  He will be missed.  

My condolences to his family.

Gayle Ricks 

Peter's death is such a shock and blow. He was not only a wonderful leader and warm human being, he also cared about pushing us all to do our best work with children and families. He talked about issues such as civic engagement, advocacy and exellence as key elements to making a difference in our society.

He was a man with a mission and a true vision. He will be sorely missed.

Frances Kunreuther, Building Movement Project

From reading the other comments, I realize we are all of one mind about the tremenedous loss that comes with the death of our friend Peter Goldberg. He was a friend to so many, and a mentor of wisdom and stature. I got to know Peter when we served together on the board of Independent Sector, and when I was named president of the Council on Foundations in 1996 I turned to him to help educate me about corporate philanthropy. By then he was a major leader in the charitable field, and that added knowledge was of great help as well. We had not been in regular touch since my retirement from the Council five years ago, but I have followed his career -- and quite frankly cannot yet absorb the knowledge of his death. But his talents and accomplishments will be with us for many years to come.

Dot Ridings

It is with much sadness that I learned of Peter's death, but his legacy will surely be one of hope and kindness.

I remember, like it was yesterday, Peter's call to me right after we experienced Hurricane Katrina.  We were devastated and confused and Peter's kind voice and offer of help was like a blessing from heaven. Peter quickly arranged for the Alliance and member agencies to collect donations to send to us in our time of need. This made a significant difference and the funding support was very well received.

 However, it was his steady voice, calmness, and supporting statements that were so amazingly helpful. Peter called me every day for several days  after that initial call. Always supportive and offering help with the rebuliding of the agency and most of all of our spirits.  THANKS So Much Peter, your kindness will never be forgotten !!!!!!!!!!!

Ron McClain JD, LCSW

President  and CEO

Family Service of Greater New Orleans

On behalf of the Celebrate Children Foundation, we are deeply saddened by the loss of Peter.  He was a valued member of our Board of Directors for many years and helped shape the Foundation's mission in enhancing and enriching the lives of children from birth to age five across Wisconsin.

We will greatly miss Peter's leadership, wisdom, and commitment to this industry.  Our sincerest condolences go out to his wife, children and family.

~ Celebrate Children Foundation Board & Staff

Kristine Andrews

Michael Bloedorn

Patricia Eldred

Kelly Hook

Michelle Hoppman

Barbara Knox

Jim Leonhart

Sandra McCormick

Bruce Pamperin

Richard Schlimm

Mary Anne Snyder

I am shocked by Peter's early death.  Peter served on the board of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy for several years in the 1990s.  He was the rare corporate exec who could look beyond the bottom line profit and envision a better world for all, and as such was one of only a few corporate execs who ever joined the mission of NCRP to seek significantly more philanthropy for social justice.   Hopefully, Peter has encouraged others to follow in his footsteps.

Bob Bothwell

President Emeritus, NCRP

I'm so shocked and sad to hear this news. Peter was a thoughtful leader and a good colleague and, no small thing, almost always had a big smile on his face, he was one of the folks I always looked forward to seeing, catching up with and learning from. My wife actually read about this in the newspaper and so it came as a real shock to realize it was Peter. Our thoughts are with his family.

Chris Gates, Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement

 I have known Peter since he became the President of the FI in 1994.  He was a visionary, an advocate and a friend to those who are less fortunate in our society.  He always showed concern for the well-being of others and asked what he could do to assist.  In particular, he was a great friend to me and an advocate for me in our field.  He will be missed by many, especially his family, who are in my thoughts and prayers.  The hole he leaves is a testament to his life, which was extremely well-lived.  We will miss you Peter!

Tom Prest

It was shocking to hear the news of Peter's untimely death. His ever present passion and advocacy for America's most vulnerable will be sorely missed. His keen sense of the essential importance of our nation's independent sector will likewise be hard to replace. AND his openess to engagement and partnership with others in the pursuit of equity and justice for kids and families must be remembered, even in a time of mourning his loss. Knowing Peter since his days at Prudential was a  professional highlight for me, like so many others, who experienced the pleasure, challenge, stimulation and sheer fun of his companionship. His life was truly a blessing to the many communitites of which he was a part.   Ken Gladish, The Seton Foundations, Austin, Texas

Peter leaves a great void in the nonprofit community.  He was an exemplary leader, an articulate spokesperson for the values of the nonprofit sector and, when necessary, a thoughtful, incisive critic of the philanthropic-nonprofit community when it didn't live up to its highest standards.   I was privileged to have Peter as the chair of the board of directors of Independent Sector for three years of my tenure as CEO.  He was an ideal board chair: a partner, a mentor, a supporter, and a teacher.   I was pleased to meet his wife and daughters and observe that Peter was not a leader who compartmentalized his life.  His values were also evident in his relationship with his family.   It was obvious that they shared a lot of love, support and respect.   Peter will be greatly missed.  Sara Melendez

Peter was the President of the parent company that I used to work for and I'm so very sorry to read this. My prayers are with his family...

This is such a tragic loss to the Alliance, member agencies and the human service community at large. Peter was a unique individual; such a strategic visionary thinker with a creative mind and a heart of gold. It was such a pleasure to have known and worked with him over the years. Peter always was so energetic and encouraging, forever seeking ways to support and assist member agencies and to improve the services of the Alliance. Just a few weeks ago, I spoke with Peter about some changes at our organization and in true Peter fashion, he stopped in the midst of a trip, called me from the airport and connected me with a staff member who could assist with our problem. It did not matter the size of the agency, Peter always gave the same quality attention to all member agencies. I considered him a friend and a mentor and am very saddened by this loss. Please express my condolences to the Goldberg family and Alliance sfaff.

Bo Walker - Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, Inc. - Chattanooga, TN

What a loss for family, friends, associates, the nation and the world. I had diner with Peter a few months ago in Cleveland and once again was uplifted by his energy,good humor and the never ending stream of powerful ideas. I will miss his frienship and affection. David Bergholz 

I will always remember Peter for his tenacity and his relentless pursuit of making things better. His leadership and ability to catalyze change have always impressed me. He always spoke so highly of his family and he was so proud of his daughters.

On behalf of Goodwill Industries International, I would like to send our condolences to the Goldberg family. Peter’s wife and daughters are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jim Gibbons

President & CEO

Goodwill Industries International

It is with a heavy heart that I add my condolences to Peter's family and to the Alliance.   Peter was a colleague, mentor and friend.   His passion for innovation and for getting things done was contagious.   It was a joy to watch him apply his entrepreneurial skills and business background to strengthen human services.   He was an inspirational leader and he will be sorely missed. 

Jim Firman

President & CEO

National Council on Aging

I was surprised and saddened to hear of Peter's passing this weekend. He was a professional and visionary leader lifting the focus on Children and Families in the USA, indeed around the world through our joint efforts. Peter was always very gracious toward me, toward Buckner, and encouraging of our work. I enjoyed working with him the Strategic Planning Group.

Albert Reyes, President

Buckner International

It was my honor to have Peter as a friend and as a colleague.  I am very sad at the news of his tragic and unfortunate death. 

He was passionate about his work at the Alliance and Leadership 18.  Under his guidance and nurture, we saw the mission of Leadership 18 come to life as we worked collectively on some important issues of the day.  Today, there are many people who are benefiting from Peter’s leadership and work, and they will not know of how he was able to improve their lives.  But, Peter’s legacy will be those lives he changed and saved.

I will miss the professional debates with Peter.  He was the best.

I hold Peter’s family, especially his wife, Betsy, and his daughters, Jessica and Shelly, in my thoughts and prayers.  Also, I want to extend my thoughts and support for the Alliance and its volunteer and professional  leadership as they deal with this tragic loss.

Brian Gallagher

President and CEO

United Way Worldwide

Peter was a true thinker and an important voice in our society as it seeks ways of caring for children and families.  I will miss Peter's relentless pursuit of social responsibility and the remarkable manner in which he framed a call to action for so many.   Peter was a true leader among us and we are all better because of him.  I wish his family peace during this time of loss.

Al Renna, Winston-Salem

 It was a shock to hear of Peter's untimely dealth.  I have known Peter since he first came to the Alliance. I considered him a friend as well as a collegue.  He was one of those decent, honorable and caringt people  that you rarely meet in life,  

Peter had a knack for making everyone feel special; I certainly felt that way when with him.  Heading the Alliance  was much more than a job, it was a passion to fullfil the ideals of the mission.  He was pragmatic and idealistic at the same time and a visionary who took the Alliance to new heights.  

Our thoughts are with Betsy and his family at this time.

Al Snyder

Retired Exec. , Children & Families First

We've all lost a great friend, a mentor to many in the nonprofit sector, and a key leader.  I will remember Peter for many things: his passion, his energy, his eagerness to tackle big things, and his willingness to speak out on things we didn't always want to hear.  Reading the comments below reminds me of the importance of the friendships we build through the nonprofit sector -- and how many lives Peter touched.  Like the others commenting on this blog, I will miss him.  

Gary D. Bass

 On behalf of the entire Public Allies network, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to Betsy, Peter's children, and the Alliance. Peter attended one of Public Allies Milwaukee's first events in 1995 when big wigs didn't show up at our events and from that point forward he was a champion, friend, and mentor.

For years, we saw each other at conferences and airports and he always was interested in learning about our work and what we were learning and seeing on the horizon. He invited us to think with the Alliance about the future of human services and to form a partnership, Turning the Tide. He was a forward thinker and a tireless advocate.

We are grateful for Peter and terribly sorry to lose him. We will mourn him, miss him, and keep his spirit alive through our work for greater innovation and impact in human and community services. 

Public Allies always saw Peter as a public ally #1 for our communities and the most vulnerable people in our society.

Paul Schmitz

CEO, Public Allies

On behalf of the entire Public Allies network, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to Betsy, Peter's children, and the Alliance. Peter attended one of Public Allies Milwaukee's first events in 1995 when big wigs didn't show up at our events and from that point forward he was a champion, friend, and mentor.

For years, we saw each other at conferences and airports and he always was interested in learning about our work and what we were learning and seeing on the horizon. He invited us to think with the Alliance about the future of human services and to form a partnership, Turning the Tide. He was a forward thinker and a tireless advocate.

We are grateful for Peter and terribly sorry to lose him. We will mourn him, miss him, and keep his spirit alive through our work for greater innovation and impact in human and community services. 

Public Allies always saw Peter as a public ally #1 for our communities and the most vulnerable people in our society.

Paul Schmitz

CEO, Public Allies

I am saddened by this major loss to all of us who knew Peter, Betsy and his family.  Whew, what an unexpected surprise this day.

I will miss Peter's vast enthusiasm for new ideas, his willingness to lead into areas of practice and advocacy that communities and families needed, his ability to influence us and donors to follow, his openess to seeing if "it" worked, and then moving onto the next adventure!

I learned so much from Peter and I am so grateful that I called him as many times as I did.  He always answered, listened and never disappointed.  Thank You for Peter, Lord.

Mary Jo Monahan

 It is very sad to learn about Peter's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing him since his early days at Primerica. We also worked together on several INDEPENDENT SECTOR committees. We will all greatly miss his leadership.

A story worth recounting from his Prudential Foundatiion days involves his role in organizing major corporate CEOs. The reauthorization of Aid for Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) legislation was up for renewal.

Prudential is a Newark-based company with strong ties to its headquaters city, and of course, a large percentage of the city's residents were AFDC recipients. Peter decided that it was a moment for Prudential to step to the advocacy plate.

He enlisted Prduential's CEO, who agreed to testify in front of the appropriate Senate committee on behalf of the renewal of the legislation . Either Peter or the CEO (I can't recall which one played this role) in turn enlisted CEOs of 4 other companies to join Prudential in testifying. It was a rare and successful landmark in the history of corporate social responsibility on behalf of low-income Americans.

My deep condolences to Betsy, their daughters, colleagues and friends,

Michael Seltzer

New York City

Like so many others, I was shocked to learn of Peter's death.  I served with Peter on the Leadership 18 group and was a; impressed with his keen insight and collaborative leadership style.  Most recently, he led Leadership 18 in establishing relationships with leading universities in an effort to strengthen the workforce pipeline for the next generation of leaders in our sector.  This is embelmatic of his strategic vision.  We'll miss him dearly.

David Shern, Ph.D.

President/CEO Mental Health America. 

 Janet and I are shocked and saddened to learn of Peter's death.  He was a colleague and dear friend.  The counry and the nonprofit sector will miss his breadth of vision, his understanding, and his wisdom.  Our thoughts are with Betsy and his daughters.  Ben Shute, Jr.  

Seven years ago this month, Peter to to New York to attend the memorial service of my own son Peter who had died in an accident when vacationing in Costa Rica.  It was a gesture so characteristic of him.  His generosity of spirit and zest for connection lent great power to his intellectual gifts.  This loss is a staggering one for his family, colleagues and for human services.  There is no way to fix it but may there be some solace in knowing that he lived life so very well and was with those he loved most in the end.  Nancy Woodruff Ment  President and CEO, ANDRUS 

Seven years ago this month, Peter flew to New York for the memorial service when my own son Peter died in an accident while vacationing in Costa Rica.  That deeply personal gesture was so characteristic of Peter - his generosity of spirit and ability to connect made his intellectual gifts all the more powerful.  This loss is a staggering one for his family, his colleagues and for human services.  There is no way to make it right but may there be some small comfort in knowing he died having lived so very well and that he was with those who loved him in the end.   Nancy Ment, President and CEO, ANDRUS

What a shock to hear this terrible news, for the Alliance, and especially for Betsy and his children.  He will be remembered as a leader in the field, among his peers and within the the nonprofit community.  Peter's death is a great loss. 

Kathleen Buescher, retired, Provident, Inc.

Like others, I'm in shock and saddened to learn of the untimely death of Peter. He was a wonderful friend, inspirational leader and a great visionary. We had lunch a week ago in Cincinnati and I was taking notes as he shared his wisdom for leading during these challenging times. My thoughts are with Betsy, his daughters and his family.
Arlene Herman

I've known Peter for many years and have had the honor and pleasure of working with him to further many non-profit sector organizations.  He was a true and positive force among us and we will miss his leadership.  He was a decent man, highly respected for his talent, experience and concern for the well being of people and institutions that served them.  My prayers go out to his family and colleagues.

H. Art Taylor, President & CEO, BBB Wise Giving Alliance

 We were shocked and saddened to hear of Peter's untimely death.

 We have been blessed to have Peter's leadership, commitment and tireless energy for the Alliance and the nonprofit sector for the past 17 years. His legacy is astonishing.

He gave so much to all of us. Wishing the best to Betsy, his daughters and family during this very difficult time. Ron and Nancy Reed

So sad to hear the news of Peter's death.  He played such an important role in the Alliance during my tenure as an Exec; opening our eys to new opportunities, putting members on top of the Allliance's agenda and inspiring us towards excellence in our communities.  I mourn his loss, Julia Nile.