Bernard L. Schwartz - Biography

Biography

Schwartz grew up in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn. He is a World War II veteran and lifelong Democrat. According to NBC News, from 1992 to 1996 he was the largest single contributor to the Democratic Party. In 1997 he celebrated his 71st birthday with Bill and Hillary Clinton at the White House. Schwartz became embroiled in a controversial transfer of missile technology to China, but was exonerated of any wrongdoing after a Justice Department investigation.

Prior to his involvement with Loral, Schwartz was an accountant on Wall Street.

Schwartz holds a B.S. in finance and an honorary doctorate of science from City University of New York. A lifelong believer in effective communication as a prerequisite for success in business, Schwartz founded the Bernard L. Schwartz Communication Institute, at Baruch College of the City University of New York.

Schwartz has or had leadership positions in the following organizations:

  • Industry
    • Loral Space & Communications: Chairman of the Board and CEO.
    • K&F Industries: chairman of the board.
    • Satelites Mexicanos, S.A. (Satmex): member of the board of directors.
  • Academia
    • Fordham University: Benefactor of the Bernard L. Schwartz Center for Media, Education, & Public Policy, directed by Dr. William F. Baker.
    • New School University: trustee.
      • Eugene Lang College: vice chairman of the board of governors.
    • Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS): member of Advisory Council.
    • Baruch College Communication Institute: trustee of the Baruch College Fund.
    • New York University Hospitals Center: trustee.
    • Thirteen/WNET Educational Broadcasting Corporation: trustee.
  • Public policy institutes / think tanks
    • New America Foundation: member of the board of directors. The foundation offers fellowships in his name.
    • Council on Foreign Relations: member of the council.
    • Democratic Leadership Council: trustee.
      • Blueprint Magazine: chairman of the editorial board.
    • City Year: founding member.
    • Third Way: trustee.
  • Culture
    • New-York Historical Society: member of the board.
    • New York Film Society: vice chairman.

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