BUSINESS
Blank Foundation’s Fay Twersky: ‘I’m a crazy optimist’ BY MARIA SAPORTA Six months into becoming president of the Buckhead-based Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Fay Twersky said moving to Atlanta “has been a jolt in the arm professionally.” Twersky, a native of Philadelphia who has spent much of her life on the West Coast, the Northeast and Israel, also embraced the idea of living in Atlanta. She previously served as vice president of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation in San Francisco where she had spent nine years. In her first exclusive Atlanta interview, Twersky began by saying she was drawn to head the Blank Foundation partly because it was in Atlanta and in the South – an area where she believes national philanthropy should be more invested. “We love Atlanta,” said Twersky, referring to herself and her wife, Jill. “That really was a draw.” The greatest draw, however, was the Blank Foundation’s strategic priorities as well as sharing the values of Arthur Blank and his family. Twersky succeeded Penny McPhee, who was president of the Blank Foundation for
17 years, until this past February. Before selecting a new president, the foundation embarked on a strategic planning process to determine where it should focus its giving. The board narrowed in on three areas: democracy, the environment and youth development. “They are the existential issues of our day,” Twersky said. “Democracy includes voting access, journalism, and civic participation. Our democracy is in crisis, here and around the world. The environment includes conservation and climate change. Youth development is helping young people and preparing the workforce.” It also is a pivotal time for the Blank Foundation, which anticipates increasing its annual giving. Since its inception more than 25 years ago, the foundation has invested more than $800 million. It estimates that it will give away about $75 million this year. “We are going to put a stake in the ground in having a big impact in these three areas. We are going to put serious resources behind them,” said Twersky, who anticipates the foundation’s giving in the coming years will grow considerably. “Arthur wants to increase his giving, and it’s his great joy to do that with his children. Arthur says: ‘Giving while living.’”
Blank, 78, is a co-founder of the Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United soccer team as well as other entities in the Blank Family of Businesses – the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, PGA TOUR Superstore, Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, West Creek Ranch and Paradise Valley Ranch. “We are a big complex organization,” said Twersky, who also serves on the executive team of the private businesses. “Another thing that drew me here was Arthur’s commitment to leverage the business platform and align that with the foundation. That’s unique in the foundation world.” All her life, Twersky, 57, has been zeroing in on how she can help make a difference. She grew up in Philadelphia as part of an orthodox Jewish home with lots of rabbis in the family. “Even though I don’t practice as an orthodox Jew, I continue to follow the values – to heal and repair the world,” Twersky said. “I’m a crazy optimist. I do believe there’s still hope.” And she is energized by working with a family foundation with values that are so aligned with her own. “I feel like everything in my life and my career has prepared me for this moment,”
Reporter Newspapers has partnered with Saporta Report to provide local business news from one of Atlanta’s most respected journalists, Maria Saporta. saportareport.com
Arthur Blank and Fay Twersky. (Special/Atlanta United) Twersky said. “It’s hard to give away money well. It’s a total privilege. But to do it well in a way that has enduring impact, takes strategic clarity, a willingness to take risks, swing for the fences, measure our progress and adapt as we learn.” Read the full story at saportareport.com.
IMAGINE FINALLY FEELING CONFIDENT ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE Let Linscomb & Williams’ financial planning and investment management help you build, protect and manage your wealth, no matter what life brings your way. l advice. We’re a fee-only, fiduciary advisor. We don’t sell any products or • Rgeteapaid on commission. Instead, we simply give you advice that’s in your best interest, always.
Unparalleled experience. When your future is at stake, experience matters. • Our senior staff members have an average of 22 years of experience. ull service. With a team from multiple professional backgrounds, we work • Ftogether with you and your other professionals to maximize and protect your Pictured left to right: MaryJane LeCroy, CFP®, Bill Kring, CFP®, and Phillip Hamman, CFA, CFP®
LINSCOMB & WILLIAMS
2727 Paces Ferry Road SE | Building Two, Suite 1475 | Atlanta, GA 30339 For more information call 770 333 0113 or visit www.linscomb-williams.com. Atlanta Wealth and Pension, a division of Linscomb & Williams. Linscomb & Williams does not provide legal, accounting or tax advice, and is not an accounting firm.
30 SEPTEMBER 2021 | REPORTER NEWSPAPERS
wealth.
rtise that helps you do better. Insightful tax and estate planning strategies • Ecanxpeenhance your financial outcome without additional risk. Our advisors are
•
finance and investment professionals, but many also hold advanced degrees or certifications in accounting or law.
Cost-effective, transparent fees. We provide our complete service for one simple, transparent fee so you can keep more of your money working for you. reporternewspapers.net SS
