On Thursday, December 10, 2020, the Einstein community lost a devoted and loyal friend, Roger W. Einiger, chair of the Einstein Board of Trustees. Mr. Einiger assumed the role of Board chair in 2015, succeeding Dr. Ruth Gottesman.
Steady Leadership & Support
Among his many contributions, Mr. Einiger led the Campaign to Transform Einstein, a capital campaign that raised nearly $200 million for the College of Medicine, and helped the institution navigate its historic partnership with Montefiore Medicine.
“Few people have played a more important role in the recent history of Einstein and Montefiore,” said Philip O. Ozuah, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Montefiore Medicine. “Over his lifetime, Roger and his family have generously supported all aspects of Einstein’s mission and strengthened its position as a research powerhouse, top-ranking academic destination, and force for social good. His incredible legacy will carry the College of Medicine and its partnership with Montefiore far into the future.”
Few people have played a more important role in the recent history of Einstein and Montefiore.
Philip O. Ozuah, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Montefiore Medicine.
Mr. Einiger joined the Einstein Board in 2005 and served in numerous roles, including treasurer, chair of the executive committee, and chair of the budget and finance committee, tapping into nearly two decades serving as president of the private investment firm, Hardscrabble Investments, LLC. He joined the Montefiore Board in 2014, the year before Einstein and Montefiore completed their historic partnership.
“He was an unrelenting supporter of the medical school and a stalwart friend and, most recently, he helped steer us through the turbulent challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” noted Gordon F. Tomaselli, M.D., the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean at Einstein and executive vice president and chief academic officer at Montefiore Medicine. “For these and many other reasons, I was privileged to present him with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during our 2020 virtual commencement ceremony.”
Mr. Einiger’s experience in investment banking gave him the skill to provide Einstein leadership with invaluable financial advice. His service continued his family’s long relationship with Einstein: his parents, Jack and Glory Einiger, were among the College of Medicine’s earliest supporters and were members of our Society of Founders.
Despite Mr. Einiger’s enormous expertise and the major role he played at Einstein, he was notably self-effacing and camera shy. Because of his personal modesty, he did not seek the limelight; at his request, his photo rarely appeared in Einstein publications or on the website. “Roger was always kind, gracious, and thoughtful, a true gentleman,” recalled Dr. Gottesman, who currently serves as the acting chair of Einstein’s Board of Trustees.
He was an unrelenting supporter of the medical school and a stalwart friend.
Gordon F. Tomaselli, M.D., the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean at Einstein
“Through his hands-on approach, Roger frequently sought to stay informed and championed our cause whenever he could,” added Edward R. Burns, M.D., executive dean. “His passionate pride in Einstein and its role as a leading medical school and biomedical research institution led to a broadening of philanthropic support.”
His Life and Career
Before taking leadership at Hardscrabble in 2001, for 30 years Mr. Einiger was at Oppenheimer & Co., the full-service brokerage and investment bank, and its successor companies, where he was responsible for the finance, operations, technology, and human resources departments. He held multiple positions within the organization, including controller, executive vice president, chief administrative officer, and vice chair. He was also a consultant to Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
Born in New York City on November 18, 1947, Mr. Einiger earned his bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of Pennsylvania and master’s in business administration from the NYU Stern School of Business. In addition to his support for Einstein, he was also active with several other philanthropic entities, including the UJA-Federation of NY.
Mr. Einiger is survived by his wife Carol and their son Joshua, daughter-in-law Julie, grandson Jacob, and his sister, Ellen.
Posted on: Friday, December 11, 2020