American newspaper executive and philanthropist (1918–2019)
Marian Sulzberger Heiskell (born Marian Effie Sulzberger; December 31, 1918 – March 14, 2019) was an American newspaper executive and philanthropist, and a member of the family that owns The New York Times.
Heiskell was known for her work in publishing, conservation and philanthropy. As a member of the Sulzberger family that controls The New York Times, she became a director of the Times in 1963, holding the position for 34 years.[1] Outside of the Times, she was also credited for having originated the concept for People Magazine.[3]
In the area of conservation, she founded the Council on the Environment of New York City, now known as Grow NYC, in 1970.[4] Heiskell was a chairwoman of the National Parks of New York Harbor Conservancy.[5]
From 1990 to 2012, she was the chairwoman of New 42nd Street, a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing New York's 42nd Street Theater District.[6]
She was a board member of The New York Botanical Garden, New Yorkers for Parks, Audubon New York, and the Community Service Society of New York.[7]
Awards
In 2004, Heiskell received the Thomas W. Keesee, Jr. Conservation Award, followed by the Rachel Carson Award in 2013, both given by the Audubon Society.[8] In 2005 she received the Land Conservation award from the Open Space Institute.[4] In 2018 she received the Federal Hall Medal for Leadership from the New York Harbor Parks Conservancy, an organization she had played a role in founding.[7]