Suzie Kovner is Co-Chairman of the Kovner Foundation, which supports organizations that promote excellence in the arts and education, initiatives that defend private enterprise and protect individual rights, and scholarly studies and research that strengthen American democratic principles.
Mrs. Kovner currently serves as Vice Chair of Success Academy Charter Schools, a network of innovative charter schools in New York City that help children from all backgrounds reach their full potential and break the cycle of poverty.
Spurred by a lifelong passion for the arts, Mrs. Kovner is active in bringing classical music and drama to new audiences and supporting up-and-coming and innovative artists. A trustee of Carnegie Hall, Mrs. Kovner leads the advocacy group for Ensemble Connect, a collaboration between Carnegie Hall and the Juilliard School that supports young professional musicians as they begin to build careers as performers, teachers and Arts Administrators.
In 2002, Mrs. Kovner established the first U.S. office for the National Theatre of Great Britain, where she worked to develop the company’s American following and network of supporters. Serving as director of development for the Board of the American Associates, her efforts helped lead to the stateside success of highly regarded plays such as Jumpers, The Pillowman, Democracy and The History Boys. She is currently a member of the Board of the American Associates of the National Theater.
Before joining the National Theatre, Mrs. Kovner worked in television production and at Sotheby’s Auction House and Sothebys.com.
Mrs. Kovner is also a Sustaining Member of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s Administrative Board.
Mrs. Kovner recently joined the Board of the Millbrook Community Partnership creating Bennet Park and the Thorne Building.
She formerly served as a Director of ThanksUSA, an organization that provides college, technical and vocational need-based scholarships to the children and spouses of U.S. military personnel and The Philanthropy Roundtable, which protects philanthropic freedom and assist donors in achieving their philanthropic intent to advance liberty, opportunity and personal responsibility. Mrs. Kovner continues to support the vital missions of both organizations.
She lives in Hobe Sound, Florida, with her husband, Bruce Kovner. Mrs. Kovner received her B.A. from Colgate University.