ROBERT MAYER Ph.D.

Dr. Robert Nathan Mayer was best known for being a thought leader in terms of eldercare reform and venture philanthropy, a consummate negotiator, a passionate collector, an inveterate traveler and seeker of adventure, and for his limitless love and dedication to his family. Dr. Mayer was the Founder and President of the Hulda B. and Maurice L. Rothschild Foundation. For over 2 decades the Foundation has been a pioneer and shining light in eldercare reform both at the policy and local level, in an effort to strengthen and broaden the person-centered care movement. Through a wide range of initiatives, including 8 national regulatory task forces, the Foundation has sought to improve the quality of life and to enhance the experience of residents, patients and families alike in long term care communities. This commitment was recognized in 2009 by the Council on Foundations with the Critical Impact Award, given for innovative leadership and bold vision to solve societal issues and enhance the common good. In 2012, Dr. Mayer was named one of the 8 most influential people in healthcare design by Healthcare Design Magazine for moving the health care industry to embrace new person-centered approaches. In 2013, Dr. Mayer received the Founder's Award from the Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo. He was a frequent guest speaker on issues related to philanthropy, aging and health care design. He served as a presenter, panelist and moderator for conferences sponsored by Independent Sector, Council on Foundations, Grantmakers in Health, Grantmakers in Aging, American Society on Aging, Pioneer Network, Environments for Aging, and Leading Age, amongst others. Prior to his involvement in the independent sector, Dr. Mayer spent 14 years in the private sector, where he directed the management resources function of a Fortune 100 multi-national Corporation, and later founded HomeCorps, a healthcare company to serve the elderly and handicapped. He was valued as a visionary in cutting edge philanthropy, first as Chair, Treasurer, and an integral member of The Nathan Cummings Foundation in its formative years. At the Council on Foundations, Dr. Mayer held positions from Chair of the Council on Foundations Family Foundations Conference to the organization's Ethics & Practices Committee. He served as an Academic Director at the Center for Non-Profit Management of Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. He was a dedicated founder and Trustee at the American Civil War Museum, and a devoted Trustee at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Latin School of Chicago, and others. He merged his passion for elders with his philanthropic talent in advocating for Clown Caravan in Big Apple Circus. Above all else, Dr. Mayer was a family man. His wife of almost 40 years, Dr. Debra Weese-Mayer, was the love of his life, his best friend, and most trusted confidant; the two were inseparable. His greatest pride and joy were their 3 children of diverse but remarkable professions, Dr. Jennifer Robyn Mayer, Jaimie Ariel Mayer, and Jonathan Robert Mayer. He cherished every moment he spent with them, and the love was mutual and palpable. His children attest that they won the "best father" lottery. He is survived by his wife and three children as well as his mothers, Mrs. Robert B. Mayer and Mrs. Florence K. Weese, his sister Ruth Durchslag and brothers Dr. Jim (Barbara) Weese and Dr. Bill (Lynn Wetherbee) Weese as well as dear nieces/nephew. The family has asked that donations in honor of Dr. Rob Mayer's life be made to The Hulda B. and Maurice L. Rothschild Foundation, c/o Dr. Debra E. Weese-Mayer at The Northern Trust Company, 50 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60603. All gifts should specify "Rob Mayer Memorial Gift". Private family interment at historic Rosehill Cemetery. Shiva will be held following the service and then from 6-9 p.m. Monday December 7 through Wednesday December 9. Event coordinator can be reached at CelebratingRobsLife@gmail.com for details. Arrangements entrusted to Lakeshore Jewish Funerals, 773-625-8621