ANN KAPLAN

KAPLAN--Ann. The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) community mourns with deep sadness the passing of our cherished friend and Honorary Trustee Ann Kaplan. Ann was a dedicated and enthusiastic supporter of MAD for more than 20 years, joining the Museum's Board of Trustees in 2003. A philanthropic leader in arts and education throughout her distinguished career in finance, first as Partner at Goldman Sachs and then later as Chair of Circle Financial Group and a Partner at Circle Wealth Management, Ann lent her expertise, keen acumen, and extraordinarily generous financial support to MAD's advancement, championing its expansion to its current home at 2 Columbus Circle, NYC. Ann also served in leadership roles and on several committees during her tenure on the Board, including Secretary of the Board, Chair of the Investment Committee, Executive Committee, Governance Committee, Finance Committee, Membership and Marketing Committee, Development Committee (Co- Chair), and Special Events Committee. A discerning and knowledgeable collector of craft, Ann's generosity made possible some of MAD's most influential exhibitions, including "Wendell Castle Remastered" (2015-16) and "La Frontera: Encounters Along the Border" (2018). Additionally, she contributed 17 significant artworks to the Museum's collection of art, craft, and design. The Museum and its audiences have been forever enriched by Ann's generosity of spirit and passion for the handcrafted object, and for MAD. We extend our deepest condolences to her husband Robert Fippinger and their children, Robert (Margaret) Fippinger, Randy Fippinger (Sarah McNair), Andrew (Betsy) Fippinger, and six grandchildren. Michele Cohen, Chair, Board of Trustees; Tim Rodgers, Nanette L. Laitman Director, Museum of Arts and Design