Alan L. Gleitsman

Alan L. Gleitsman "began his business career in New York City in sales for Sterling Television, a television program distribution company that later became The Walter Reade Organization. In 1970, he started Alan Enterprises, Inc. in Los Angeles, specializing in the syndication of television programs in the United States. By the time he sold the company in 1986, he had acquired the rights to a substantial library of motion pictures, cartoons and series, and was actively involved in distribution to television and video throughout the world.

"Alan Gleitsman launched The Gleitsman Foundation in 1989 based on the belief that if attention is brought to those who have made a positive impact on society, others will realize that determined individuals can indeed make a difference.The foundation honor individuals who, through courage and commitment, have initiated social change.

"In addition to the foundation, Gleitsman has initiated a scholarship program at UCLA designed to help attract outstanding medical students to the field of geriatrics; been honored by the University of Southern California for his contributions to cancer research; participated in the International Peace Walk in the Soviet Union; and established a scholarship program at the high school he attended in Great Neck, New York that is awarded annually to the school's most outstanding graduate.

"He currently serves on the Boards of Directors of a number of organizations devoted to civil liberties, human rights and peace. Gleitsman is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Human Rights Watch, California. Born in 1930 in Brooklyn, New York, Gleitsman received his A.B. in Economics from Cornell University in 1951. He has established four Cornell Tradition Fellowships that are awarded annually to students who are working their way through college. A father of four and grandfather of six, Gleitsman now lives in Malibu, California."

• Advisory Board, New Perspectives Quarterly

Resources and articles

• Center for Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School