Bruce Newman and wife Gwill

"I count myself among the fortunate people of this world who find true joy and fulfillment in their work. I am privileged to have been given the opportunity to manage this vital civic institution and work alongside dedicated and talented civic leaders and staff." -Bruce L. Newman   Bruce L. Newman became executive director of The Chicago Community Trust in 1973. During his tenure, Newman built the Trust into a modern philanthropic institution, creating innovative nonprofit programs to respond to urgent social challenges. His dedication to Chicago philanthropy helped grow the Trust's assets from $71 million to over $1 billion at the time of his retirement in 1999.

During Newman's tenure, the Trust dedicated $30 million to the Children, Youth & Families Initiative, pioneering new approaches to community-based social services. From this same commitment to youth welfare arose Voices for Illinois Children, the first statewide, citizen-based organization advocating for children. In addition, the Trust created key service organizations that still flourish such as the Illinois Facilities Fund, a unique revolving loan fund addressing the capital needs of nonprofits; Operation ABLE (now National Able Network); the Executive Service Corps of Chicago; and Leadership Greater Chicago. His leadership also helped guide the creation of the Harris Theater.

Newman worked closely with the Trust's Executive Committee to help catalyze community dialogue. It was during his tenure that the Trust created Chicago Matters, a multimedia public affairs series in conjunction with WTTW Channel 11, the Chicago Public Library, WBEZ Public Radio and The Chicago Reporter. That series—the first of its kind in the nation—would grow and continue long after his retirement from the Trust, exploring social issues like housing, access to education and sustainable development.

"Through his creative vision, energy and enthusiasm for doing what is right, Bruce has guided the Trust into leadership roles on some of the most pressing issues of our time, including race relations, poverty, violence, education and aging," said James J. Glasser, chairman of the Trust's Executive Committee at the time of Newman's retirement.

After leaving the Trust, Newman relocated to New Mexico with his wife Gwill. There he served on the board of St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, as well as working with a local foundation. On February 10, 2011, Newman passed away at his home from mesothelioma. Newman is survived by his sons, Courtney and Lincoln, his stepdaughter Gwill, three grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.

Nationally, Mr. Newman served as a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foundations in Washington, D.C. and was a former board member of the boards of the Council on Foundations, the Foundation Center and the Independent Sector.

Born in 1936 in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Bruce Newman received his undergraduate degree from Ohio State University and his law degree from Case Western Reserve University. After working in private law practice, he joined The Cleveland Foundation in 1965 as assistant director and secretary. Newman served as coordinator of policy research and director of the Department of Urban Affairs for the State of Ohio prior to joining The Chicago Community Trust.

left to right: Donald M. Stewart (Trust president & CEO 2000-2004), Terry Mazany (Trust president & CEO 2004-present), Bruce L. Newman (Trust executive director 1973-1999)