NEW YORK, NY—June 25, 2009—Dedicated advocate of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science, John L. Schwartz, M.D., has been appointed Chair of the Southern California Region’s Board of Directors. In his new philanthropic leadership role, Dr. Schwartz will head efforts to enlist new supporters and raise awareness of the Weizmann Institute of Science — one of the world’s foremost centers of science and technology research, located in Rehovot, Israel.
Dr. Schwartz will promote the important work of the Weizmann Institute. He seeks to further engage the vibrant Southern California area, one of the American Committee’s most active and key regions in the U.S. He succeeds Lon Morton of Calabasas.
Dr. Schwartz is a board-certified physician and “serial” entrepreneur. He was founder and CEO of Continuing Medical Education (CME) Inc., and it was under his stewardship that the company became the largest proprietary provider of clinical information for U.S. healthcare providers. In 2004, five years after selling CME, he co-founded the Value Investing Congress, which provides high-quality, practical information on investing to hedge fund managers and ultra high-net-worth investors.
“We are delighted to have Dr. Schwartz at the helm of one of the most important regional areas for the American Committee,” Larry Blumberg, National Chairman, said. “Working closely with the Southern California volunteer leadership and with Janis Rabin, Executive Director of the region, we know that his passionate commitment to the Weizmann Institute will help us reach even greater heights of success in Los Angeles and beyond.”
Dr. Schwartz’s appointment to the chairmanship follows years of support of the Weizmann Institute of Science: a member of the American Committee Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and the Weizmann Institute’s International Board of Governors, he served as Chair of the Global Gathering Gala — the highlight of the American Committee’s yearly national event. He and his wife, Vera, are also members of the prestigious President’s Circle. Dr. Schwartz is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He resides in Pacific Palisades.
The American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science (ACWIS), founded in 1944, develops philanthropic support for the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, one of the world's premier scientific research institutions. The Weizmann Institute is a center of multidisciplinary scientific research and graduate study, addressing crucial problems in medicine and health, technology, energy, agriculture, and the environment. For additional information, please visit www.weizmann-usa.org.