Joe Neubauer and Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer practice a distinctive style of entrepreneurial philanthropy that evolved from individual careers as agents of change. Together, the Neubauers collaborate to effect transformational change in education, public safety, and the arts.

Joe Neubauer is the former CEO and chairman of Aramark Corporation. By crafting a culture of customer service, he grew Aramark from $2.5 to $13 billion, operating in 16 countries. A trustee of the University of Chicago since 1992, he served as chair of the board from 2015 to 2022. During his tenure, the university rose in national rankings from 30th to third, through his emphasis on excellence in faculty recruitment and enabling the most talented students to attend regardless of family income.

Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer, a corporate communications specialist, has always been interested in the nexus of art, technology, and commerce. She created the first private television network in the financial services industry (before the Internet) for Merrill Lynch, managed global merger communications for Unisys, and helped Time Warner introduce the DVD, when it was a new technology. A trustee of the Metropolitan Opera House, she championed the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD simulcasts, which reach over 250,000 enthusiasts in more than 72 countries, reviving a global taste for opera in much younger audiences.

The Neubauer Family Foundation focuses on finding innovative solutions to systemic problems that can be tested, replicated, and scaled in ways that ensure progress continues without the foundation’s sole support. Initiatives include the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders, which trains school principals in leadership and management to accelerate student achievement. A focus on ninth grade performance has raised graduation rates and broadened student career aspirations and attainment.

The foundation has similarly improved public safety by training precinct captains to use data to allocate scarce resources and build community trust and support. Gun violence has decreased, youth employment has increased, vacant lots have been greened, and community collaboration has solidified. Their arts leadership has revitalized the remarkable Barnes Foundation and will soon inaugurate Calder Gardens, exploring the work of artist Alexander Calder and his family. Their interests in Jewish continuity have resulted in three major Pew Research studies investigating trends in Jewish life, enabling a broad array of Jewish organizations to gauge the efficacy of their local efforts.

The opportunity to address challenges facing contemporary society using skills developed over a lifetime is a special privilege. Joe Neubauer and Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer are honored to join fellow Carnegie Medalists in this crucial, immensely satisfying work.