Lewis Eisenberg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lewis Eisenberg
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| United States Ambassador to Italy United States Ambassador to San Marino |
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| In office October 4, 2017 – January 4, 2021 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | John R. Phillips |
| Succeeded by | Jack Markell |
| Chair of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey | |
| In office November 9, 1995 – December 13, 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Kathleen Donovan |
| Succeeded by | Jack Sinagra |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Lewis Michael Eisenberg
October 12, 1942 Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence | Vero Beach, Florida |
| Education | Dartmouth College (BA) Cornell University (MBA) |
Lewis Michael Eisenberg (born October 12, 1942) is an American businessman and investor. He served as the United States Ambassador to Italy and the United States Ambassador to San Marino. He is known for starting an investment company called Granite Capital International Group L.P.
Throughout his career, he has held many important roles. One of his most notable positions was chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. This organization manages major transportation hubs like airports and bridges. He was in this role during the tragic September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. The Port Authority operated the World Trade Center at that time.
In July 2017, President Donald Trump chose Eisenberg to be the U.S. Ambassador to Italy. The U.S. Senate approved his appointment on August 3, 2017.
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Early Life and Education
Eisenberg was born into a Jewish family in Illinois. He grew up in the city of Chicago. His family worked in the farming business.
He attended Dartmouth College and earned a bachelor's degree in 1964. Later, he went to Cornell University. There, he earned an MBA degree in 1966.
Career in Finance
After finishing his education, Eisenberg began his career in the financial world. He started working for Goldman Sachs, a large investment bank, in 1966. For many years, from 1966 to 1989, he held various positions at Goldman Sachs.
He became a senior leader, known as a partner, in 1978. He finished his time at Goldman Sachs as one of the main leaders of the stock trading department.
In 1990, Eisenberg helped start Granite Capital International Group L.P. This company manages money for private clients. He was a co-chairman there, overseeing investments. He also helped start Granum Communications and was on its board.
Later, starting in 2009, Eisenberg became a senior advisor for Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR). He worked with the founders to help with investments, especially in public projects like roads and bridges.
Public Service Roles
In 1994, Governor Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey appointed Eisenberg to lead a commission. This group looked at how to make government services more efficient.
On November 9, 1995, he was chosen to be the chairman of the board for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He had already been a commissioner for the agency since 1994. During his time as chairman, he helped arrange a long-term agreement for the World Trade Center buildings. This agreement was with Larry Silverstein. The buildings were very busy in the late 1990s.
His time as chairman of the Port Authority ended in December 2001. The tragic September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks happened during his leadership. These attacks destroyed the Twin Towers and caused the loss of 84 Port Authority employees.
Eisenberg had planned to step down before 9/11. However, he chose to stay on after the attacks. He provided important leadership during that difficult time. After leaving the Port Authority, he continued to help. In January 2002, he joined the board of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. This group worked on rebuilding downtown New York City. He also chaired a council that advised on support for victims' families.
Involvement in Politics
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Lewis Eisenberg has been very active in American politics. In 2000, he led a campaign in New Jersey to help Republican candidates win elections.
In 2002, he became the finance chairman for the Republican National Committee. This committee is important for the Republican Party. He also helped organize the 2004 Republican Convention in New York City. He worked on the Bush/Cheney presidential campaign in New Jersey.
Eisenberg served on the teams that helped new governors and presidents get started. He also helped create the Republican Leadership Council. This group supports Republican political efforts. He was a key person in raising money for Donald Trump's presidential campaign in 2016.
Awards and Recognition
Lewis Eisenberg has received several awards for his work. In 1995, he received the Eagle Award. In 2000, he was named "Man of the Year" by the National Conference for Community and Justice. That same year, Monmouth University recognized him as the New Jersey Businessman of the Year.
He has also received honorary degrees from universities. In 2001, Monmouth University gave him an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree. In 2002, he received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from the Rabbinical College of America. In 2018, he received the Premio Simpatia in Rome, Italy.
Non-Profit Work
Eisenberg has also contributed to many non-profit organizations. He was part of the advisory council for the Samuel Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University. He served on the board of St. Barnabas Health Care System. He also chaired its investment committee. He was a board member for the Monmouth Medical Center Foundation.
Images for kids
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Official photo of Lewis Eisenberg.
