Robert Nathan Mayer, a founder and president of the Hulda B. and Maurice L. Rothschild Foundation, has died. Mayer was best known for being a thought leader in elder care reform and in 2012 he was named one of Healthcare Design’s Most Influential People in Healthcare Design for advocating for new person-centered approaches in the industry.
He was a frequent guest speaker on issues related to aging, healthcare design, and philanthropy, and was a contributor at industry conferences, including Independent Sector, Council on Foundations, Grantmakers in Health, Grantmakers in Aging, American Society on Aging, Pioneer Network, Environments for Aging, and Leading Age.
Mayer’s career also involved 14 years in the private sector where he directed the management resources function of a Fortune 100 multinational corporation, and later founded HomeCorps, a healthcare company to serve the elderly and handicapped.
He also served as chair, treasurer, and member of The Nathan Cummings Foundation, positions at the Council on Foundations, academic director at the Center for Non-Profit Management of Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, a founder and trustee at the American Civil War Museum, and a trustee at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Latin School of Chicago, and others.
Mayer is survived by his wife, Dr. Debra Weese-Mayer, and three children, Dr. Jennifer Robyn Mayer, Jaimie Ariel Mayer, and Jonathan Robert Mayer, as well as his mothers, Mrs. Robert B. Mayer (late Robert B.) and Mrs. Florence K. Weese (late Dr. Carlisle), his sister Ruth Durchslag, brothers Dr. Jim (Barbara) Weese and Dr. Bill (Lynn Wetherbee) Weese, and nieces and nephew.
Donations in honor of Mayer’s life can be made to The Hulda B. and Maurice L. Rothschild Foundation, c/o Dr. Debra E. Weese-Mayer at The Northern Trust Company, 50 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60603; All gifts should specify “Rob Mayer Memorial Gift.”
A private family interment will be held at Rosehill Cemetery. Shiva will be held following the service and then from 6-9 p.m. December 7-9. Contact the event coordinator at [email protected] for more information.
