Nancy Brinker
Nancy Goodman Brinker (born December 6, 1946) is an American philanthropist, author, and former diplomat, best known for her contributions to breast cancer awareness and research. She founded the Promise Fund and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Brinker was also United States Ambassador to Hungary from 2001 to 2003 and Chief of Protocol of the United States from 2007 to the end of the George W. Bush administration. In 2011, she was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control by the World Health Organization.
Nancy Brinker | |
|---|---|
 Brinker in 2017 | |
| WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control | |
| In office May 26, 2009 – May 30, 2018 | |
| Appointed by | Margaret Chan |
| 29th Chief of Protocol of the United States | |
| In office September 14, 2007 – January 20, 2009 | |
| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Donald Ensenat |
| Succeeded by | Capricia Marshall |
| 23rd United States Ambassador to Hungary | |
| In office September 26, 2001 – June 19, 2003 | |
| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Peter Tufo |
| Succeeded by | George Herbert Walker III |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Nancy Goodman December 6, 1946 Peoria, Illinois, U.S. |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Norman E. Brinker |
| Education | University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (BA) |
Nancy Goodman Brinker (born December 6, 1946) is an American philanthropist, author, and former diplomat, best known for her contributions to breast cancer awareness and research. She founded the Promise Fund[1] and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.[2] Brinker was also United States Ambassador to Hungary from 2001 to 2003 and Chief of Protocol of the United States from 2007 to the end of the George W. Bush administration. In 2011, she was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control by the World Health Organization.[3][4]
Early life
[edit]Brinker (née Goodman) was born in Peoria, Illinois to the Jewish family of Marvin L. and Eleanor (née Newman) Goodman.[5] Her father was a commercial real-estate developer, and her mother was a housewife.[5][6] In 1968, she received a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois.[5] After graduating, she moved to Dallas, Texas and worked at Neiman Marcus as an assistant couture buyer. In the following years, she took various positions at other public relations firms before marrying businessman Norman Brinker.[5]
Career
[edit]Susan G. Komen
[edit]In 1982, following the death of her sister Susan G. Komen from breast cancer, Brinker founded Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The organization has since become the world's largest nonprofit source of funding for the fight against breast cancer, investing nearly $3 billion in research, community health outreach, advocacy, and programs in more than 60 countries. Brinker also established the Race for the Cure® in 1983, which has grown into the world's largest series of 5K run/fitness walks, with over a million participants annually.[7] The organization was named for Brinker's sister, who died of breast cancer. On December 2, 2009, Brinker was appointed CEO, a position in which she served in until June 17, 2013, when Judith A. Salerno succeeded her.[2][8]
World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador
[edit]Brinker served as the World Health Organization's Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control. She was appointed by WHO Director-General Margaret Chan on May 26, 2009.[9] She advocated for strengthening global action for cancer prevention and control in the context of the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases endorsed by the World Health Assembly in May 2008. Her message emphasized the need for low and middle-income countries to strengthen comprehensive and evidence-based cancer control policies and programs.[10]
Chief of Protocol
[edit]
On October 7, 2008, Brinker hosted a symposium on "Breast Cancer Global Awareness" at the Blair House where First Lady Laura Bush attended.[11]
As Chief of Protocol, Brinker expanded the role of the office through outreach programs intended to foster better relationships with the Diplomatic Corps. The effort, known as Diplomatic Partnerships[12] involved over 60 events, including "Experience America", where the Diplomatic Corps traveled throughout the United States to meet with business and civic leaders.[13][14]
Ambassador to Hungary
[edit]Brinker served as United States Ambassador to Hungary from September 2001 to 2003.[15] She held the first conference on the trafficking and exploitation of workers that health ministers from the neighboring Balkan States attended. She also raised awareness about breast cancer among Hungarian women by leading a march over the Chain Bridge in Budapest where the bridge was illuminated in pink for the occasion.[16]
Hungarian President Ferenc Mádl awarded Brinker with the Order of Merit, Medium Class, Cross Adorned with Star, for her work in advancing bilateral relations and in recognition of her charity activities.[17][18]
The Promise Fund
[edit]The Promise Fund was created by Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, Julie Fisher Cummings and Laurie Silvers in 2018.[19] It was set up to address a lack of preventative diagnosis of breast cancer among women in South Florida.[20] As of December 2024, the Promise Fund has reached 40,335 individuals through outreach and education and has impacted the lives of 14,576 women through access to screenings, diagnostics, and care.[21]
Other government service
[edit]In 1986, President Ronald Reagan appointed her to the National Cancer Advisory Board[22] and in 1990, President George H. W. Bush appointed her to chair the President's Cancer Panel and monitor the progress of the National Cancer Program.[22] In 1992, Vice President Dan Quayle invited her to chair a subcommittee monitoring research, progress and development in the fight against breast cancer.[22]
Brinker was a bundler for George W. Bush when he was running for office, helping to organize and collect campaign contributions from other donors.[23] In 2000, she became a Pioneer, a member of his $100,000 Club.[24] And on December 24, 2008, President Bush appointed her to the board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for a six-year term.[25]
She testified before the United States Democratic Policy Committee's Congressional Breast Cancer Forum and participated in the International Women's Forum.[26]
Awards
[edit]Brinker has received the following awards and titles:
- 1995 University of Illinois Alumni Achievement Award[27]
- The 1997 S. Roger Horchow Award for Greatest Public Service by a Private Citizen, awarded by Jefferson Awards[28][full citation needed]
- The 2000 Cino del Duca Award,[29] the James Ewing Layman Award from the Society of Surgical Oncology
- 2004 Service to America Leadership Award presented by the National Association of Broadcasters Educational Foundation[30]
- 2005 Mary Woodard Lasker Public Service Award in Support of Medical Research[31]
- The American Society of Breast Disease 2006[32]
- In 2006, Nancy Brinker received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Boston University.[33]
- 2007 Trumpet Award[34]
- 2007 Castle Connolly National Health Leadership Award[35]
- 2007 Pro Cultura Hungarica Medal[36][full citation needed]
- American Association for Cancer Research Centennial Medal for Distinguished Public Service in 2007[37]
- 2007 IARC Medal of Honour[38]
- Modern Healthcare 2007 Health Care Hall of Fame[39]
- 2009 Porter Prize[40]
- Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Barack Obama on August 12, 2009[41][42][43]
- Reader's Digest Trust Poll: The 100 Most Trusted People in America, May 2013[44]
- Inducted as a Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois and awarded the Order of Lincoln (the State's highest honor) by the Governor of Illinois in 2016 in the area of Social Services.[45]
- National Women's Hall of Fame[46][full citation needed]
- Texas Women's Hall of Fame[47]
- Time magazine, 100 Most Influential People in the World[48]
- Ladies' Home Journal's 100 Most Important Women of the 20th Century[31]
- Biography Magazine's The 25 Most Powerful Women in America[31][independent source needed]
- Anti-Defamation League Americanism Award[49][full citation needed]
- The Ladies' Home Journal's Top 10 Champions of Women's Health[50]
- Global Pathfinder Award[32][full citation needed]
- The Champions of Excellence Award presented by the Centers for Disease Control[31]
- ASCO Special Recognition Award[51][full citation needed]
- Cancer Research and Treatment Fund, Inc. Cancer Survivors Hall of Fame[52]
- The Sword of Ignatius Loyola Award from Saint Louis University[53]
- The Albert Einstein's Sarnoff Volunteer Award[54][full citation needed]
- The Champion of Prevention Award by the National Foundation for the Centers for Disease Control[55]
- Inducted into the Cancer Research and Treatment Fund, Inc. Cancer Survivors Hall of Fame[52]
- In 2011, Nancy Brinker received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Mount Sinai School of Medicine.[56]
- In 2012, Nancy Brinker received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Duke University.[57]
- In 2017, Nancy Brinker was named one of the “50 Women Who Are Changing the World” by Woman’s Day Magazine[58]
- 2023 Women's Entrepreneurship Day Philanthropy Pioneer Award[59]
Publications
[edit]Brinker has co-authored four books:
- Promise Me: How a Sister's Love Launched the Global Movement to End Breast Cancer, co-authored with Joni Rodgers - September 14, 2010
- The Race is Run One Step at a Time, co-authored with Catherine McEvilly Harris
- 1000 Questions About Women's Health, co-authored with Dr. H. Jane Chihal
- Winning the Race: Taking Charge of Breast Cancer, co-authored with Chriss Anne Winston
Brinker wrote the forewords for:
- Tamoxifen for the Treatment and Prevention of Breast Cancer by V. Craig Jordan
- Tamoxifen: A Guide for Clinicians and Patients by V. Craig Jordan
Personal
[edit]Nancy Goodman's first husband was Robert M. Leitstein, an executive at Neiman Marcus. Together they had one son, Eric, a hospitality and retail experience executive and businessman,[6] but divorced in 1978.[6][60][full citation needed]
On February 13, 1981, Nancy Goodman married Norman E. Brinker,[61] founder of Brinker International, which provided access to capital and influence and enabled her role in public service.[62][63] Norman Brinker provided funds and methodology for building the Komen foundation. The couple were major contributors to George W. Bush's first presidential campaign.[64][65] They divorced shortly after the 2000 U.S. Presidential election,[66] but Norman Brinker remained a board member of Komen for the Cure, having served on its board since its founding in 1982 until his death in 2009.[67]
While ambassador, Brinker began to collect Hungarian art. Her collection spans 100 years, from just before the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the present and has been on display at several museums around the United States. The collection is one of the largest outside of Hungary.[68][69][70][71] In 2016, Nancy Brinker was named Global Advisor to HOLOGIC Inc.[72][73]
Brinker is a major funder of gay marriage initiatives.[74][75][76][77][78] Nancy Brinker has been a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations since 2012.[79] She serves on the advisory board of the Harvey Milk Foundation.[80]
References
[edit]- ^ "Promise Fund". Promise Fund. Retrieved March 19, 2026.
- ^ a b staff (December 2, 2009). "Susan G. Komen founder Nancy Brinker returns as CEO | Dallas Business Journal". Dallas.bizjournals.com. Retrieved October 26, 2010.
- ^ "Nancy Goodman Brinker appointed Goodwill Ambassador". www.who.int. Retrieved November 16, 2021.
- ^ "Nancy Goodman Brinker named the World Health Organization's goodwill ambassador - Mike Allen". Politico.Com. May 26, 2009. Retrieved October 26, 2010.
- ^ a b c d Encyclopedia of World Biography: "Nancy Brinker" retrieved July 25, 2013
- ^ a b c Tresniowski, Alex (October 29, 2001). "Promise Kept Driven by a Vow to Her Dying Sister, the New U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, Nancy Brinker, Revolutionized the War on Breast Cancer". The People. Archived from the original on October 15, 2012. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ "Susan G. Komen for the Cure" (PDF). Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Milestones. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
- ^ "KOMEN BREAST CANCER CHARITY NAMES NEW CEO". AO. Archived from the original on October 26, 2013. Retrieved June 17, 2013.
- ^ "Unknown". Retrieved June 7, 2024.[dead link]
- ^ "WHO | Nancy Goodman Brinker appointed Goodwill Ambassador". Who.int. May 26, 2009. Archived from the original on May 28, 2009. Retrieved October 26, 2010.
- ^ "Embassy of Hungary, Washington, D.C." Huembwas.org. Retrieved October 26, 2010.
- ^ "Diplomatic Partnerships". State.gov. Retrieved February 7, 2012.
- ^ "The Washington Diplomat". The Washington Diplomat. Archived from the original on October 3, 2011. Retrieved October 26, 2010.
- ^ "Technical Difficulties" (PDF). 2001-2009.state.gov. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
- ^ "Nancy Goodman Brinker - U.S. Embassy Budapest, Hungary". Budapest.usembassy.gov. Archived from the original on September 22, 2006. Retrieved October 26, 2010.
- ^ "Embassy of Hungary, Washington, D.C." Huembwas.org. June 6, 2005. Retrieved October 26, 2010.
- ^ "United Talent Agency". www.greatertalent.com. Archived from the original on August 28, 2008.
- ^ "Women's Health Initiative - Ambassador's Health Programs". Archived from the original on August 13, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2009.
- ^ "Promise Fund of Florida".
- ^ "Nancy Brinker makes another promise in breast-cancer fight". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
- ^ "Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker Spearheads Local Nonprofits' Efforts to Provide No Cost Cervical Cancer Diagnostic Screenings to Thousands of Underserved Women in South Florida". South Florida Hospital News Healthcare Report. December 30, 2024. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
- ^ a b c "U.S. Department of State Biography: Brinker, Nancy Goodman". Archived from the original on April 13, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
- ^ Overby, Peter (September 14, 2007). "Explainer: What Is a Bundler?". NPR. Retrieved November 16, 2021.
- ^ "Nancy Brinker: Bush Pioneer". Texans for Public Justices. Retrieved February 7, 2012.
- ^ "Kennedy Center Administration Our People: The Board of Trustees". Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ "Brinker, Nancy Goodman". September 19, 2007. Retrieved September 29, 2007.
- ^ "Alumni Achievement Award 1990-1999". Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ "Jefferson Awards:National Winners". Archived from the original on November 24, 2010. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ "Prix de cancérologie". June 12, 2014. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
- ^ "National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation | Overview". Archived from the original on August 17, 2009. Retrieved February 20, 2009.
- ^ a b c d "Bio: Nancy G. Brinker" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on January 20, 2015.
- ^ a b http://www.asbd.org/pages/online_release_5-3-2006.html[dead link]
- ^ "Commencement: An Inside Look | BU Today". Boston University. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
- ^ "2007 Trumpet Awards Celebrate African American Achievement". Archived from the original on October 20, 2008. Retrieved February 10, 2009.
- ^ "Castle Connolly Medical LTD. : 2007 National Physician of the Year Awards". Archived from the original on July 3, 2007. Retrieved February 10, 2009.
- ^ "Diplomatic Pouch - Hungary's Modern Art Gaining Attention". Archived from the original on August 17, 2009. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ "Nancy Brinker and Lance Armstrong honored with Centennial Medals at the AACR 2007 Annual Meeting". April 11, 2007. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ "Mariano Barbacid receives Medal of Honour" (PDF). Madrid. May 18, 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 29, 2010. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ "Health Care Hall of Fame Inductees: Nancy Brinker". Modern Healthcare. January 8, 2010. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
- ^ "Nancy Brinker to receive 2009 Porter Prize". March 9, 2009. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ "Remarks by the President at the Medal of Freedom ceremony | The White House". whitehouse.gov. August 13, 2009. Retrieved October 26, 2010 – via National Archives.
- ^ Korn, Majorie (August 12, 2009). "Susan G. Komen founder Nancy Brinker receives Medal of Freedom". The Dallas Morning News. Archived from the original on January 15, 2010. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ "The Presidential Medal of Freedom". whitehouse.gov. Archived from the original on May 4, 2017. Retrieved July 27, 2017 – via National Archives.
- ^ Korn, Majorie (July 5, 2013). "Susan G. Komen founder 100 Most Trusted People in America". Reader's Digest. Retrieved May 7, 2013.
- ^ "Governor Rauner Announces Recipients of 2016 Order of Lincoln Award" (PDF). thelincolnacademyofillinois.org. February 12, 2016. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
- ^ "Canton celebrates its 100th First Friday". Peoria Journal Star. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
- ^ "Nancy Brinker". Texas Women's Hall of Fame. Denton, Texas: Texas Woman's University. Archived from the original on February 8, 2013.
- ^ Roberts, Cokie (May 12, 2008). "The 2008 Time 100: Nancy Brinker". Time Magazine. Vol. 171, no. 19. Archived from the original on May 5, 2008. Retrieved May 2, 2008.
- ^ Dargan, Michele (February 2, 2010). "Nancy Brinker to receive Anti-Defamation League award for breast cancer efforts". Palm Beach Daily News. Archived from the original on October 9, 2010. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ "President Bush to Nominate Brinker to be Ambassador of the United States to Hungary". May 23, 2001. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ "ASCO Special Award Winners". Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ a b "Cancer Survivors Hall of Fame: Nancy Brinker - CR&T". www.crt.org. Archived from the original on November 19, 2008.
- ^ Murphey, Mary (March 27, 2002). "Brinker to receive Sword of Ignatius Loyola award". The University News. Saint Louis University. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ "Deirdre Imus' Advocacy for Children's Health Garners National Volunteer Service Award from Albert Einstein College of Medicine". May 24, 2006. Archived from the original on August 17, 2009. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ "History of the U.S. Embassy in Budapest". Archived from the original on May 27, 2010. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ "Mount Sinai School of Medicine Commencement Honors Leaders in Discovery and Innovation | Mount Sinai - New York". Mount Sinai Health System. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
- ^ "Duke Announces Honorary Degree Recipients for 2012 | Duke Today". today.duke.edu. January 23, 2012. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
- ^ "Woman's Day Magazine honors Victorville shelter director". Daily News. January 14, 2010. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
- ^ "Nancy G. Brinker". Women's Entrepreneurship Day Organization. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
- ^ "Nancy G. Brinker | Susan G. Komen®". ww5.komen.org. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
- ^ "A Heaping Plate of Ventures for Chili's Impresario". The New York Times. August 29, 1992. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
- ^ "Nancy Brinker, Founder, and Hala Moddelmog, President and CEO, Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Twenty-Five Years at the Forefront of the Breast Cancer Movement". June 1, 2007. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ Fetterman, Debbie (April 3, 2007). "After 25 years, Komen group still fighting for a cure". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ "Pioneer Profiles". Archived from the original on October 18, 2008. Retrieved February 10, 2009.
- ^ "Nancy Brinker, Bush Pioneer". July 2000. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ Tresniowski, Alex (October 29, 2001). "Promise Kept". People Magazine. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
- ^ Grimes, William (June 9, 2009). "Norman Brinker, Casual Dining Innovator, Dies at 78". The New York Times. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
- ^ "Private Collection of Hungarian Art Comes to Maltz". July 23, 2007. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ "Great Paintings, Small Masterpieces: Selection of Early 20th Century Hungarian Art - NYC". January 24, 2009. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ "Orme Lewis Gallery". Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ "Great Paintings, Small Masterpieces: Selection of Early 20th Century Hungarian Art from the Nancy G. Brinker Collection". Archived from the original on August 17, 2009. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ Mazur, Jane (September 27, 2018). "Hologic CEO Steve MacMillan to be Joined by Susan G. Komen Founder Nancy Brinker and Pink Hope Founder Krystal Barter to Ring Nasdaq Opening Bell on October 1" (Press release). Retrieved February 25, 2025.
- ^ "Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker". CNAS. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
- ^ Geidner, Chris (September 20, 2012). "Former RNC Chairman Hosting Marriage Equality Event With Tony Kushner And Dan Savage". BuzzFeed. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
- ^ "Liberty Awards National Dinner: Sponsors". Lambda Legal. April 18, 2013. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
- ^ "Komen CEO Nancy Brinker hosts fundraiser for gay-rights group". Dallasvoice.com. January 28, 2013. Archived from the original on January 20, 2015. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
- ^ Garcia, Michelle (January 29, 2013). "Komen Founder Raising Money for Gay Rights With Son". Advocate.com. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
- ^ "For Komen founder Nancy Brinker, gay rights is another issue close to the family". The Washington Post. January 28, 2013. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
- ^ ""Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker Biography."". CNAS. Retrieved February 24, 2025.
- ^ "Leadership & Advisory Board". Milk Foundation. Retrieved May 8, 2013.
External links
[edit]
- Official website
- Appearances on C-SPAN
- Papers of Nancy Brinker, 1954-2019 Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University.
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