Maria Torres-Springer Appointed President of the Charles H. Revson Foundation

NEW YORK, NY — 9/15/2025 — The Board of Trustees of the Charles H. Revson Foundation today announced the appointment of Maria Torres-Springer as President. She will succeed Julie Sandorf, who previously expressed her intention to step down at the end of the year.

“The Revson Foundation has always stood for the belief that ideas and institutions can bend the arc of civic life toward fairness, creativity, and hope,” said Maria Torres-Springer. “I am humbled to follow Julie Sandorf, whose extraordinary leadership has reimagined what catalytic philanthropy can achieve, and grateful to the trustees for their support and confidence. My own path in public service has been driven by the conviction that when we invest in people and communities, we inspire lasting change. I look forward to working with the trustees and our incredible grantees to propel Revson’s mission forward with imagination and urgency.”

“It has been my greatest honor and privilege to work closely with an extraordinarily talented group of Trustees and staff to invest in a thriving future for all in New York City and Israel,” said Julie Sandorf, who has led the Foundation for the past 18 years. “I am thrilled and excited to pass the baton to Maria. With her superb record of accomplishments, remarkable leadership in public service and philanthropy, and her dedication to the Jewish people and the values that propel our mission, Maria will lead the Foundation with the compassion, grace, creativity, and intellectual firepower she has so ably demonstrated throughout her career.”

Following President Sandorf’s announcement, the Board formed a search committee, engaging PBR Executive Search to help identify the Foundation’s next President.

Ms. Torres-Springer is a nationally recognized public servant and urban policy leader with over 25 years of experience across the government, philanthropic, private, and nonprofit sectors. She formerly served as New York City’s First Deputy Mayor where she oversaw the day-to-day operations of the city of New York. Maria’s distinguished record of public service across three mayoral administrations includes leading three agencies where she was widely recognized for her ability to turn progressive values into practical results.

“Everyone who has seen Maria Torres-Springer in action agrees: she is a superstar with an unparalleled depth of experience in public service, having personally overseen major city agencies as a commissioner and deputy mayor,” said Board Chair Errol Louis. “We are thrilled that she will apply these top-notch skills to write the next chapter in the history of Revson Foundation.”

Ms. Torres-Springer previously held the position of Vice President for US Programs at the philanthropic Ford Foundation, where she played a key role in advancing investments that reflect Revson’s tradition of effective and pragmatic grantmaking.

“Maria is a leader on the cutting edge of philanthropy, which goes beyond ameliorating problems to addressing deep-rooted inequality,” said Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation. “As Vice President for US Programs at the Ford Foundation, she consistently pursued a long-term vision with skill, efficiency, and creativity while never losing the personal compassion that is the beating heart of our work. I can’t wait to see where she takes the Revson Foundation in the future.”

“Maria has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to identify service gaps and build broad coalitions to implement timely solutions,” said Sharon Greenberger, former Board Member and President/CEO, YMCA of Greater New York. “Her leadership across sectors – city government, non-profit and philanthropic – makes her the ideal candidate to leverage the Revson Foundation’s strong partnerships and further strengthen its core programmatic areas. Maria has graced multiple mayoral administrations with exceptional skill, patience, and optimism. New Yorkers are lucky to have her bring her expertise, experience and wisdom to the Revson Foundation community.”

“Maria is the ideal candidate to lead Revson following Julie Sandorf’s distinguished tenure, during which she collaborated with leading non-profits engaged in investigative journalism, affordable housing, biomedical research, and more,” said Cheryl Cohen Effron, a longtime Trustee and former Board Chair. “Maria brings extensive experience in fostering economic opportunities for all New Yorkers through her demonstrated understanding of community development. Her leadership will enable Revson to honor the generosity and legacy of its founder, Charles Revson. Additionally, Maria’s commitment to expanding knowledge and advancing democratic values both locally and in Israel positions her well to guide the Revson team into its next chapter.”

Under Sandorf’s leadership, Revson gave away $118 million over 18 years, redefining the relatively small foundation as a major engine for improving the lives of New Yorkers. Her strategic philanthropy reinvigorated public libraries and boosted their impact, revived local journalism, established a multi-faith center for pastoral care, and spearheaded civic service and community development in Israel, among other projects.

About the Charles H. Revson Foundation

The Charles H. Revson Foundation strives to expand knowledge, advance democratic values, and pursue the public good. Through grants and fellowships in Biomedical Research, Education, Jewish Life, and Urban Affairs, we invest in a vibrant civic society that can meet the material, social, and spiritual needs of diverse communities, primarily in New York City and Israel.

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For inquiries, please contact: Lupe Todd-Medina at Lupe@effectivemediastrategies.com – 917.202.0116 or Kiryat Hance at annoucements@revsonfoundation.org