The history of the Board of Trustees at Mount Sinai is a testament to the enduring power of philanthropy and visionary leadership in advancing health care, scientific research, and medical education. Since our founding in the mid-19th century, Mount Sinai has grown into one of the most prominent academic medical centers in the United States, largely due to the dedication and foresight of our Trustee leadership and support.
The journey began when Mount Sinai was founded on January 15, 1852, by nine men—Mount Sinai’s first Trustees—representing a variety of Jewish charities who agreed on a vision for free medical care for indigent Jews in New York City.
New York State Charter of the Jews’ Hospital in New York January 16, 1852
“We have associated and hereby do associate ourselves into a benevolent, charitable and scientific Society… to be known… by the name of The Jews’ Hospital in New York… the particular business, purpose and object of such… will be the medical and surgical aid to persons of the Jewish persuasion.”
Quote from the New York State Charter of the Jews’ Hospital in New York
January 16, 1852
The governing body was originally called the Board of Directors of the Jews’ Hospital in the City of New York, which officially became The Mount Sinai Hospital in 1866. By 1917, the Board of Directors was renamed the Board of Trustees, aligning with broader governance practices in nonprofit and academic institutions.
Mount Sinai’s evolution is closely intertwined with the legacy of our Trustees, whose contributions have been invaluable at pivotal milestones, including the establishment of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 1963 and the formation of the Mount Sinai Medical Center in 1969. Throughout the Health System’s strategic growth, Trustees have overseen major expansions, such as the 2013 merger with Continuum Health Partners, which led to the creation of the Mount Sinai Health System and the subsequent unification of the Boards of Trustees. Their guidance has been crucial in supporting research and clinical initiatives, managing leadership transitions, and leading transformative philanthropic campaigns.
The Board’s commitment to philanthropy has been instrumental in driving Mount Sinai’s mission forward. Their leadership has not only facilitated the institution’s growth but also ensured that Mount Sinai remains at the forefront of medical innovation and patient care. The Trustees’ dedication to advancing health care and medical research continues to shape the future of our Institution, fostering a culture of excellence and compassion.
The Boards of Trustees continues to guide Mount Sinai’s strategic initiatives in areas such as neuroscience, health equity, digital health, and global partnerships. With leadership from Co-Chairmen Richard A. Friedman and James S. Tisch, the Board remains committed to upholding the Institution’s legacy of excellence and innovation.
Recent Trustee Leadership and Legacies
2002-2019: Peter W. May’s Transformational Tenure
Peter and Leni May
As the Mount Sinai Boards of Trustees evolved through the 20th and 21st centuries, few leaders left as profound a mark as Peter W. May, who served as Chairman for 17 years beginning in 2002. His tenure began during a time of financial uncertainty. Rather than retreating, Mr. May leaned into the challenge along with Mount Sinai leadership including then-CEO Kenneth L. Davis, MD. Drawing from his successful business background, Mr. May focused on strategic growth, philanthropy, and talent recruitment, helping to stabilize and ultimately transform Mount Sinai into one of the largest and most respected health care systems in the country.
“My experience has always been that you don’t cut your way out of a problem, you build your way out of a problem.” – Peter W. May
Under Mr. May’s leadership, Mount Sinai expanded from a two-hospital medical center to an eight-hospital health system; the Icahn School of Medicine rose in national rankings; and the Institution maintained its commitment to a mission of health equity and compassionate care for all, even during financial strain.
Mr. May’s impact was celebrated at the 2019 Crystal Party, where he received a standing ovation and a tribute performance by New York Philharmonic violinists. Reflecting on his time, Mr. May said: “Mount Sinai is the other part that has really enriched my life… I have loved every minute of my work at Mount Sinai.”
Peter May’s legacy continues to shape the Institution’s values and vision, serving as a model of mission-driven leadership in health care governance.
2019-2026: The Guiding Governance of James S. Tisch and Richard A. Friedman
Richard and Susan Friedman with Merryl and James Tisch
In 2019, Mount Sinai Health System marked a pivotal leadership transition with the appointment of James S. Tisch and Richard A. Friedman as Co-Chairs of the Boards of Trustees, following the impactful 17-year tenure of Peter W. May. Mr. Tisch, CEO of Loews Corporation, and Mr. Friedman, Chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, brought decades of experience and philanthropic leadership to their roles.
Mr. Tisch has served as a Trustee since 1988, and Mr. Friedman since 2001—both have been instrumental in advancing Mount Sinai’s growth and excellence.
Their tenure has been defined by transformative milestones. Under their leadership, Mount Sinai completed a historic $2 billion fundraising campaign, significantly enhancing the Institution’s research, education, and clinical capabilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when Mount Sinai became the epicenter of the epicenter in New York City, Mr. Tisch and Mr. Friedman mobilized critical resources and galvanized donor support to help the Health System respond with agility and strength.
Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS Chief Executive Officer Professor and Kenneth L. Davis, MD, Distinguished Chair, Mount Sinai Health System
In 2024, they ushered in a new chapter with the appointment of Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS, as CEO and Kenneth L. Davis Distinguished Chair, signaling a shift in leadership. As Mr. Tisch and Mr. Friedman prepare to conclude their co-chairmanship in 2026, their legacy is one of resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to academic medicine. Their stewardship has left an indelible mark on Mount Sinai’s trajectory and our capacity to meet the challenges of the future.