It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Burton M. Mirsky, former president of the Dana Foundation. His leadership, integrity, and warmth made a lasting impact on the Foundation and all who had the privilege of working with him.
Mirsky joined the Dana Foundation in 1996, bringing with him a wealth of experience in taxation and finance from his distinguished career at KPMG. As chief financial officer and assistant secretary to the board of directors, he quickly became a trusted advisor to three successive Dana Foundation leaders, before assuming the presidency himself from 2017 to 2021. As president, Mirsky played an important role in shaping the administrative framework that supported the Foundation’s strategic refinement to a Neuroscience & Society focus.
“Burt was a steadfast source of wisdom, guidance, and camaraderie as I stepped into the role of Dana’s president and CEO,” said Caroline Montojo. “His impact on the Foundation will not be forgotten.”
Prior to his time at the Foundation, Mirsky spent 35 years at KPMG LLP, including 28 years as a tax partner serving multi-national clients. He served terms as partner-in-charge of professional development for the firm and as partner-in-charge of professional practice for the New York region. He was also a lecturer in taxation at the Wharton School of Finance of the University of Pennsylvania from 1985 through 1995.
Mirsky earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from the Wharton School and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He was a Certified Public Accountant in New York, where he served as a director of the New York State Society of CPAs.
