VOLS Board Member Marcia Horowitz died of pancreatic cancer on February 10, 2020. Over a 41-year-career Marcia advised law firms, hospitals, titans of industry, philanthropies, corporations and celebrities on the most challenging and high-profile communications issues. Marcia was the only non-lawyer on the VOLS Board.
Marcia earned two degrees from Boston University, and she became a lead member of Mayor Abraham Beame’s press team. Her talent was recognized by another prominent New Yorker, and she embarked on her second job and a 41-year career, this time with Howard Rubenstein, who was building his firm into a NYC public relations powerhouse.
At Rubenstein, Marcia quickly made a name for herself as a skilled strategist, savvy spokesperson and trusted advisor. Bold-name New Yorkers and reporters had her number on speed dial. She had an uncanny ability to grasp the key issues in complex situations, digest lengthy legal documents, and envision the likely press and public reaction to create powerful messaging that resonated with reporters and the public. She did it with integrity, humor, and a big heart. And while many these situations were extremely stressful, Marcia was always ready to lighten the mood and alleviate stress with a witty one-liner or hilarious observation.
Marcia prepared leaders to testify at Congressional hearings about the dot com bust, provided trusted counsel to CEOs and investment firms during the financial crisis, helped steward prestigious law firms through a myriad of internal and external communications challenges, and guided dozens of clients through media firestorms surrounding some of the nation’s most high-profile legal disputes.
Marcia managed Rubenstein’s crisis and legal communications teams and led the corporate and financial services group, instilling in her team the lessons she learned from Howard: no matter what the issue, always “do the right thing.” That ethical standard continues today under the stewardship of Howard’s son, and President of the firm, Steven Rubenstein.
Marcia’s clients included Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, Winston & Strawn, Debevoise & Plimpton, Loeb & Loeb, DLA Piper, Proskauer, Stroock, Schulte Roth & Zabel, Sidley, and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. Deutsche Bank, PVH Corp, Capstone Partners, Carlyle Investment Management, and TIAA-CREF. Mt. Sinai Health System, Hospital for Special Surgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Estée Lauder, Revlon, American Eagle and Christian Dior Couture. Columbia University, Covenant House, Museum of Jewish Heritage, and VOLS.
Marcia is survived by her husband Richard Cohen, her sons Adam and Jared, her daughter-in-law, Antonia, and her grandson Jayce. Please visit the website: https://www.marciahorowitz.net/