Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation Appoints Scott Reich as CEO
PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. – On September 28, the Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation announced the appointment of Scott Reich as chief executive officer. The appointment comes as the foundation undertakes its largest annual philanthropic commitment in its history, with total expenditures expected to reach $26 million, including grantmaking and operating costs. Reich, a Port Washington resident and member of the foundation’s board, will work with Chairwoman Geraldine “Jeri” Dejana, President April Schweber, and the foundation’s team to guide its investments, grantmaking, and partnerships.
Founded by Peter and Jeri Dejana, the Foundation supports a wide range of organizations, including those strengthening local communities, advancing health care and medical research, serving people with special needs, supporting veterans, expanding educational opportunity, and protecting animals and the environment. Its commitment to Port Washington and Long Island remains at the heart of its mission.
“Peter believed in showing up for people and for the community that gave our family so much,” said Jeri Dejana. “Scott understands that responsibility. We’ve seen his commitment to the Foundation firsthand. He brings heart, energy, and a genuine desire to make the world better. He’s the ideal person to help us carry Peter’s spirit forward into the next generation.”
Reich joins the Foundation following a decade at American Express, where he served as vice president and senior counsel, advising on the company’s innovation initiatives. He is also the co-founder of Believe in a Cure, a global nonprofit his family established after his son Eli was diagnosed with FOXG1 syndrome. The organization funds scientific research and supports families affected by rare disease. A bestselling author of two books and an advocate for people with special needs, Reich has advised businesses ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and taught history as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also earned his undergraduate and law degrees. He gave a TED Talk on public service this year and hosts Curveball, a podcast about what happens when life doesn’t go according to plan—and how people find the courage to forge a new path.
“Scott brings exceptional legal and organizational leadership, investment acumen, firsthand experience building a nonprofit, sincere compassion, and a deep personal connection to Port Washington,” said April Schweber. “He knows the people behind our work and shares our conviction that philanthropy can change lives. Scott has the vision to see what our foundation can become, and the judgment, drive, and ambition to help us get there.”
“It is a profound honor to help lead the foundation Peter and Jeri built,” said Reich. “Peter understood that the measure of success is what you make possible for other people. I’ve seen that belief at work in Port Washington, and I’m grateful to Jeri, April, and the board for trusting me to help extend its reach. I’m eager to work closely with the Dejana family, our team, our partners, and the organizations we support. Together, we will meet some of the great challenges of our time with bold ideas and a steadfast commitment to the people and communities counting on us.”