NEW YORK, NY.- The Hispanic Society Museum & Library – the primary institution dedicated to the preservation, study, understanding, exhibition and enjoyment of art and cultures of Portuguese and Spanish-speaking countries and communities – announced Mark Rosenberg as its new Chairman. Rosenberg succeeds Philippe de Montebello, who significantly raised the museum’s profile for nearly a decade. Philippe de Montebello will remain with HSM&L as Chairman Emeritus, working closely in collaboration with Rosenberg and the team at the HSM&L. In addition, Sergio J. Galvis and Maria Cortez de Lobão are elected Co-Vice-Chairs of the HSM&L.
“It has been an honor to serve and lead the Board of the Hispanic Society Museum & Library for nine years. It is not without some degree of nostalgia that I decided it was time to step down as Chairman of The Hispanic Society, as I remain as ever enthusiastic about the institution and its unrivaled collections of masterworks, books and manuscripts.” says Philippe de Montebello. “I am delighted with the election of Mark Rosenberg, whom I initially recruited for the board, as with his leadership style. Under his tenure, the institution will be led with renewed energy and the highest standards. I am confident that Mark will continue carrying out the ambitious vision for the institution led by our Director Guillaume Kientz. I will remain engaged and involved as a trustee and am thrilled to have been elected honorary chairman."
Rosenberg first joined the HSM&L on the International Advisory Council in 2016, becoming a Trustee in 2017. He was the Chair of the Development Committee for the last three years and the Chair of the Nominating Committee for one year. Rosenberg is currently the COO and Principal at MHR Fund Management, LLC. Previously, he was Chairman of the Board and Director at Key Energy Services, Inc. Throughout his career, Rosenberg has been very active in philanthropic activities world for years, currently serving as a trustee of the HSM&L, an Advisory Director at The Metropolitan Opera, a member and Chair of the Advisory Board University of Pennsylvania Institute for Urban Research, a member of Natan, a trustee of the Greenacre Foundation and a trustee of the The Rippowam Cisqua School in Bedford, New York. Previously, he was a trustee of the Professional Children’s School and served in the Board of Directors and Committee at the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
"Since the reopening in May 2023 of the Hispanic Society Museum & Library after several years of renovations, this hidden gem has become a rediscovered treasure.” says Mark Rosenberg. This year, the Hispanic Society celebrates its founding 120th year ago in Washington Heights. I am honored to be elected as the Chair of this extremely important institution that houses about 800,000 objects in total which encompass the art and culture of the Spanish and Portuguese speaking world. The Board and I are committed to continuing the important work of upgrading our campus to serve our community in New York City and beyond."
Rosenberg’s Iberian Heritage comes from his maternal great grandmother's family, who left Spain due to the Inquisition around 1490. The family's name was Reines and was originally from Aragon. Rosenberg’s son applied for Spanish citizenship and was granted it. Along with his wife Rochelle – who served as the chair of the Katonah Museum in Upstate New York – they collect photography, ceramics, silver, & prints.
"We are delighted to welcome Mark Rosenberg as the new Chairman of the Hispanic Society in New York.” says Guillaume Kientz, Executive Director of the HSM&L. “As we embark on this exciting chapter, we look forward to his leadership in furthering our dedication to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich heritage and contributions of Spanish and Portuguese speaking communities. Together, we will continue to build bridges, inspire connections, and ensure the Hispanic Society remains a beacon of cultural enrichment for all."
“Mark Rosenberg’s election as chair of the Hispanic Society Museum & Library (HSM&L) is an exciting leadership addition for the community,” says Luis A. Miranda Jr. “As HSM&L continues to cater to wider audiences with an ever-expanding collection, it is comforting to know that Mark will be at the helm to uphold existing fundamental initiatives, like free museum admission and educational programs supporting local Uptown and Bronx schools. There is no doubt that Mark will be an agent of positive change as HSM&L continues to partner with outside organizations like NoMAA, all while exploring new and innovative endeavors for additional growth.”
Annabelle Selldorf, Principal of Selldorf Architects says, “Mark Rosenberg is the rare combination of visionary and strategic thinker that is the perfect choice to follow in Phlippe de Montebello’s footsteps as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hispanic Society and Library. I am looking forward to continuing our work at the Hispanic Society under Mark’s leadership; I am confident that Mark’s drive and commitment to the institution will see the realization of the campus renovation and many other important initiatives for this very special New York cultural gem.”
The HSM&L is additionally announced Sergio J. Galvis and Maria Cortez de Lobão as the new Co-Vice-Chairs:
Galvis is a leading corporate lawyer in the United States who is known for his cross-border work, especially in Latin America. He joined Sullivan & Cromwell after graduating from Harvard Law School and clerking for the Hon. Lawrence W. Pierce, Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, and has been a partner of the Firm since 1991. He is a member of S&C’s Management Committee, oversees the Firm’s recruiting function and leads its Latin America practice. Sergio is involved with many not-for-profit and foreign policy organizations, including the Council on Foreign Relations and the Council of the Americas, and is a trustee of the University of the Andes Foundation. He was born in Colombia and speaks Spanish and Portuguese.
Cortez de Lobão founded the Gaudium Magnum Foundation on November 30, 2018, with the mission to praise Portugal, giving priority to four pillars: Culture, Education, Charity and Research. Through its charity work, the organization provides financial support to arts institutions, and aims to contribute to a more accessible and inclusive world. The foundation also works to give visibility to Portugal and promote Portuguese speaking culture and people using art from its unique collection. The Foundation’s art collection gathers a valuable set of works, mainly by Old Masters, with a significant component of Portuguese artists.
“I am very honored to have been named Co-Vice Chair of the Hispanic Society of America among a great Board lead by Mark Rosenberg in the footsteps of our Chairman Emeritus Philippe de Montebello.” says Lobão. “My nomination is a welcome recognition of the mission set for us by our Founder Archer Huntington who stated that one of the focus of the Society is to promote and raise awareness for all things relating to Portugal and the geographies where the Portuguese language is or has been spoken, including Brazil. Certainly, Portugal with its history of cultural internationalism and its capacity to build bridges has a lot to offer in the field of cross-cultural exchanges to value beauty, promote dialogue and advance peace. The Board is committed to positioning back the Hispanic Society as an asset to the city of New York and the world at large, proud that we are of its great settings, fantastic collections and experienced team inspired by the vision and expertise of our Director Guillaume Kientz.”
Philippe de Montebello will be honored with the Sorolla Medal during the 2024 HSML Gala, taking place on October 8, Metropolitan Club in New York City.
2024 marks the 120th year anniversary period of the HSM&L, which was founded in 1904-1908. 2024- 2028 will be a period marked by fundraising to expand the museum to the East building, the site of the former National Museum of the American Indian.
