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Wilma “Billie” Tisch is an American philanthropist and heiress to the Loews Corporation fortune. Born in 1927, Tisch has dedicated her life to philanthropy, serving on the boards of numerous organizations. Her career is marked by significant contributions to Jewish philanthropies and various civic initiatives, including the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies. With a net worth of $2.1 billion, she continues to be a prominent figure in the philanthropic community.
Wilma “Billie” Tisch, born Wilma Stein on June 25, 1927, in Long Branch, New Jersey, grew up in Asbury Park. Her father, Joseph Stein, was a journalist and later joined the automotive industry. Her mother, Rose Liebesman Stein, was the daughter of Lithuanian Jewish immigrants. Tisch attended public schools and graduated from Skidmore College in 1948 with a degree in economics and a minor in accounting.
After graduating, she worked as a secretary at Time, Inc. In 1948, she married Laurence Tisch. Laurence and his brother Robert acquired Loews Theatres in 1959. They transformed the company into the Loews Corporation, a diversified conglomerate with interests in insurance, hotels, and energy. Wilma Tisch, through her marriage and later inheritance, became a key figure in the family's wealth and philanthropic endeavors.
Wilma Tisch's primary involvement has been in philanthropy. The Tisch family's strategy has been value investing, focusing on long-term growth across various industries. Loews has strategically invested in insurance (CNA Financial), hotels (Loews Hotels), energy, and packaging (Altium Packaging). Loews has also allocated significant capital for share buybacks.
Wilma Tisch has been deeply involved in philanthropy throughout her life. She became a trustee of Blythedale Children's Hospital in 1962 and served on its board of directors. In 1969, she joined the Distribution Committee of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, allocating resources to charities supporting the Jewish community. She served as the first woman president of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies from 1980 to 1983. The Tisch family has also supported the Tisch School of the Arts and Tisch Hospital at NYU.
Obtained a B.S. in economics and a minor in accounting.
Began her journey with her husband, who later co-founded the Loews Corporation.
Served on the board of directors.
Member of the Distribution Committee.
Chaired the Distribution Committee of the Federation.
Served as the first woman president.
Received an honorary doctorate for philanthropic endeavors.
Trustee and Board member.
Allocating resources to charities supporting the Jewish community.
Supporting NYU's arts school and medical center.
"Extraordinary leadership and generosity across an array of civic and philanthropic endeavors."
