Board
Steven Gluckstern
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — We are deeply saddened by the passing of Steven Gluckstern, the Palm Center’s longtime board chair and an admired entrepreneur and philanthropist. Steven‘ passing on May 29, 2022 is a crushing loss to the Palm Center family and to the worlds of philanthropy, the arts, and business. He was an ardent champion of the Palm Center for two decades, and he loved new ideas, was incredibly creative, and gave of his time generously. He was always there as a mentor and supporter, somehow finding enough boundless energy to share his talent not just with a few groups or individuals but with so many who benefited from them, making the world far better in the process. Steven was a big soul and his passing leaves a great big void. Our hearts are with his family and all those who were touched by his enormous presence.
Steven Gluckstern became the Palm Center’s board chair in 2006, after facilitating a $1 million endowment grant from the Michael Palm Foundation. After years spent as a teacher and school administrator, he became a successful pioneer in the reinsurance industry, founded an asset management firm, and invested broadly in innovative technologies and social and political change efforts. He loved classical music, served on numerous boards, and supported a wide range of philanthropic organizations and causes focused on the LGBTQ community, HIV/AIDS, education, and the arts. He spent years attending the Burning Man festival in Nevada where he launched a massive annual free food event that served thousands.