The current Board President of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Alice Jacobs recently led the seven-year historic transformation and campus expansion, encompassing a $230 million capital campaign. Ms. Jacobs is a Board Member of Say Yes Buffalo, and co-founded and co-chairs the WNY Women Making History Committee, establishing an inclusive organizing model that the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum is replicating across the nation. Recognizing her expertise in innovation and inclusion, the Smithsonian National Board recently elected Alice as a member. This prestigious appointment allows her to provide invaluable counsel to the Smithsonian and its many museums and research centers, further expanding her influence in the cultural sector.

Ms. Jacobs coined the term Innovation Philanthropy while forming the Innovation Philanthropy Initiative , to encourage individuals to frame philanthropy around creativity and innovation. A founding board member and Chair Emerita of the WNY Women’s Foundation, Ms. Jacobs has served on a number of Boards including the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and the Tops Massacre 5/14 Memorial Commission.

Ms. Jacobs has received the Buffalo Business First Women of Influence Award and appears on the Buffalo Business First Power 250 lists. She has been honored for her Leadership in the Arts by the NYS League of Women Voters and the Maria Love Convalescent Fund. She received a BA from Colgate University, JD from the University of Pennsylvania, and MS degree from SUNY Buffalo State in the field of Creativity and Change Leadership.

Alice has partnered with industry leader Misha Russo, Founder of Misha & Co. Strategic Advisory Firm, to develop many of the initiatives under the innovation philanthropy initiative. Misha is available to consult with you on your own personal philanthropic journey.