Remembering Hertz Foundation Board Member M. Michael Ansour (1954–2024)
The Hertz Foundation is deeply saddened to share that Hertz Fellow and long-serving board member M. Michael Ansour has passed away after a valiant fight against cancer over the past few years.
Ansour joined the Hertz Foundation Board of Directors in 2008, and over the course of 16 years, played a central role in strengthening the foundation’s financial position as the chair of the investment committee, in addition to his membership on the finance and audit committees and co-chairmanship of the development committee.
“Michael appreciated the Hertz community, comradery with in-school Hertz Fellows, and long-standing friendships with others based on shared experiences.”
“Michael brought a sincerity and serious demeanor to his board work but could always be counted on for a lighthearted comment to keep the work fun,” said Hertz Fellow Stephen Fantone, chair of the Hertz Foundation Board of Directors and president and CEO of Optikos Corporation. “His service overseeing the stewardship of the endowment and participation on the Finance Committee was essential to the success of the organization.”
Ansour’s prowess in overseeing the Hertz Foundation’s investments enabled it to amplify fundraising success and helped navigate several turbulent periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our financial strength as an organization is directly attributed to Michael’s management of the foundation’s investment portfolio, and we are grateful,” added Hertz Foundation President Wendy Connors.
Ansour was the managing partner of March Partners LLC, a New York-based investment firm focused on event-driven investment strategies. He founded the firm in 1992 and served as its portfolio manager until 2012. He also served on the boards of Vicor Corp. and Servco Pacific Inc. He was a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, reflecting his deep interest in global issues and international policy.
“Our financial strength as an organization is directly attributed to Michael’s management of the foundation’s investment portfolio, and we are grateful.”
President, Hertz Foundation
Ansour had an impressive educational background, including an S.B. in mathematics and physics from MIT, a Ph.D. in mathematical physics from MIT, and a law degree from Harvard Law School. Additionally, he completed Part III of the Mathematical Tripos in cosmology at the University of Cambridge.
Ansour was very proud to be known as a Hertz Fellow. His passion for the Hertz Foundation’s work and its Hertz Fellows was unshakable and infectious.
“Michael appreciated the community aspect of the Hertz Foundation, the camaraderie with the in-school Hertz Fellows, and the long-standing friendship with others based on their shared experience,” said Fantone.
Given his long tenure on the board and frequent attendance at the annual Hertz Summer Workshops, Ansour was more than a colleague—he was a close and treasured friend to many in the Hertz community.
Carla Newman, secretary of the Hertz Foundation Board, frequently got together with Ansour to catch up during her trips to New York. “Michael was a proud Hertz Fellow, a very proud father to his two sons, and a good friend to many. His contributions and wit won’t soon be forgotten,” she said.
“He will be deeply missed,” added Hertz Fellow Paul Young, longtime friend to Ansour and treasurer of the Hertz Foundation Board of Directors.