MIAMI BEACH, FLA.—For almost 70 years a unique Florida Georgian façade has distinguished The Betsy hotel from its Art Deco neighbors in South Beach. Since reopening its doors in April 2009, The Betsy’s debut in five-star hospitality has been internationally recognized as a destination that includes great food, exquisite design, and luxurious comfort. Now there is a movement afoot from behind the signature white shuttered windows overlooking Ocean Drive that is attracting extra notice. After a two-year restoration, and through a range of strategic partnerships, the newly restored hotel has become a catalyst for energized discourse, innovative thinking, and good works.
In this effort, the property has named Dr. Deborah Briggs as vice president for philanthropy to provide strategic and operational leadership for The Betsy’s community-conscious efforts, that will, in the words of Jonathan Plutzik, chairman and principal partner, “build our business and make the world a better place.” As a proven leader and social entrepreneur with almost 30 years of experience bridging profit and nonprofit business, Briggs takes on the role of charitable giver and community activist in the name of The Betsy and its growing family of global guests.
The hotel’s philanthropic interests include education, medical research, nonprofit sustainability, the arts, culture, and African relief—arenas that have been supported for many years by Jonathan Plutzik and Lesley Goldwasser, both investment bankers and co-presidents of the PG Family Foundation in New York City, and now principal owners of The Betsy. By linking good work with core business goals, The Betsy’s ownership has also answered President Barack Obama’s call to participate in a 21st century social innovation framework that reflects a new social contract, “citizens actively and effectively serving their communities and solving persistent, yet resolvable economic and human issues.”
For almost 30 years, Deborah Briggs has provided leadership, as a staff member, professional mentor, and consultant, at foundations and corporations, colleges and universities, public and private schools, and organizations providing direct services and advocacy. She has developed and delivered university-level coursework in cause-related marketing and public relations, nonprofit administration, program development and evaluation.
As marketing director at a for-profit technology company, she positioned a powerful brand to facilitate and affect its sale to an industry giant. As executive director of the PG Family Foundation in New York City, she directs the philanthropic efforts of Jonathan Plutzik and Lesley Goldwasser, principal owners of The Betsy. As vice president for Philanthropy at The Betsy, Deborah directs external relations efforts that connect The Betsy philanthropy with niche marketing initiatives, including public relations. Dr. Briggs holds a Doctorate in Arts Education, and Masters in Education from Columbia University Teachers College, a Master of Science from the University of Illinois, a Bachelors Degree from the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester in Voice performance, and a certificate in Public Policy from the Institute for Educational Leadership in Washington, D.C. In 2004, she was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women for her work connecting business and nonprofit enterprise, as organizational leader, mentor, and community volunteer. Deborah has offices in New York City and South Beach, and lives in Baltimore.
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