Remembering Leslie Gottlieb
The communications profession has lost one of its most respected and generous leaders.
For more than three decades, Leslie Gottlieb helped nonprofit organizations tell their stories, navigate crises, build partnerships, and raise awareness for causes that mattered. From the American Red Cross in Greater New York to Lighthouse International, the Jewish Child Care Association, and later her own consultancy, LG Strategic Communications, Leslie believed communications could make a real difference in people's lives.
She was equally devoted to the profession itself.
As President of PRSA-NY and a longtime member of its Board of Directors, Leslie gave generously of her time and talent to strengthening one of the country's most influential PR chapters. She was a mentor, teacher, volunteer, and trusted colleague whose influence reached far beyond the organizations where she worked. Her commitment to developing future communications leaders continued in the classroom, where she taught media relations, strategic communications, and crisis communications at New York University and Marymount Manhattan College.
Leslie's career was distinguished by measurable accomplishments. She led communications during major crises at the American Red Cross, guided successful rebranding and advocacy initiatives for the Jewish Child Care Association, expanded the reach of Lighthouse International, and earned national media coverage for organizations dedicated to serving others. But numbers and headlines tell only part of her story.
Those who knew Leslie remember something more enduring: her kindness, her generosity, her willingness to mentor, and her unwavering belief that the communications profession is strongest when people support one another.
At CommPRO, we're especially grateful for Leslie's many contributions to our community. On a personal note, Leslie, along with Aaron Kwittken, welcomed me into PRSA-NY and made me feel like I belonged. She opened doors without making a fuss about it. Looking back, I realize she did that for so many people.
The following reflections, shared by friends and colleagues, capture the Leslie they knew.
Friends Remember Leslie Gottlieb
“Leslie Gottlieb embodied servant leadership in every sense of the word. As a past president of PRSA New York, she gave of herself freely and fiercely to our community, and when it was my turn to serve as president, she was right there beside me -- generous with her time, her wisdom, and her heart. I will miss her deeply, and so will everyone whose life she touched.”—Aaron Kwittken, Partner & Global Head of AI and Innovation, FGS Global
“In my nearly two decades of knowing her, she was consistently selfless, caring, volunteering and a class act. She was a big supporter of mentoring within the chapter and served as president of the chapter during a period of turbulence and in need of a calming, caring and ongoing presence. Leslie helped to form an informal group of past chapter presidents and senior leaders, who in the last 3-5 years, met quarterly by Zoom to discuss the state of the NY chapter and PRSA nationally. She started each call by going around the group to do a ‘what's new in your life’ and mental health check with all of us.
In her later years, while recovering from long COVID, we shared quiet lunches where she expressed her concerns for the chapter, industry and society. She continuously mourned her late husband and was there for the long haul to support her ailing mother until she passed some years ago. Leslie was decidedly old school but sage in her understanding and compassion for everyone around her. She will be missed by so many whose lives she touched.” —Henry P. Feintuch, President, FEINTUCH COMMUNICATIONS; Past President, PR World Alliance & PRSA-NY
“Leslie represented the best of the PR profession. She devoted much of her professional life representing businesses in the not-for-profit sector, like the American Red Cross, where she was a consummate communications pro, especially in multiple crisis situations, and Lighthouse International, where she highlighted the organization's many good initiatives.
She was a consummate PR practitioner, and was resolute in her can-do attitude. As president of PRSA NY, she brought her stellar skills and vision to her leadership role, and the chapter flourished under her deft hand.
Leslie loved mentoring young talent and helping others to succeed, and deeply valued her connection to CCNY's Ad PR program as adjunct and guest lecturer.
Her passing is a great loss for the PR profession and PRSA NY and for those who were lucky enough to work with her and know her. May her memory be a blessing.”—Lynn Appelbaum, Professor Emerita, The City College of New York
“Such sad news. I've known Leslie for more than 20 years. Her seemingly tireless commitment to PRSA, our industry, and life was inspiring. Beyond all that, Leslie was such a lovely person who genuinely cared about others. Her arm must have gotten tired from always having her hand raised when someone needed something. She will be missed.”—Michael Rinaldo, Senior Health Communications Consultant
“I am truly saddened by this news. Leslie put her heart and soul into her work--as president of PRSA NY and elsewhere. We worked closely together and so I want to acknowledge that this is a great loss. Leslie will be missed by many!”—Sharon Fenster, Principal, Sharon Fenster Consulting, LLC
“I remember Leslie from her years of leadership in the PRSA-NY chapter. She was always professional, polished, and incredibly encouraging. She inspired me to get more involved, which led to learning, connections and friendships I treasure today. Leslie made people feel welcome and valued, and she will be missed."—Stephanie Jo Peksen, Senior Account Executive at Notified, current PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards co-chair
“Leslie was a pillar of the public relations profession. While her personal and professional accomplishments were remarkable, it was her unwavering dedication to serving others that truly set her apart. She was constantly working to strengthen the profession, build meaningful community, and foster connections among peers at every stage of their careers.
Leslie generously gave her time, talent, and wisdom to help others grow professionally while always emphasizing the importance of integrity, ethics, and purpose in public relations. She never hesitated to volunteer, and more often than not, she was the one inspiring and rallying others to serve alongside her.
Leslie's impact extends far beyond her own achievements. She leaves behind a legacy of mentorship, kindness, and leadership that touched countless lives. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit and the example she set will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.”—- Sandra Fathi, CEO & Founder, Grey Matter Advisory
“Words can’t express the vital role Leslie Gottlieb played in the public relations industry. She was a matchmaker par excellence. And a pretty damn top PR professional as well. Leslie was a leader, a visionary— and one of the finest human beings I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I am proud to have been in her inner circle.
I had known Leslie for many years and was honored to be her friend. I’ve never met a more fiercely loyal friend and colleague than Leslie. She was the quintessential social director and organizer. She made sure that her inner circle of professional colleagues stayed organized and connected. She personally organized and arranged periodic Zoom calls with her inner circle to discuss industry trends, professional practices and new business tips. Those Zoom calls were of immense value to all who participated in. I am proud to have been a member of that group. I’ve made some lifelong friends as a result. I will miss you, dear Leslie. You were one of a kind.”—Art Stevens, Co-Managing Partner, The Stevens/Jachetti Group
Editor’s Note: We will continue updating this tribute as additional memories are shared.
Our heartfelt condolences go to Leslie's family, friends, colleagues, students, and everyone whose life she touched.
May her memory be a blessing.
