The Maltz Museum is delighted to announce that Joanie and Tom Adler have been selected as the distinguished honorees of the 2024 Maltz Heritage Award. This prestigious award celebrates individuals whose exceptional leadership, visionary contributions, and unwavering humanity have brought about transformative change in the region. Past honorees include: Stewart Kohl and The Riverside Company (2023), Dee and Jimmy Haslam (2022), Carole F. Hoover and Vanessa L. Whiting (2021), Richard K. Smucker and The J.M. Smucker Company (2020), Beth E. Mooney (2019), Christopher Connor (2018), Audrey and Albert Ratner (2017), Barbara Snyder (2016), Milt and Tamar Maltz (2015), Sandy Cutler (2014), and Toby Cosgrove (2013). For more information or to sponsor, please contact Director of Development, Dayan Gross, dgross@mmjh.org or 216-593-0575 x230.
“Through their exceptional leadership, Joanie and Tom Adler have catalyzed positive change and inspired others to follow in their footsteps. Their philanthropic endeavors, dedication to community development, and boundless compassion have improved countless lives and enriched our region in numerous ways,” said David Schafer, Managing Director of the Maltz Museum.
An active community volunteer since 1966, Joanie Adler launched Adler/Berick, Inc. as co-owner in 1986 and represented artists for 21 years. After retiring in 2005, she again devoted herself to the community, and continues volunteering to this day. She is a lifetime trustee of Family Connections, an organization with the mission of engaging families with young children to nurture social connections, enhance child development, and improve school readiness.
Tom Adler co-founded Cleveland Real Estate Partners and like his wife Joanie, dedicated himself to community service. An ardent supporter of downtown economic development, Mr. Adler is a Member of the Board and Chair Emeritus of Playhouse Square. He is also Emeritus Director of Downtown Cleveland Alliance and Emeritus Trustee of University Hospitals; Life Director of American Jewish Committee, The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, United Way, and Cleveland State University Foundation, in addition to being past Trustee of Cleveland State University. Mr. Adler is also an active Board Member of The Mt. Sinai Health Care Foundation, and Jewish Federation of Cleveland.
The Adlers are passionate about projects that have a direct impact on the Cleveland community. They are the visionaries behind the influential Joanie and Tom Adler Civic Leaders Israel Mission, a program of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland that exposes Cleveland leaders to Israel’s complexities, and its innovative approaches to economic and community development, education and support of at-risk and disadvantaged populations. The mission creates opportunities for partnership between Cleveland leaders and their Israeli counterparts. The Adlers are also the champions behind the University Hospital’s position entitled “Joanie and Tom Adler Endowed Director of Parent Bereavement Programs” in which a person is available to provide support and resources for parents and families who have endured the death of a baby or child. Two very different projects with enormous influence and value to the Cleveland community.
The Maltz Museum’s Board Chair, Reneé Chelm, said of the awardees, “The Maltz Heritage Award is a celebration of leadership that transcends boundaries and inspires us all to create a brighter future for our region. Tom and Joann Adler exemplify these values. Their vision, passion, and humanity have left an indelible mark on our community.”
