While some may think that Peter Brodsky with his Yale education has had a pretty easy life as the step-grandson of the noted economist Peter Bernstein, they would be sadly mistaken.
Growing up in Brooklyn, Peter experienced his mother being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when he was 11 followed by his sister dying from an allergic reaction when he was 15. As a result of his parents divorcing while Peter was still in his teens, he found himself having to make medical decisions for his mother until her death when he was 22.
It was his joining Tom Hicks in business that brought Peter in 1995 to Dallas, where he met his wife Lael and planted roots. To most folks, Peter had a truly charmed life, both personally and professionally.
But he wasn’t satisfied with the status quo. Rolling up his sleeves, he took on challenges that others avoided at all costs, like tackling the underserved areas of Dallas. One of his “projects” was spearheading the largest commercial developments in southern Dallas — Reimagined RedBird.
In addition to chairing the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance board and serving on the KIPP Texas Public Schools board, he has previously chaired the City of Dallas’ Animal Advisory Commission.
When asked about any of his undertakings, his genuine passion and commitment are contagious. He not only can talk about the subject in detail, he wants to get other peoples’ opinions.
In recognition of his unwavering commitment to public service and “bold contributions to the Dallas area,” it has been announced that he will receive the prestigious J. Erik Jonsson Ethics Award on Tuesday, March 21, at Dallas Arts District Mansion.
According to organizers, “Peter Brodsky’s name has been synonymous with innovative and impactful servant leadership in the city of Dallas for over a decade. He has been a community advocate and developer, with a passion for solving critical community issues such as education, homelessness and economic opportunity in underserved areas of Dallas.”
Presented by SMU’s Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics And Public Responsibility since 1997, previous Maguire recipients include Michael J. Sorrell (2022), Cary M. Maguire (2021), Ross Perot Jr. (2020), Nancy Strauss Halbreich (2019), Bobby Lyle (2018), David Brown (2017), Terry Flowers (2016), Lyda Hill (2015), Gail G. Thomas (2014), Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt (2013), Walter J. Humann (2012), Ruth Altshuler (2011), Bob Buford (2010), Ronald G. Steinhart (2009), Michael M. Boone (2008), Zan W. Holmes Jr. M.Th (2007), Roger Staubach (2006), Caren Prothro (2005), Tom Luce (2004), Ron Anderson M.D. (2003), Jack Lowe Jr. (2002), William T. Solomon (2000), Stanley H. Marcus (1999), Charles C. Sprague M.D. (1998) and Curtis W. Meadows Jr. (1997).
* Graphic courtesy of SMU's Cary M. Maguire Center For Ethics And Public Responsibility