The Heinz Awards mourns the passing of longtime Board member Arie Kopelman

The Heinz Awards board of directors and staff mourn the passing of longtime Board member Arie Kopelman, an astute businessman and passionate civic leader, known for his creativity and witty aphorisms.

Arie joined the Awards board at the inception of the program in 1993 and was a trusted advisor throughout his tenure.

Though known for his role at Chanel, Inc., it was during Mr. Kopelman’s tenure at the advertising agency Doyle Dane Bernbach where he met Senator John Heinz. Arie and Sen. Heinz became friends early in Sen. Heinz’ career while Mr. Kopelman was working at the agency, and continued into his first Congressional campaign and subsequent terms in the U.S. Senate, a friendship which endured and resulted in many joyous family vacations together.

We will deeply miss Arie’s wisdom, compassion, infectious spirit and ever-present sense of humor.

We offer our deepest sympathies to Coco, Jill and Will, and their families.