For Immediate Release
Bob Edgar, Social Justice Leader, Dies at 69
Mourning the loss of a courageous defender of truth and justice
Washington, D.C. (4/23/2013) – The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) offers its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Bob Edgar, president and CEO of Common Cause, who passed away early this morning.
"Bob was a warrior for social justice and democracy, and a fearless truth-teller," said Aaron Dorfman, executive director of NCRP. "He will continue to be an inspiration for many of us working to help our country live up to its highest aspirations."
Bob Edgar represented the 7th Congressional District of Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 consecutive years beginning in 1974. He was known as a member of the congressional class nicknamed "Watergate Babies," who led sweeping reforms in congress. He also led the National Council of Churches before joining Common Cause in 2007.
"Bob's strong advocacy voice will be sorely missed. He was truly one of the few nonprofit leaders who had the courage to challenge both politicians and institutional leaders in our society," said Pablo Eisenberg, a senior fellow at the Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership at the Georgetown Public Policy Institute and fellow board member of NCRP. "His leadership at Common Cause vaulted the organization into one of the sector's truly outstanding watchdog groups."
Bob Edgar joined NCRP's board of directors in 2008 and was currently serving as a member of its finance committee. He was also treasurer for a portion of his tenure.
"We are truly grateful that Bob Edgar served on NCRP's board. He was relentless in his work to clean up money in politics, but also to ensure that philanthropy benefited the underserved and marginalized, "said Diane Feeney, chairwoman of NCRP's Board of Directors. "We will miss him sorely. Our thoughts are with his family."
Please check updates from Common Cause for information regarding a memorial service.
The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy in Washington, D.C. is a national watchdog, research and advocacy organization that promotes philanthropy that serves the public good, is responsive to people and communities with the least wealth and opportunity, and is held accountable to the highest standards of integrity and openness. Visit www.ncrp.org.
###
