Robert B. Jackman, Founding Director

Robert B. JackmanAfter losing his youngest child, Brooke, in the September 11th attacks, Bob Jackman did what any father would do—he tried to hold onto what he could of his little girl.

With the memories of Brooke’s head buried deep in her books, Bob wanted to instill that same dedication and love of reading in other young children. Along with his family, he established the Brooke Jackman Foundation in his daughter’s honor. Since its creation, thousands of New York’s underserved children and their families have passed through the Foundation’s programs and have become inspired and transformed by the power of literacy.

Shortly after celebrating the ninth anniversary of BJF, Bob lost a valiant ten and a half year battle with lung cancer in December of 2010. His love of family and friends and his devotion to his community were hallmarks of a life of high personal standards and achievement.

Bob, who spent over 38 years at the former Bear, Stearns & Co., was a retired senior managing director in charge of municipal bond trading, short-term trading and retail trading. He retired from the firm in early 2006. A Vietnam Veteran who was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service in Vietnam, Bob served in the army from 1965-67. He was past President of the Municipal Bond Club of New York, a member of the Shawnee Indian Bond Club and a recipient of the “Blue Chip” award from the Wall Street Charity Fund. He was tapped to serve on the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board.

Bob’s reputation throughout the Municipal Bond Community was that of the rare gentleman who was a highly respected industry leader known for his professionalism, leadership, kindness, loyalty and uncompromising sense of doing what was right. He was a beacon of honesty and integrity.

Bob Jackman was also a civic minded person. He served as a coach of PBC sports, director on the Board of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Youth Council and President of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich School Board. He was also honored by the Oyster Bay Jewish Center for his fund-raising efforts.

Bob’s wife, Barbara, along with their two eldest children, Erin and Ross, continue to carry on the mission of the Brooke Jackman Foundation along with the support of their family, friends and the entire New York community.[/three_fourth]

Brooke Jackman Foundation