Our Founder
Ed Satell
Ed Satell is a visionary entrepreneur and civic-minded leader whose career spans over six decades. As founder, CEO, and Chairman of a leading media and e-commerce company based in the Philadelphia region, Ed built a culture grounded in accountability, innovation, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). His enduring mantra-“Think WE, not just me”- has defined both his business and philanthropic life.
At age 80, rather than retire, Ed launched the Satell Institute, an independent, nonpartisan “Think and Do Tank” dedicated to advancing CSR among private sector leaders. He endowed the Institute with $15 million, eliminating dues or fees for participation. Today, it stands as a premier CEO organization promoting corporate commitment to the greater good.
Lifelong Commitment to Giving Back
Ed Satell has created and funded more than 65 major philanthropic initiatives across five focus areas:
Helping Children in Need – From adopting an underserved Philadelphia school and supporting children of addicts at the Caron Foundation, to funding youth programs with the Jaffa Institute, Junior Achievement, and Boy Scouts, Ed’s giving ensures children have opportunities to thrive.
Empowering Young Leaders – Through fellowships, internships, and immersive programs at institutions including the Franklin Institute, Franklin & Marshall College, the Technion Institute, Cornell, and MIT, Ed has enabled hundreds of young people to pursue academic and leadership excellence.
Advancing Research – Ed has been instrumental in launching pioneering research in alternative energy, autism, and cancer therapies. His support of the Technion’s energy program helped create H2Pro, a global leader in clean hydrogen.
Strengthening Civic and Cultural Institutions – He’s partnered with the Franklin Institute, the National Constitution Center, the Museum of the American Revolution, and many others to promote education, dialogue, and civic engagement in Greater Philadelphia.
Honoring Heritage – Ed has supported Jewish life and heritage through temple building, leadership development, and cultural preservation in both the U.S. and Israel.
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A Fellowship in Corporate Social Responsibility at the University of Connecticut School of Business
The first Endowed Chair for a Rehabilitation Foundation in the country—The Satell Family Chair for the Caron Foundation Children & Youth Program
The endowed Satell Family Foundation Chair for Brain Science at the Hebrew University, Israel
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Honors and Awards humbly accepted by Ed Satell
Ed is reticent about publicity and generally only allows the nonprofit organizations to recognize his work within their own constituencies rather than in the general press. He believes that every successful business leader should support the community to help leave it better than they found it. He understands and teaches that CSR is good for business, employees, customers, vendors, the community, and future generations. Ed’s mantra has always been “Think WE, not just me.”
2003: Greater Philadelphia Assoc of Fundraisers’ Individual Philanthropist of the Year Award
2005: World Affairs Council of Philadelphia’s Atlas Award
2006: Temple Sholom’s Visionary of Sholom Award
2007: Walnut Street Theatre’s Edmund Forrest Award
2007: Gratz College Honorary Doctorate
2008: Cradle of Liberty Council’s Good Scout Award
2009: Caron Foundation’s Humanitarian of the Year Award
2010: Technion Institute’s Honorary International Fellowship Degree
2011: Junior Achievement of Greater Delaware Valley’s Inaugural Inductee to the Business Hall of Fame
2012: University of Connecticut School of Business Hall of Fame
2012: World Affairs Council of Philadelphia’s Legacy of Leadership Award
2012: Philadelphia International House’s International Leadership and Vision Award
2013: Executive Leaders Radio’s CEO Philanthropy Award
2014: Support Center for Child Advocates’ Judge Lois Forer Award
2014: National Liberty Museum’s Heroes of Liberty Award
2015: Donald M. Ephraim Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival Leadership Award
2016: Caron Foundation’s Richard J. Caron Medal
2016: Technion Institute’s Honorary Doctorate Degree in Engineering
2018: University of Connecticut Beech Society Medal
2019: Junior Achievement International Centennial Legacy of Community Leadership Award
2020: Global Philadelphia’s GLOBY Lifetime Achievement Award
2020: Philadelphia-Israel Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award
2020: Main Line Chamber of Commerce E. Karle Schauffele Community Award
2021: Mann Center for the Performing Arts Crescendo Award
2023: University of the Arts Hamilton Award for Excellence in the Arts
2023: The Albert Einstein Award for Lifetime Achievement
2024: The Visionary Leadership Award from Temple B’Nai
2025: The Flame of Liberty Award from The National Liberty Museum
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Ed is a University of Connecticut graduate and a member of their hall of fame, and holds honorary doctoral degrees from Technion and Gratz College. He is a former President of the Young Presidents Organization’s Philadelphia Gold chapter, and has served on dozens of nonprofit boards over more than 30 years.
Ed with participants from the Satell STEM Scholars program at the Franklin Institute
Ed with Haitham Amal - a world-leading expert in nitric oxide and brain disorders, and Head of The Laboratory of Neuromics, Cell Signaling, and Translational
“No matter how much we’ve accomplished, we all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. It’s our responsibility to leave the world better than we found it.
Think WE, not just me.”
Ed Satell