Contact: Carol Gregory, [email protected], 202-675-8759, @aiusamedia
(New York) — Michael MacLeod, a longtime Amnesty International USA donor and member, former Chair of the Development Committee, and most recently appointee to the organization’s National Advisory Council, passed away on November 19, 2013.
“Michael MacLeod’s tireless commitment and dedication to the human rights movement has left a legacy that will continue to shape, guide, and inspire our work,” said Steven W. Hawkins, Executive Director, Amnesty International USA. “Michael personified the respect, dignity, and dedication that are key values of Amnesty International. I am grateful that I had the honor to get to know him.”
A Vietnam War veteran, Michael dedicated himself to service throughout his professional career and into his retirement. As the senior vice president of Craver, Matthews Smith and Co, he led the direct response fundraising campaign for Amnesty International and other progressive nonprofits. In 1987, he founded Public Interest Data, a leading provider of database services to non-profit organizations. Beyond his work for Amnesty International, he served on the Boards of Oxfam America and the Center for the Victims of Torture.
“Michael was a regular and warm presence in the Amnesty offices. His keen sense of humor made him a favorite amongst us all, particularly when he would impart poignant pearls of wisdom through his enormous repertoire of sayings and witticisms,” said Ann Burroughs, Board Chair, Amnesty International USA. “When he would come to the office for meetings, he would always ask if he could bring you a cup of coffee. It is often these small gestures that speak volumes about a person’s character. Michael was a devoted and admirable champion of human rights for all. He will be dearly missed, but his spirit lives on in Amnesty’s pursuit of justice around the world.
Michael MacLeod’s family requested that those wishing to honor his memory make contributions to Amnesty International USA at amnestyusa.org/macleod
Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 3 million members in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.