The Alexander and Margaret Stewart Trust provides support for innovative scientists researching cancer and for exceptional non-profit organizations striving to improve the quality of life for children and for people with cancer residing in the District of Columbia.
The Trust is committed to:
Alexander Stewart was born in New Brunswick, Canada in 1829 and moved to Wausau, WI in 1849. He was an intelligent and enterprising young man.
Alexander Stewart married Margaret Gray, with whom he had three children: Margaret, Mary, and Helen.
An employee of the Levi Fleming sawmill, Mr. Stewart was paid in lumber, which he then sold. In 1872, he acquired the Walter McIndoe Mill and formed the A. Stewart Lumber Company. It became the Wisconsin Valley’s largest mill.
Alexander Stewart served three terms in the U.S. Congress from 1895-1901. After serving, the Stewarts settled in Washington, DC and built a house on Massachusetts Avenue which now is the Luxembourg Embassy.
The Trust awarded its first grants in 1948.
Today, Alexander & Margaret Stewart Trust sustains the Stewart family’s legacy by continuing to achieve the Trust’s charitable goals, as expressed in the wills of the Stewart sisters. Since its inception in 1948, the Trust has issued approximately $125M in grants (in 2019 dollars).
William J. Bierbower has served as a trustee of the Stewart Trust since 1994, most recently as Executive Trustee. A native of Washington, D.C., Bill practices law focusing on charitable foundations and public-private research collaborations advancing science and engineering technologies. Bill’s career includes service as Chief Counsel of two federal research organizations.
George Hamilton has served as a trustee of the Stewart Trust since 2004. A native of Washington, DC, George co-founded an international non-profit organization focused on building healthy communities and cities in the U.S. and overseas by addressing climate change, environmental health, and social and economic justice. George has more than 30 years of non-profit leadership experience.
Elizabeth Munson, President of Rockefeller Trust Company, N.A. and The Rockefeller Trust Company (Delaware), and member of Rockefeller Capital Management’s executive team was appointed directed corporate trustee in 2013. Liz specializes in advising high-net-worth individuals and families, particularly in trust and estate planning and philanthropic matters. Prior to joining Rockefeller, Liz was a partner in White & Case’s Private Clients Group, where she practiced from 1983 to 2001, focusing on tax and estate planning for high-net-worth families, foundations, endowments, and nonprofit organizations.
Lisa Gail Rucker has 25+ years of experience in the Nation’s Capital in the fields of grants management, organizational development, and nonprofit leadership. She has served in leadership positions with the United Way of the National Capital Area, the DC Trust, Friendship House Association, and Community of Hope. Lisa serves on the Board of Washington Latin Public Charter School and is a long-time resident of the District. Lisa is Vice President of 5Focus, a D.C.-based management services firm.
