Todd Krasnow has had a distinguished career as an entrepreneur and business executive as part of the founding management team at Staples and president of the private equity firm Cobbs Capital. He also is passionate about giving back as an act of patriotic philanthropy.
Krasnow is drawn to the inimitable elements of adventure and discovery found in the groundbreaking space science research of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), where he has served as a chair and member of the advisory board. In 2021, he and his wife, Debbie Krasnow, made a $1 million gift to support the observatory’s pioneering work to advance humanity’s understanding of the universe—from studying black holes to researching the magnetic field of the sun and developing the tools for the Giant Magellan Telescope to see exoplanets. What follows is an edited conversation with Krasnow about his family’s giving.
What drives your philanthropy?
Giving back is the fundamental basis for our philanthropy. Our grandparents were immigrants, and it feels so patriotic to support the Smithsonian. Our focus is education, which connects very well to the Smithsonian’s mission of expanding knowledge and educating and improving the world.
What compelled your unrestricted gift to the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO)?
The Giant Magellan Telescope will do some amazing things when it gets built and turned on. For Debbie and me, this felt important to support.
You’ve been a chair and member of SAO’s advisory board. Why did you get involved?
I was interested in the subject matter, having been a chemist for a few years and taken astronomy and physics. Plus, [fellow Smithsonian National Board member] Myra Hart and I had known each other for many years. She encouraged me to get involved. Philanthropy is about more than money, it’s about time. I was given the opportunity to really participate as a valued member of that advisory board.
Which recent milestones have inspired you?
Getting to know the scientists. Shep Doeleman [founding director of the Event Horizon Telescope] emphasizes the role of teamwork behind taking the first image of the black hole. Not only was the science really great, but his approachwas inspiring.
What are your aspirations for your gift?
One of our hopes is to inspire others to get involved.
Published Summer 2023 in IMPACT Vol. 9. No 2
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