2026 CME STEM Leadership Award for Lifetime Achievement

Ann Ziff serves as Chairman of the Metropolitan Opera, where her visionary leadership and enduring commitment to the arts have shaped one of the world’s premier cultural institutions. A passionate advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, she has forged meaningful connections between music, education, and science. As co-founder and founding Chairman of Smile Train, she has advanced global healthcare access for children. Her philanthropic reach includes Juilliard, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the World Science Festival, where she champions the intersection of artistic and scientific inquiry. Ms. Ziff holds advanced degrees in social work and music therapy, and lectures internationally on the transformative power of the arts. She also designs jewelry under the Tamsen Z brand and founded the Caribbean Community Theater in St. Croix. Her lifelong dedication to education, music therapy, and expanding opportunity continues to inspire future generations and leaves an indelible legacy of compassion, creativity, and impact.

Bio

Under Ziff’s leadership, the Met has expanded its Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, deepened school outreach reaching thousands of students annually, and advanced collaborations with the American Museum of Natural History to inspire youth in science, culture, and creative problem-solving. Her philanthropic support through the Bill and Ann Ziff Foundation has bolstered music therapy and environmental education via partnerships with Sing for Hope and the New York Restoration Project. Beyond the Met, Ziff co-founded Smile Train, a global charity delivering life-changing medical care, and has chaired efforts with the Rainforest Alliance and Conservation International to promote sustainability and community resilience.

Ann Ziff has led the Metropolitan Opera for over a decade, steering the institution toward financial sustainability and groundbreaking programming that elevates opera’s role in global discourse. A dedicated philanthropist emphasizing arts, education, and environmental conservation, Ziff holds a Master’s in Social Work from New York University and a Master’s in Music Therapy from Temple University, where she serves as Visiting Professor at the Boyer College of Music and Dance. She is Vice Chairman of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and serves on boards including the World Science Festival, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles Opera, Sing for Hope, and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Ziff co-founded and chaired Smile Train, founded the Caribbean Community Theater, and has lectured at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School. Her contributions have earned honorary doctorates from Juilliard, Wittenberg University, and the Manhattan School of Music, along with Lincoln Center’s Philanthropy in the Arts Award.

Founded in 1883, The Metropolitan Opera is the world’s preeminent opera company, renowned for its commitment to artistic excellence, innovative productions, and global outreach. Each season, the Met presents more than 200 performances to audiences of over 800,000, while its Live in HD series reaches millions worldwide, fostering cultural education and inspiration across disciplines.