Brinker (née Goodman) was born in Peoria, Illinois to the Jewish family of Marvin L. and Eleanor (née Newman) Goodman.[4] Her father was a commercial real-estate developer, and her mother was a housewife.[4][5] In 1968, she received a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois.[4] After graduating, she moved to Dallas, Texas and worked at Neiman Marcus as an assistant couture buyer. In the following years, she took various positions at other public relations firms before marrying businessman Norman Brinker.[4]
Career
Susan G. Komen
Brinker served as founding chairman of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The organization was named for Brinker's sister, who died of breast cancer. On December 2, 2009, Brinker was appointed CEO, a position in which she served in until June 17, 2013, when Judith A. Salerno succeeded her.[1][6]
World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador
Brinker is currently serving as the World Health Organization's Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control. She was appointed by WHO Director-General Margaret Chan on May 26, 2009.[7] She advocated for strengthening global action for cancer prevention and control in the context of the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases endorsed by the World Health Assembly in May 2008. Her message emphasized the need for low and middle-income countries to strengthen comprehensive and evidence-based cancer control policies and programs.[8]
On October 7, 2008, Brinker hosted a symposium on "Breast Cancer Global Awareness" at the Blair House where First Lady Laura Bush attended.[9]
As Chief of Protocol, Brinker expanded the role of the office through outreach programs intended to foster better relationships with the Diplomatic Corps. The effort, known as Diplomatic Partnerships[10] involved over 60 events, including "Experience America", where the Diplomatic Corps traveled throughout the United States to meet with business and civic leaders.[11][12]
Ambassador to Hungary
Brinker served as United States Ambassador to Hungary from September 2001 to 2003.[13] She held the first conference on the trafficking and exploitation of workers that health ministers from the neighboring Balkan States attended. She also raised awareness about breast cancer among Hungarian women by leading a march over the Chain Bridge in Budapest where the bridge was illuminated in pink for the occasion.[14]
Hungarian President Ferenc Mádl awarded Brinker with the Order of Merit, Medium Class, Cross Adorned with Star, for her work in advancing bilateral relations and in recognition of her charity activities.[15][16]
The Promise Fund
The Promise Fund of Florida was created by Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, Julie Fisher Cummings and Laurie Silvers in 2018.[17] It was set up to address a lack of preventative diagnosis of breast cancer among women in South Florida.[18]
Other government service
In 1986, President Ronald Reagan appointed her to the National Cancer Advisory Board[19] and in 1990, President George H.W. Bush appointed her to chair the President's Cancer Panel and monitor the progress of the National Cancer Program.[19] In 1992, Vice President Dan Quayle invited her to chair a subcommittee monitoring research, progress and development in the fight against breast cancer.[19]
Brinker was a bundler for George W. Bush when he was running for office, helping to organize and collect campaign contributions from other donors.[20] In 2000, she became a Pioneer, a member of his $100,000 Club.[21] And on December 24, 2008, President Bush appointed her to the board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for a six-year term.[22]
She testified before the United States Democratic Policy Committee's Congressional Breast Cancer Forum and participated in the International Women's Forum.[23]
Awards
Brinker has received the following awards and titles:
1995 University of Illinois Alumni Achievement Award[24]
On February 13, 1981, Nancy Goodman married Norman E. Brinker,[54] founder of Brinker International, which provided access to capital and influence and enabled her role in public service.[55][56] Norman Brinker provided funds and methodology for building the Komen foundation. The couple were major contributors to George W. Bush's first presidential campaign.[57][58] They divorced shortly after the 2000 U.S. Presidential election,[59] but Norman Brinker remained a board member of Komen for the Cure, having served on its board since its founding in 1982 until his death in 2009.[60]
While ambassador, Brinker began to collect Hungarian art. Her collection spans 100 years, from just before the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the present and has been on display at several museums around the United States. The collection is one of the largest outside of Hungary.[61][62][63][64]
