Brinker (née Goodman) was born inPeoria, Illinois to theJewish 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 theUniversity of Illinois.[4] After graduating, she moved toDallas, Texas and worked atNeiman Marcus as an assistant couture buyer. In the following years, she took various positions at other public relations firms before marrying businessmanNorman Brinker.[4]
In 1982, following the death of her sister Susan G. Komen from breast cancer, Brinker foundedSusan G. Komen for the Cure. The organization has since become the world's largest nonprofit source of funding for the fight against breast cancer, investing nearly $3 billion in research, community health outreach, advocacy, and programs in more than 60 countries. Brinker also established the Race for the Cure® in 1983, which has grown into the world's largest series of 5K run/fitness walks, with over a million participants annually.[6] The organization was named for Brinker's sister, who died of breast cancer. On December 2, 2009, Brinker was appointedCEO, a position in which she served in until June 17, 2013, whenJudith A. Salerno succeeded her.[1][7]
Brinker served as theWorld Health Organization's Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control. She was appointed by WHO Director-GeneralMargaret Chan on May 26, 2009.[8] 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 theWorld 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.[9]
On October 7, 2008, Brinker hosted a symposium on "Breast Cancer Global Awareness" at the Blair House where First LadyLaura Bush attended.[10]
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[11] involved over 60 events, including "Experience America", where the Diplomatic Corps traveled throughout the United States to meet with business and civic leaders.[12][13]
Brinker served asUnited States Ambassador to Hungary from September 2001 to 2003.[14] She held the first conference on thetrafficking andexploitation 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 theChain Bridge in Budapest where the bridge was illuminated in pink for the occasion.[15]
Hungarian PresidentFerenc 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.[16][17]
The Promise Fund was created by Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, Julie Fisher Cummings and Laurie Silvers in 2018.[18] It was set up to address a lack of preventative diagnosis of breast cancer among women in South Florida.[19] As of December 2024, the Promise Fund has reached 40,335 individuals through outreach and education and has impacted the lives of 14,576 women through access to screenings, diagnostics, and care.[20]
In 1986, PresidentRonald Reagan appointed her to the National Cancer Advisory Board[21] and in 1990,President George H.W. Bush appointed her to chair thePresident's Cancer Panel and monitor the progress of the National Cancer Program.[21] In 1992, Vice PresidentDan Quayle invited her to chair a subcommittee monitoring research, progress and development in the fight against breast cancer.[21]
Brinker was a bundler for George W. Bush when he was running for office, helping to organize and collect campaign contributions from other donors.[22] In 2000, she became a Pioneer, a member of his $100,000 Club.[23] And on December 24, 2008, President Bush appointed her to the board of trustees of theJohn F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for a six-year term.[24]
She testified before the United States Democratic Policy Committee's Congressional Breast Cancer Forum and participated in the International Women's Forum.[25]
Nancy Goodman's first husband was Robert M. Leitstein, an executive atNeiman Marcus. Together they had one son, Eric, a hospitality and retail experience executive and businessman,[5] but divorced in 1978.[5][59][full citation needed]
On February 13, 1981, Nancy Goodman marriedNorman E. Brinker,[60] founder ofBrinker International, which provided access to capital and influence and enabled her role in public service.[61][62] Norman Brinker provided funds and methodology for building the Komen foundation. The couple were major contributors toGeorge W. Bush's first presidential campaign.[63][64] They divorced shortly after the 2000 U.S. Presidential election,[65] 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.[66]
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.[67][68][69][70] In 2016, Nancy Brinker was named Global Advisor to HOLOGIC Inc.[71][72]
Brinker is a major funder of gay marriage initiatives.[73][74][75][76][77] Nancy Brinker has been a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations since 2012.[78] She serves on the advisory board of theHarvey Milk Foundation.[79]
