Our Founders
In 1995, philanthropists Zachary Fisher and David Rockefeller joined forces to create the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Center for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease (the Fisher Center Lab) at The Rockefeller University. Each of them contributed $2.5 million to build what is now one of the largest and best-equipped scientific facilities for Alzheimer’s research in the world.
This transformative partnership had deeply personal roots. Zachary’s beloved wife Elizabeth and David’s sister-in-law Blanchette both lived with Alzheimer’s during the final years of their lives. To honor them and give hope to millions of people battling this devastating disease all around the world, the Fisher Center Lab was dedicated to the pursuit of a clear and powerful vision: working towards a future where Alzheimer’s is nothing but a memory.
To sustain and expand the scope of that vision, in 1995 Zachary founded the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, which funds laboratories and programs at major research institutions around the world to uncover the causes of Alzheimer’s disease, improve the care of people living with it, and ultimately find a cure.
“I know that an answer will not be found in time to help my beloved Elizabeth,” Zachary said when the Foundation was created. “But I want to do what I can to find a cure so that others will not have to suffer through the ravages of this disease as my wife and I have had to.”
This spirit of resolve and compassion shaped every aspect of Zachary and Elizabeth’s philanthropy. Together, they created a legacy of service that continues to uplift the lives of countless people through organizations they established in support of military families, veterans, and the broader public:
The Intrepid Museum preserves the legendary aircraft carrier USS Intrepid and other historic vessels and exhibits, advancing the mission to honor those who serve, educate the public about our shared history, and inspire new generations through science and discovery.
The Fisher House Foundation provides a nationwide network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay free of charge while their loved ones receive care, ensuring that no family faces medical hardship alone.
The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund supports the physical and psychological recovery of America’s wounded service members and veterans through world-class rehabilitation and research facilities, including the Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio and the National Intrepid Center of Excellence in Bethesda.
