Brooklyn Milestones & Memorials: Seth Faison, 93, transformational civic leader in Brooklyn Heights, at BAM
Seth S. Faison, a Brooklyn native who led efforts to revive and strengthen the borough through its institutions, died peacefully at his home on Pierrepont Street on March 7. He was 93. Known to many in Brooklyn Heights as a convivial storyteller and a warm neighbor, he played a decisive if behind-the-scenes role in strengthening institutions that he knew to be essential for a flourishing culture.
Faison became chairman of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) in 1966, when it was suffering from declining audiences, moribund programming and a convoluted administrative structure that was draining its resources. Faison was asked to close it, in order to minimize liability. Instead, he recognized its potential and decided to try to launch its transformation. He made a daring decision to hire an un-known, Harvey Lichtenstein, as executive director. Lichtenstein had no management experience and a short resume at the Ford Foundation, but he had an energetic vision for a vibrant center of theater and dance that captured the adventurous mood of the 1960s. Faison overruled objections from his board and supported Lichtenstein, and their partnership succeeded brilliantly. Faison stepped down as chairman in 1972, while Lichtenstein led BAM for more than 30 years. Lichtenstein died in February 2017.
Faison served on innumerable boards, including as chairman of the Brooklyn Hospital Center from 1995 to 2005, ably steering it through rough times. He had served as a trustee since 1963 at Brooklyn Hospital, and later served on the New York State Hospital Trustees Association, of which he was chairman from 1995-97. He also served on the board of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts & Sciences for nearly 20 years, including as its chairman from 1979-1981. Earlier in his career, he served as a trustee at the Police Athletic League and as a regent at St. Francis College. He received numerous awards for distinguished trusteeship, including a special citation in 1975 for his outstanding service to BAM.