David Panzirer is a Trustee of The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. David is the grandson of Leona Helmsley and was appointed as both a Trustee and Executor of his grandmother’s estate upon her passing in 2007.
Five months before his grandmother’s death, one of David’s daughters was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. David’s personal interest in the disease has led to the creation of a robust and highly developed program built on funding unmet needs and innovative approaches in research, technology, systems and outreach that seek to create a better quality of life for individuals and families living with type 1 diabetes. The Helmsley Type 1 Diabetes Program works closely with partners such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, The Diabetes Research Institute and the American Diabetes Association as well as stakeholders in private philanthropy, industry, academia and government. David serves as a leader in fostering collaborations between funders and projects.
Prior to joining the Helmsley Charitable Trust, David enjoyed a successful ten-year career in New York City as a commercial real estate broker. His knowledge of the city and inherent understanding of the real estate business allowed David to develop a trail of success as Vice President of Leasing at RFR Realty, LLC. Before working with RFR Realty, LLC, David spent five years working as a project manager and director of operations at several Helmsley entities. David takes pride in his path to success and started his career with a technical education in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration from the Lincoln Technical Institute.