Giving Back

In January, David Redden and his wife Jeannette, a couple deeply committed to the Hudson Valley, were honored with the prestigious Franny Reese Medal by Scenic Hudson. Despite facing the new challenges of David’s ALS diagnosis, their dedication to the region has never wavered. David’s legacy is marked by his more than three decades of service on the boards of Scenic Hudson and its affiliated Land Trust. David’s environmental advocacy was unwavering, earning him a reputation as a visionary leader and a vocal opponent of threats to the Hudson Valley’s natural beauty.

Beyond his environmental work, David enjoyed a storied career as a renowned auctioneer with Sotheby’s, where he served as vice-chairman and the longest-serving auctioneer from 1975 to 2016. He also held the prestigious position of Worldwide Chairman of Sotheby’s Books and Manuscripts. Jeannette, equally passionate about preserving the valley’s beauty, has served as a Commissioner of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission since 2014.

 Despite the challenges posed by David’s illness, his commitment to giving back remains strong. He is one of a select few participating in groundbreaking research with the Australian company Synchron, which is developing Stentrodes—chips and wires placed in the brain—to convert brain signals into language. This research, while demanding, is a source of inspiration and motivation for David.

David and Jeannette’s environmental philanthropic efforts have been monumental. Through both their past work and current research endeavors their contributions will be felt for generations to come.