Barry Silverstein

Barry Silverstein is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and passionate patron of emerging sciences. After earning a law degree from Yale in 1957, he began his professional career, which has spanned five decades and included such diverse roles as law professor, pioneer in the cable television industry, and Chairman of the Board of a NYSE company. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of a publicly-traded REIT (where he is a member of the compensation and audit committees).

Barry was an early supporter and benefactor for the rapidly maturing science of nanotechnology, and Roger Fisher's Harvard Negotiation Project. He has a deep and abiding interest in the work of the Mind and Life Institute, which seeks to bridge mindfulness meditation with the discoveries and exploration of modern science. He has supported the Institute and its projects, including a seminal series of conferences involving His Holiness the Dalai Lama and leading scientific researchers.

Barry’s funding of the William James Foundation has equipped it to support a broad range of projects to benefit both individuals and communities, with a special interest in promoting social entrepreneurship.