Every year for the last 40 years Ronnyjane Goldsmith has written her obituary determined to make it Sunday New York Times worthy. In the process she challenged norms, confronted power brokers and changed the landscape of her times.
After receiving her BA, MA, and Ph.D. from Temple University, Goldsmith began a career as a public servant, holding appointed positions in Pennsylvania, Maryland and California. Often hired as a “fixer” following Grand Jury recommendations, the fiscal policies she advanced, well documented by newspapers throughout her career, brought to light conflicts of interest in the public sector that cost taxpayers billions of dollars while enriching the coffers of elected officials, private consultants and labor unions.
After 25 years, Goldsmith left public service to become an entrepreneur and philanthropist. When asked why she left public service, she explained only part in jest “because all my references are dead, indicted or incarcerated.”
Goldsmith is the founder of Black Swan Asset Management, a private investment management business, with close to $100 million dollars under management. As in the public sector, her solutions for private clients are simple and elegant and many times at odds with prevailing practices.
Goldsmith established SIGGiving, in 1998, the year she left public service. SIGGiving began with Goldsmith making a $100 donation to charity for each client referred to her.
Over the decades, SIGGiving has grown to embrace programs providing medical assistance to children without hope; programs improving access to higher education for children without family support or financial resources; and programs to preserve our national heritage.
As of 2025, 57 SIG Scholarships have been awarded to students at Temple University and City College of New York.
Goldsmith is the author of Temple Made. Profiles in Grit, published in 2021 and CCNY Made. Profiles in Grit, published in 2023. Each book chronicles the lives of alumni who overcame impossible odds to rise to the pinnacle of their professions. Proceeds from sales are dedicated to The 57 Cent Fund at Temple University and The Delancey Street Fund at CCNY. Established by Goldsmith, both funds assist students facing catastrophic and unforeseen life events.
Goldsmith divides her time between Palm Beach, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.
She has no plans to retire, still determined to make her obituary Sunday New York Times worthy.
Ronnyjane Goldsmith 