Edward Blank Biography City College Graduation 2021

Ed Blank

Edward Blank is a telemarketing pioneer, having founded Edward Blank Associates, Inc. (EBA) in 1968 and served as its CEO. His successful use of the telephone as a powerful direct marketing tool helped launch the telemarketing industry. One of the first firms in the industry, EBA helped to define the industry through its innovations in training, quality control, technology, and data security. EBA became a top ten firm selling products and services from 13 call centers in the U.S. and Canada. Major clients included AT&T and Weekly Reader Children’s Books. Prior to founding EBA, Ed held senior market research positions in media, advertising, and industry.

Ed received his BA in Economics from the City College of New York (CCNY) in 1957 and attended NYU Graduate School of Business. He is actively engaged as a board member of the Foundation for City College and is a member of its Finance Committee.

Ed was married to the late City College Professor, Dr. Sharon Cosloy, a member of the City College Biology faculty for 27 years and a nationally known microbial geneticist. She served as Chair of the Biology Department for 6 years. Dr. Cosloy was a prominent researcher, dedicated teacher and mentor who was loved and respected by both faculty and students alike. To honor her memory and accomplishments, Ed has endowed an annual scholarship to support undergraduate research, a Professorial Fund to recruit and support a faculty member whose research includes microbial genetics and an annual lectureship which brings eminent scientists to the City College campus.

Ed is active in various philanthropic organizations. He is a member of the National Board of the Jewish National Fund (JNF). He formerly served as JNF’s NGO Representative at the United Nations. Under JNF’s auspices, Ed funded a monument in Jerusalem, The 9/11 Living Memorial, dedicatedto the victims of 9/11. Ed also is a major supporter of the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research where he supports an initiative to preserve, digitize and virtually reunite YIVO’s prewar library and archival collection located in New York City and Vilnius, Lithuania so that it becomes globally available for the public and academicians alike.

Ed resides in Manhattan and is a proud father of two and grandfather of three.

Last Updated: 05/20/2021 16:22