April 16, 2026
Dear Katzen Family, NYWIFT Community, & financial planners that support non-profits:
There are times in one’s life when you don’t know you are about to meet someone who will influence your life forever. There are quiet and funny souls that will impact your being. Anita Katzen was one of those people for me.
When I was hired as the new executive director of New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), she had been treasurer for many years. I remember the first time she met with me for a one-on-one interview, she looked at me up and down and I saw she was a straight shooter, someone that spoke clearly and accurately. As my mother would say, she did not mince words.
Anita Katzen (left) with fellow NYWIFT Board Members Flo Mitchell-Brown and Rachel Watanabe-Batton at the Muse Awards
She laughed with her wonderful raspy voice, “You look nice.” She went on to say, “Change is sometimes good. Let us see. You are a very accomplished woman. Now we just need you to move the organization forward – and help us define what that means. I like the ideas you expressed in your interview. Now we just need to understand how you develop fundraising plans that support them.”
Later, once I was well ensconced in the job, we would talk monthly to review the P&L, and I would answer any questions that she had. After three months, she came to my office and closed the door.
“Cynthia, you know we want you to network and court people,” she said. And for a minute I thought I was done, this must be my three-month review, and they are not happy. She went on, you have lunches and meetings that I see reflected in your board reports. Yet there are no expenses reflected in the Amex reports.”
I laughed: “It is just that if corporations want to learn more about us – I think they should be courting us.”
“Kind of like dating,” she said smiling.
“Yes,” I said. “When we meet with foundations, we order food to the NYWIFT conference room and buy fancy Italian cookies and eat with them, but make it feel special with place mats and stuff – you know old-school family style.”
Anita had a wonderful cantankerous laugh and her deep, raspy voice still resonates in my mind. “Basically, you are cheap! And your board and financial reports reflect accurately what you are doing. I love it! You are like me… CHEAP! Use resources carefully.”
I smiled, “Yes, I had a Dad that always figured out how to save 25 cents from every dollar he made. And he always drove a new car, and our family had really nice vacations.”
We laughed and she said, “Kid, you are doing great job! Just wanted you to know.”
Anita Katzen (left) with fellow NYWIFT Board Member Zenaida Mendez at the NYWIFT Muse Awards
When she retired from the Board, I saw her a handful of times at the Muse Awards. I so appreciated her mentorship, caring, and uplifting spirit. I have many stories about her – as I’m sure so many others do too. She is sorely missed by all in the NYWIFT community and I regret that I did not make more time to see her after the pandemic. I have never met an accountant with such spirit and soul.
Several of Anita’s cherished NYWIFT colleagues shared their memories of her:
“Anita Katzen served as the Treasurer of New York Women in Film & Television during the time that I was Executive Director, and we worked very closely together. I admired her intelligence, knowledge, and communication skills. She had a great way of explaining our financial reports to help the other Board Members understand our financial positions and challenges. Beyond the financial work, she was fun to work with and had a great sense of humor. She contributed in many ways and worked hard to help NYWIFT grow and thrive. Anita was a wonderful person and a loyal friend. I was able to spend time with her in Provincetown each summer, and I always loved those quiet, relaxed times, when our agenda was more pleasure than business. I will miss her very much.”
– Terry Lawler, Former NYWIFT Executive Director
“Anita will be sorely missed. On our Board, she was the voice of practicality, with sharp-witted brilliance and always the person in the room who cut through the noise with clarity and humor. Behind-the-scenes, Anita was extremely generous to me both personally and professionally, and without fanfare. I feel incredibly fortunate to have known her, learned from her, been supported by her, and I laughed every time we spoke… what a gift! Thank you for being part of our NYWIFT family, Anita.”
– Simone Pero, Former NYWIFT Board President
“Anita Katzen was a beloved longtime board member of NYWIFT, known for her unwavering dedication, generosity with her time, and a style that was both honest and deeply supportive. Beneath a sometimes tough exterior, she had a warm heart, bringing her expertise as an accountant and her genuine love for NYWIFT to everything she did. I will miss the treat of seeing her at our annual Muse Awards.”
– Jamie Zelermyer, Former NYWIFT Board President
May she rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Lopez
CEO, NYWIFT
Remembering Anita Katzen
Anita Katzen (nee Silverman), of Miami Beach, Florida, formerly of New York, New York, passed away on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026, at the age of 71. She is survived by her beloved husband, Hal Katzen; loving children, Donna Katzen and Matthew Katzen; devoted sister, Susan Silverman; and cherished grandson, Liam Parker Katzen-Mather. She was predeceased by her dear sister, Gloria Silverman; and adoring parents, Betty and Colman Silverman.
Anita had a passionate zest for life. She was extremely intelligent, ambitious, and she traveled extensively with her husband, Hal. High school sweethearts, Anita and Hal met in Baltimore, Maryland before moving to New York City, where they began their life together and raised their family. Married for 48 wonderful years, their partnership was a true testament to love and devotion. After graduating from New York University, Anita worked successfully as a CPA Accountant for 45 years; the last twenty of those years, as a first woman partner at Schulman Lobel and Katzen Williams and Blackman LLP.
Anita Katzen (left) with emcee Sunda Croonquist at the 2018 NYWIFT Designing Women Awards
A true feminist, she was a trailblazer in her field and took great pride in empowering and uplifting other women throughout her career. She provided expertise in personal financial planning and strategic business management advice for entertainers, actors, musicians, producers, writers, film companies, and documentaries. She always went above and beyond the call of duty. Anita was named Best Accountant of 2013 by the New York Enterprise Report. She was also the accountant for the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences and was Treasurer for New York Women in Film & Television for many years. Anita found joy in cooking and had a deep love for flowers, especially orchids, and cherished visiting the New York Botanical Gardens.
Known for her generosity, she touched all who knew her with kindness and warmth. She deeply loved and supported her children, always encouraging them and taking pride in their accomplishments. Anita was also a wonderful mother, wife, sister and grandmother; she was the strong anchor of our family.
