MPT lay leader and benefactor Edward Kaplan dies at 87

Edward Kaplan, a philanthropist, entrepreneur and real estate developer who chaired Maryland Public Television’s governing board for 18 years, died Friday after a long illness. He was 87. 

Kaplan retired from the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission last June, ending his long tenure as chair and nearly 30 years on the commission. From 2013–19 he also represented MPT and public television at large as a member of the board of trustees of America’s Public Television Stations. 

“The MPT family mourns the passing of this wonderful man and great friend to our organization,” said MPT CEO Steven Schupak. “His nearly three decades of service and philanthropy won’t soon be equaled.”

Kaplan also served as an ex officio member of the MPT Foundation, Inc., the network’s fundraising arm. 

“We’ll truly miss this visionary, remarkable leader,” Schupak added. 

Kaplan and his wife Irene Kaplan donated $1 million to MPT in 2008 to establish a New Initiatives Fund supporting production of Maryland-centered programs. In 2022, MPT named its main studio The Irene and Edward H. Kaplan Production Studio, recognizing the couple’s generosity and service to the state network.

“Eddie was a trusted confidant who treasured MPT and, as its commission chair, always acted in the network’s best interests,” said Larry Unger, MPT CEO from 2011–25. “His business advice and insights were timely and meaningful. I will miss his friendship even more.” 

Kaplan served on the APTS board’s finance and audit committee. In 2019, he endowed the Edward H. Kaplan Fund, which gave APTS financial flexibility to respond to unanticipated challenges and opportunities. After Kaplan’s board term ended, APTS honored him with its 2020 David J. Brugger Lay Leadership Award. 

“His quiet yet persuasive leadership and expertise benefited Maryland Public Television, America’s Public Television Stations and the entire public television system,” said APTS CEO Kate Riley. “His dedication and service have built a legacy that will continue long into the future.” 

After earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Kaplan built his career in construction, real estate development and investments in related businesses. He was a founding stockholder and director of Palmer National Bank in Washington, D.C., and a director of its successor, George Mason Bankshares. When the bank was later acquired by United Bankshares, Inc. subsidiary United Bank, Kaplan served on its board until a restructuring in 2017.

He was also a founding stockholder and director of Silver Diner Development, Inc., and a director of its successor, Silver Diner, Inc., until a 2016 restructuring.

A resident of Potomac, Md., a suburb of Washington, D.C., Kaplan was active in local and international philanthropic organizations. He served as president of the United Jewish Endowment Fund, the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington. Kaplan was also a longtime board member of the JCC Association of North America and served as the organization’s chair from 2002 to 2006.

He supported multiple organizations and institutions in the national capital region, including the National Children’s Medical Center, the National Gallery of Art, the Capital Area Food Bank, and the Washington Hospital Center Foundation. He also served for more than two decades on the D.C. regional board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington.

Funeral services were held Sunday, according to an online obituary. His family suggests memorial donations to the Boys and Girls Clubs, Jewish Social Services Agency of the D.C. region, or the charity of your choice.