Peter George Peterson (1926-2018) was an influential American investment banker, businessman, and philanthropist whose career bridged Wall Street, Washington, and global policy. Born in Kearney, Nebraska, to Greek immigrant parents, Peterson rose from humble beginnings working in his family's diner to become a prominent figure in finance and government. He served as U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President Richard Nixon from 1972 to 1973, following roles as Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs in 1971. Earlier, he led Bell & Howell as chairman and CEO from 1963 to 1971, transforming the company. From 1973 to 1984, he headed Lehman Brothers as chairman and CEO, and in 1985, he co-founded the Blackstone Group, a major private equity firm, where he served as chairman. Peterson also chaired the Council on Foreign Relations from 1985 to 2007, shaping foreign policy discourse, and was known for his advocacy of fiscal responsibility. Peterson's later years focused on philanthropy, founding the Peter G. Peterson Foundation in 2008 with a $1 billion commitment to address U.S. fiscal challenges and promote economic sustainability. The nonpartisan foundation, led initially by David M. Walker, aimed to educate on entitlement reforms and deficit reduction. By 2011, he had contributed $458 million to it. Ranked 149th on Forbes' 400 Richest Americans in 2008 with a $2.8 billion net worth, Peterson's influence extended through business networks, policy commissions, and writings on fiscal austerity. He died at 91 in Manhattan, leaving a legacy of blending private sector success with public service advocacy.