The Sigourney Award Trust

The Trust is Shaped by a Clear Sense of Purpose.

The Sigourney Award Trust rewards outstanding work throughout the world that has advanced psychoanalytic thought, principles, and practice.

Founder Mary Sigourney held a deep and enduring commitment to psychoanalysis, recognizing its unique power to enrich human understanding and foster meaningful dialogue across disciplines. She believed that psychoanalysis was not confined to the consulting room or the academy, but could inform and be informed by the arts, humanities, and social sciences—broadening public awareness and fostering greater understanding and acceptance of psychoanalytic ideas.

Concerned that mainstream psychoanalysis was placing insufficient emphasis on applied work and rigorous research, Ms. Sigourney founded The Sigourney Award Trust. Her vision was clear: to encourage bold, original, and distinguished contributions to psychoanalysis and to the advancement of psychoanalytic principles and thought worldwide. She understood that cross-disciplinary collaboration and artistic expression could extend psychoanalytic thought into the cultural sphere, making it more accessible and relevant to contemporary life.

An independent and forward-thinking leader, Mary Sigourney believed that publicly recognizing exceptional achievement would inspire future generations of scholars, clinicians, and creative thinkers. She intentionally designed The Sigourney Award to honor accomplishments already realized, empowering recipients to use the unrestricted prize in whatever way best supports their continued work—rather than tying the award to prospective grant outcomes.

William A. Myerson, PhD, Analyst Emeritus Trustee (2011-2021) reflects on the award’s advancement of psychoanalytic thought throughout the world.

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“We are excited by the new and innovative ways that psychoanalytic approaches are being used to benefit the human experience.”

— Barbara Sherland, J.D., Attorney Emeritus Trustee (2009- 2023)

Founder Mary Sigourney 1927-1988

Mary Sigourney was a licensed psychotherapist, publisher, and community activist whose life reflected intellectual curiosity, civic engagement, and a deep commitment to human understanding. She earned a master’s degree in marital, family, and child counseling and pursued the study of psychoanalysis with particular interest in how its principles informed and enriched other disciplines.

She was especially intrigued by psychoanalysis as a bridge across fields—contributing to psychiatry, psychology, child development, anthropology, sociology, law, criminology, and the arts and humanities. Mary believed that psychoanalytic ideas could deepen public discourse and illuminate cultural life far beyond clinical practice.

Known for her direct communication style and distinctive sense of humor, Mary brought clarity, independence, and warmth to both her professional and personal relationships. She was the mother of two sons and remained actively engaged in her community throughout her life. In the Bay Area, she published The Advocate, a periodical dedicated to environmental, social, and community issues—reflecting her belief that informed dialogue strengthens civic life.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Mary made her home in Northern California and was a longtime resident of Carmel Valley. She is survived by her two sons, her faithful canine companion, and devoted friends. Her enduring intention to inspire thoughtful inquiry and meaningful contribution lives on through The Sigourney Award.

Our Trustees

The Sigourney Award Trust has two Trustees: a distinguished analyst and an attorney with a thorough understanding of the trustees' fiduciary duties.

Robin A. Deutsch, PhD

ANALYST CO-TRUSTEE

Dr. Deutsch is a psychoanalyst and a licensed clinical psychologist. She is a Training and Supervising Analyst at the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis, a Personal Analyst at the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California, and on faculty at the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis. Most recently, she served as President of the North American Psychoanalytic Confederation from 2018 to 2021. After earning her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, Dr. Deutsch graduated from the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis in Adult Psychoanalysis.

Michael J. Harrington, JD

Mr. Harrington has held executive and senior counsel roles leading trust teams at First Republic Trust Company, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo Bank. After an impressive career applying his legal expertise in estate planning and trust management to represent corporate and individual trustees, Mr. Harrington retired from corporate life, in San Francisco, California in 2022. In addition to his Trustee role, he is sought-after speaker and panelist on fiduciary topics and actively supports numerous charitable organizations. His legal and financial proficiency is complemented by his extensive connection with the mental health and psychoanalytic community.

ATTORNEY C0-TRUSTEE

Emeritus Trustees

Barbara C. Sherland, JD

Ms. Sherland, an accomplished attorney and Partner at Stoel Rives, LLP, in Seattle Washington for 28 years, advised nonprofit organizations on topics ranging from governance to tax filings to strategic alliances. Ms. Sherland’s distinguished service as the Attorney Trustee, from 2009-2023, was instrumental in maintaining the Trust Agreement, policies, and procedures as well as protecting the Trust’s independence. Ms. Sherland was instrumental in modernizing the Award’s application and evaluation processes and actively cultivated a more international applicant pool.

IMMEDIATE PAST ATTORNEY CO-TRUSTEE

Dr. William A. Myerson, PhD, MBA

Dr. Myerson, is a psychoanalyst and a licensed clinical psychologist, a Training and Supervising Psychoanalyst at the Center for Psychoanalytic Studies in Houston, Texas, and an Adjunct Professor in the Dept. of Psychiatry. Dr. Myerson’s distinguished service as the Analyst Trustee from 2011-2021 was instrumental in modernizing the Award’s application and evaluation processes and actively cultivating a more international applicant pool through expanded outreach.

IMMEDIATE PAST ANALYST CO-TRUSTEE

James Devine, JD

FOUNDING ATTORNEY TRUSTEE

Mr. Devine was Ms. Sigourney's attorney and trusted advisor, and shared her vision and dedication to encouraging and recognizing the work that makes significant contributions to psychoanalysis. Mr. Devine worked tirelessly with Ms. Sigourney to establish the Trust. He retired from his Trustee role in 2009 after 20 years of service.

Mary Sigourney’s Legacy

Jim Devine, Attorney Emeritus Trustee, discusses Mary’s last wishes and the beginnings of her original and extraordinary gift.

Foundation Administration

Established in 1989, the Mary Sigourney Award Trust is an independent, private foundation registered with the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General. The Trust’s annual return may be viewed at the website of the California Attorney General. View annual reports at Candid.

Candid Link