Which well-known businessman was appointed chairman of the Statue of Liberty restoration project in the mid 1980's?

In the mid-1980s, America's iconic Statue of Liberty was in dire need of extensive restoration. Decades of exposure to the elements had taken their toll, necessitating significant repairs to ensure her preservation for future generations. To spearhead this monumental undertaking, President Ronald Reagan appointed a prominent figure from the business world: Lee Iacocca. His selection in May 1982 to lead the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation marked the beginning of a massive private fundraising effort.

Iacocca, then the chairman of Chrysler Corporation, was a natural choice for such a high-profile national project. He had garnered widespread admiration for successfully turning around the struggling Chrysler company, demonstrating exceptional leadership and fundraising capabilities. Beyond his business prowess, Iacocca, the son of Italian immigrants, also held a deep personal connection to the Statue of Liberty, viewing it as a powerful symbol of hope and opportunity for those coming to America. This personal sentiment, combined with his proven track record, made him an ideal leader to rally public support and generate the hundreds of millions of dollars needed for the restoration.

Under Iacocca's guidance, the foundation launched a highly successful campaign that relied entirely on private donations, emphasizing public involvement rather than government funding. The restoration itself was a complex project involving nearly 1,000 laborers, who replaced the rusted iron armature, repaired the copper skin, and installed a new torch. The painstaking work culminated in a grand celebration known as "Liberty Weekend" in July 1986, marking the Statue's centennial and her triumphant reopening to the public.