ROBERT A. HOFF
General Partner, Crosspoint Venture Partners
Born in Illinois, Sept. 23, 1952
Lives in Irvine (Turtle Rock)
OC’s top venture capitalist. Has put OC on the map of venture investing with his highly calculated, aggressive bets. Has invested in more than 65 startups. Firm has more than $1 billion invested in some 200 companies. Hits include Innovent Systems (acquired by Broadcom), IPivot, (bought by Intel), PairGain Technologies (bought by ADC Telecommunications). Misses include marchFIRST.
Crosspoint’s OC investments totaled about $40 million in 2000. Firm led $18 million first round of funding for Irvine-based Access360, a maker of network access software. Also in on second round totaling $41.4 million.
Hoff already has survived two bear markets. Previously was president of Marwit Capital, Newport Beach, manager at a GE company. Joined Crosspoint to start and manage Irvine office, which opened in 1984. Lived in Huntington Beach before moving to Irvine.
Bachelor’s in business from Bucknell University, MBA from Harvard.
Doesn’t view other venture capital firms as threat. Was among the founders of Orange County Venture Capital Association, which tried to promote venture activity in OC in the mid-1980s. Crash of 1987 did the group in.
Respects and supports co-workers. Encourages all employees, including administrative staff, to participate in the Crosspoint fund.
Energetic, enthusiastic. Schedules calendar around family events. Team administrator of daughter’s soccer team, Irvine Lasers.
Loves golf, helicopter skiing. Wife Ann, daughters Rachel, Amy.
,Rajiv Vyas
DONALD PARKER KENNEDY
Chairman, First American Corp.
Born in San Jacinto, Texas, Oct. 16, 1918
Lives in Santa Ana
PARKER STEVEN KENNEDY
President, First American Corp.
Born in Orange, Feb. 18, 1948
Lives in Orange Park Acres
Father-and-son team heads nation’s leading diversified provider of business information including, one of the largest, and what many consider the best company in the title insurance business,First American Title Insurance Co.
Don, 82, and Parker, 53, are driving a diversification that has positioned the company as a premier provider of real estate information, with the nation’s largest and most comprehensive database of property characteristics and ownership information. Company also is a rapidly growing consumer information provider offering services directly to consumers and the businesses that serve them.
The company’s expanded product lines include tax monitoring, property information, flood compliance, mortgage loan servicing, default management, employee screening, credit reporting, property and automotive insurance tracking, home warranties, and trust and investment advisory services. Company has nearly 20,000 employees in more than 1,100 offices in the U.S. and abroad.
Third and fourth generation to run the family business founded in 1889 by C.E. Parker, great grandfather of Parker. The Kennedys have built First American into U.S. and Canadian leader in title insurance and fifth-largest OC-based public company by revenue.
Felt margin squeeze in 2000: Revenue dropped 2% to $2.93 billion, but net income plummeted to $72 million from $89 million in 1999 and more than $200 million in 1998.
First American made 18 acquisitions during 2000. Of those, 13 were title related. So far for 2001, First American has announced two title buys. First American has also announced plans to acquire two other companies, LFC,one of the nation’s largest field services and property preservation companies,and CMSI, a provider of credit automation technology and services.
Parker runs operations. Is personable executive who remembers employees’ birthdays. Don still spends considerable time in the office, much of rest of his time on the golf course, where’s he’s posted nine holes-in-one over his lifetime. Still a better golfer than his son, who confesses, “It’s embarrassing.”
Don was president (company doesn’t use CEO title) from 1963 to 1993, when he became chairman and Parker took over as president.
Don, a graduate of Stanford University, joined First American’s predecessor, Orange County Title Co., in 1948 after receiving his law degree from the University of Southern California School of Law.
He has numerous professional and charitable affiliations throughout Orange County, but most recently Don was appointed chairman of the board of governors for the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art in Santa Ana. Don was also recently honored at the dedication of Donald P. Kennedy Hall, a four-story, state-of-the-art facility at the Chapman University School of Law.
Parker joined company in 1977, became VP in 1979; executive VP in 1983, president of First American Title in 1989, a position he held until 1999 when he became chairman of the title company. He has bachelor’s degree in economics from USC; law degree from Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco. He and his wife of 23 years, Sherry, have two grown children. Hobbies include running (he’s participated in LA Marathons), fly-fishing and golf.
DAVID JAMES MURPHY
CEO, Y & R; Companies Inc., Irvine
Born in Karachi, Pakistan, July 31, 1960
Lives in Newport Coast
Jet-setting top exec at OC’s largest ad agency. Recently promoted to chief executive overseeing five Y & R; divisions including Y & R; Advertising, Landor, Burson-Marsteller, The Media Edge, which collectively bill around $650 million annually. Personable, articulate, will continue to oversee Y & R; Advertising (was president from October 1999) and the agency’s largest client Lincoln Mercury,the main reason Y & R; set up shop in OC about two years ago.
Credited with propelling growth of the local office, which has expanded into two Irvine Spectrum buildings with funky black-and-creme d & #233;cor. Under his direction, Y & R; Advertising landed four chunks of business (totaling more than $90 million in billings) in the past year with name clients: Sony Electronics, Mattel, Xerox. Another big boon: Jaguar North America.
Murphy’s law: to continue knocking down so-called “Orange Curtain,” recruit brightest, best in the biz, regardless of location. Recently lured industry veteran John Doyle from Publicis/Hal Riney in San Francisco as agency’s new executive creative director.
Takes inspiration from environment, people, thus eclectic office d & #233;cor. Walls painted with famous quotes from Albert Einstein, Frank Capra pushing the idea of inspired simplicity: “All acts performed in the world begin in the imagination.” “Genius is the ability to reduce the complicated to the simple.”
Before Y & R;, Murphy served as head of marketing communications at Aetna U.S. Healthcare and the first 16 years of his career at Ogilvy & Mather, where he rose to senior partner and worldwide client service director and was a member of the New York office’s operating board. UCI Chief Executive Roundtable member.
Wife Sharon; two daughters. Loves tennis, scuba diving and family snowboarding and skiing trips. A wine buff.
,Jennifer Bellantonio
HOWARD G. PHANSTIEL
President, CEO,
PacifiCare Health Systems Inc.
Age 52; born in New York City
Lives in Westwood
Took one of the hotter seats in healthcare last year when he became interim leader of the managed-care company. Named permanent president, CEO in December. Wall Street has looked favorably on him.
PacifiCare, long a shining star in managed care, saw luster diminish last year prior to his elevation. Wrestling with a business landscape shift from signature fixed-payment contracts to shared costs with hospitals, doctors. Parted ways with St. Joseph Health System last year over costs, rate increases.
Phanstiel’s goals include decreasing reliance on Medicare, which accounts for around 60% of profits. Planning push into new products, including preferred-provider organization and a supplemental Medicare insurance. Down the road, looking at expanding into areas not traditionally covered by health insurance in a bid to lure more enrollees.
PacifiCare’s 2000 revenue totaled $11.5 billion, up 15% from 1999. Company employs 8,800 people, 4,386 in OC.
Air of decisiveness. Joined PacifiCare last July as executive VP, CFO. Previously was chairman, CEO of ARV Assisted Living Inc., Costa Mesa-based assisted-living company. Also worked for WellPoint Health Networks as executive VP, finance and information systems. Held various executive, management jobs with Prudential-Bache, Marine Midland, Sallie Mae, Citibank.
Phanstiel’s public sector healthcare experience includes stint as a director of the U.S. Health Care Financing Administration’s Office of Management and Budget.
Holds bachelor’s in political science from Syracuse University, master’s from Syracuse’s Maxwell School of Public Administration. Married.
,Vita Reed
RICHARD J. STATUTO
President, CEO, St. Joseph Health System
Born in Long Island, N.Y., June 10, 1957
Lives in Orange
Statuto runs Orange-based health system made up of 15 hospitals,three in OC,home health agencies and physician practices in three states. St. Joseph put itself at the center of one of the area’s most talked-about healthcare stories by cutting its HMO network from 17 to five plans.
The network reduction happened because Statuto said he came to believe that a provider “could not be successful catering to 20 different payer systems.” He said that St. Joseph’s network trimming involved both reduced risks to the health system and increased rates from health plans.
St. Joseph’s full-time employee count went from 18,308 in 1999 to 18,959 in 2000. The system reported earnings of $52.4 million on revenue of $2.2 billion in 2000, compared with earnings of $72.5 million on revenue of $2.2 billion in 1999. Community benefit spending was $236.6 million in 2000, compared with $239.4 million in 1999.
Statuto came to St. Joseph in 1990 and was vice president of planning and marketing and COO, assuming his current job in January 1995.
St. Joseph has more than tripled its size and expanded operations in its markets since Statuto took over at the top.
Statuto was corporate vice president at Bon Secours Health System in Maryland, senior management consultant at Touche Ross & Co. in Michigan and an international marketing consultant for the U.S. Department of Commerce prior to coming to St. Joseph. Recently named a director of Kmart.
He’s vice chairman of Christus Health, Dallas. Belongs to the board of Catholic Health Association and board chairman of the Red Cross’ Orange County chapter.
Holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Vanderbilt University, MBA from Xavier University.
Married to Jennifer; four sons, ages 11, 9, 7 and 4. Likes golf, tennis, family and community activities.
THOMAS COLE SUTTON
Chairman, CEO, Pacific Life Insurance Co.
Born in Atlanta, June 2, 1942
Lives in Corona del Mar
Has created fast growing insurance company that Warren Buffet would love to get hold of. Company had 2000 revenue of $4.4 billion, up 43% from 1999.
Runs what continues to be the largest private company by revenue in OC. If IPO ever comes, would certainly be one of the largest in OC history. More than 2,500 OC employees.
Sutton is one of longer-running CEOs in OC, now in his 12th year at helm of Pacific Life. A lifer: worked summers during college with the company, stayed on as an actuary. Has kept company focused on lucrative niche: life insurance, retirement services for wealthy clients.
Company spawned giant bond manager PIMCO Advisors LP and still holds about a 30% stake in PIMCO, now part of Allianz.
Bachelor’s in mathematics and physics from University of Toronto. Completed Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program. Many civic activities: Pacific Life Foundation last year donated more than $3 million to more than 176 local nonprofits, including to South Coast Rep, Ocean Institute, AIDS Services Foundation Orange County.
On board of California Chamber of Commerce , past chairman of American Council of Life Insurance, past chairman, Association of California Life Insurance Cos., former chairman of Health Insurance Association of America.
Irvine Company board member, also on boards of Newhall Land and Farming Co., Edison International.
Wife Marilyn, English professor. Sons Stephen, Paul, Matthew; daughter Meagan. Skis, golfs, reads.
,Rajiv Vyas
GREG H. WEAVER
Chairman, CEO
Pacific Sunwear of California Inc.
Born in Patterson, N.J., Jan., 17, 1954
Lives in Cowan Heights
One of the surfwear industry’s hottest executives, heading up fast-growing Anaheim-based specialty retailer of surf- and skateboard-inspired clothing.
Company is a retailer of casual apparel, accessories and footwear for teens and young adults with 589 total units in 48 states (61 stores in California); up from 209 units at end of 1996. Weaver shortened store names to the popular nickname PacSun, launched the 80-unit d.e.m.o. chain two years ago aimed at a broader, more urban, multicultural market of young men 12 to 29 and is exploring e-commerce territory and new international markets.
In the past year the company, which has 2,300 employees, added 120 stores and expanded into Puerto Rico; Weaver expects to add 125 stores by end of this year and have a total of 1,000 stores by 2003. The company plans to move this year into new, larger $36 million facilities in Anaheim.
Company sales for fiscal 2000 ended Feb. 4 grew 34.9% to $589.4 million. Web site sales began in June 1999 and are expected to reach that of eight or nine average stores, or roughly $9 million, this year. Company launched a PacSun credit card in July.
Stock price rose from roughly 13 in September to 34 this month, just short of its 52-week high of 39 recorded in April 2000. Recently, market capitalization was $1.1 billion.
Weaver earned $1.5 million in salary and bonus for fiscal year ended January. Has a 4% stake in the company.
Company has become industry force, able to influence surfwear and skateboard clothing manufacturers to enter new categories and provide specific products for its stores.
Irvine-based Bates USA West recently launched a new $12 million national ad campaign featuring real kids engaging in skateboarding and surfing for print, TV. Weaver pushed for sponsorship of the X Games on ESPN/ABC Sports and has since expanded the deal through this summer 2001. Also, Pacific Sunwear has a partnership to design and distribute apparel by Santa Fe Springs-based Vans Inc.
Weaver joined company in July 1987 as VP of stores. Held positions of senior VP, executive VP, COO and president. Succeeded Michael Rayden as CEO in 1996, became chairman in November 1997. Earlier, was employed for 13 years by Jaeger Sportswear Ltd. in both operational and merchandising capacities for the U.S. and Canadian stores.
Single. Likes to exercise.
,Susan Schaben
SAM WOLGEMUTH
President, CEO, Freedom Communications Inc.
Born in Waynesboro, Pa., July 31, 1943
Lives in Coto de Caza
N. CHRISTIAN ANDERSON III
Publisher, CEO, The Orange County Register
Born in Idaho, Aug. 4, 1950
Lives in Coto de Caza
The one-two punch at Orange County’s dominant news organization. Wolgemuth CEO since fall of 1998; Anderson the top gun at flagship Orange County Register since January 1999.
Wolgemuth had big shoes to fill, replacing Jim Rosse, 69, who retired after seven years of transforming and growing the Hoiles-family-owned company into a more professional and diverse media business. (Rosse now a Freedom director.)
2000 company revenue estimated at $800 million, up from $770 million in 1999, $735 million in 1998 and $635 million in 1997 (all estimates). Besides the Register, which still accounts for about half the revenue, Freedom has 27 other daily newspapers, 35 weeklies, 14 magazines, eight TV stations and about 50 Internet sites.
The company made the biggest acquisition in its history in 2000, spending $235 million to purchase the Thomson Newspapers Arizona Group: The Tribune in Mesa/Scottsdale, The Yuma Daily Sun and The Daily News Sun in Sun City. The company also bought The Telegraph in Alton, Illinois from the Journal Register Co. Wolgemuth said the newspapers added 1,000 employees to the company, boosted Freedom’s daily newspaper circulation by 160,000 subscribers and added $100 million to annual revenue.
Prior to Freedom, Wolgemuth was COO of Reed International and executive vice president of Reed Travel Group; spent 13 years with McGraw-Hill, primarily at Business Week; from 1992 to 1994 was president of Simon & Schuster’s business, technical and professional group, with $500 million in revenue and 2,800 employees. Joined Freedom in 1995 as president of Freedom Magazines. Bachelor’s in philosophy from Taylor University in Indiana. A director of Newspaper Association of America, Youth for Christ International, and The Pacific Symphony Orchestra. Also active with Saddleback Church. Wife Mary Gayle, four children. Hobbies are reading and classical music.
Former Register editor Anderson replaced the retiring R. David Threshie (now Freedom’s chairman), returning to the paper to spearhead various initiatives. Established OCRMagazines which includes the newly-acquired Coast magazine. Led the paper’s new content and design changes. Chairman of MyOrangeCounty.com, the company’s affiliated Web site portal.
Register’s average paid daily circulation for six months ended Sept. 30 was 358,654, Sunday figure was 417,247. The paper now holds close to 150,000-subscriber edge weekdays and 130,000 on Sundays over the Los Angeles Times.
Anderson joined the Register as editor in 1980 from Seattle Times Co. Pushed reader-friendly concepts like bright graphics and shorter stories, vastly upgraded editorial content. Became executive VP and associate publisher. Named 1988 editor of the year by National Press Foundation, 1993 California newspaper executive of the year by California Press Association. Reassigned in 1994 to publisher of Colorado Springs Gazette, Freedom’s second-largest newspaper.
Past president of the American Society of Newspaper Editors. Chairman of the Orange County Business Committee for the Arts. On the board of South Coast Repertory, Orange County Business Council, San Juan Mission Preservation Foundation and the Board of Governors of the Center Club. A director of The Seattle Times Co. and The Blethen Corp., owner of the Seattle Times.
Wife Aletha, four children. Hobbies include reading and basketball.
GEORGE LEON ARGYROS
Chairman, CEO, Arnel & Affiliates
General Partner, Westar Capital
Born in Detroit, Feb. 4, 1937
Lives in Newport Beach (Harbor Island)
Developer who has pulled back considerably on his real estate endeavors in favor of political matters; prodigious fundraiser: Helped collect roughly $30 million for Bush campaign effort; rewarded with nomination as ambassador to Spain (Senate confirmation pending).
Philanthropist who has taken on major role at Chapman University, where business school named after him. Recently gave $5 million to South Coast Rep. Has taken controversial political stand in favor of El Toro commercial airport and donated roughly $3.5 million toward effort. Likely to step back from airport issue with pending ambassadorship.
OC holdings include Metro Pointe retail-entertainment-office complex across from South Coast Plaza. Holds slightly more than 5% stake in Costa Mesa-based Apria Healthcare Group Inc.
Second-generation Greek-American. First job was mowing lawns, moved up to paperboy, later worked his way through college in grocery industry. Briefly studied food distribution. Received licenses in securities, insurance, real estate. Ultimately chose real estate.
Today through Arnel & Affiliates owns, manages 5,400 apartments in OC, and more than 2 million square feet of office, industrial and retail properties.
Formed Westar Capital, a prominent investor in companies with high-growth potential; holdings include Doskocil Manufacturing Co., Tecstar, Cinetech and Verteq.
Previously owned Seattle Mariners baseball team and, with fellow OC 50er William Lyon, AirCal.
Directorships include Rockwell International, DST Systems, First American, Newhall Land & Farming, Doskocil Manufacturing, Tecstar, Harper Leather Goods and Verteq.
Alumnus of Michigan State, Chapman University. Chairman of Chapman’s board of trustees since 1976, top benefactor: student center, Argyros Forum, named after him. Member of the board of Caltech, Independent Colleges of Southern California, steering committee of Independent Higher Education Network. Chairman of Beckman Foundation, Argyros Foundation, founding chairman Nixon Center, vice chairman Doheny Eye Institute, Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace in Yorba Linda and board member Orange County Council Boy Scouts of America.
1993 winner of the Horatio Alger Award of Distinguished Americans, serves as chairman. Wife, Judie, a fixture in OC society scene; three children. Enjoys sailing, snow skiing, golf, fishing and hunting.
,Nidal M. Ibrahim
DONALD L. BREN
Owner, Chairman, The Irvine Company
Born in Los Angeles, May 11, 1932
Lives in Newport Beach (Linda Isle)
Orange County’s head honcho; by most accounts its most powerful businessman. Owner of sprawling Irvine Ranch, which he controls through his Irvine Co., a Newport Beach-based commercial and residential developer with more than $1 billion in annual revenue. Owns 28 million square feet of income properties and more than 50,000 acres, roughly 10% of OC’s land.
Savvy and prescient businessman who is said to be preparing Irvine Co. for possible economic slowdown. Currently in the midst of a major re-juggling of senior executives in favor of younger hands. Out are longtime confidants Gary Hunt, Bill McFarland and other senior personnel. Richard Sim, another senior exec, is said to be mulling retirement.
Was county’s third-wealthiest resident by Forbes’ reckoning in fall ($4 billion), behind fellow OC 50ers Henry Samueli and Henry Nicholas of Broadcom. But recent stock market drubbing of tech shares has restored him to No. 1. He’s seeking city approval to build a 7,200-square-foot home on Newport Beach’s Harbor Island.
Shy and extremely private. While his power and influence behind the scenes is undeniable, rarely willingly ventures onto public spotlight. Took REIT Irvine Apartment Communities private, in the midst of aggressive building expansion in OC and other markets, most notably in San Diego and San Jose areas. IAC building North Park, a 60-acre, 2,400-unit apartment community in San Jose.
Also pushing commercial expansion in Silicon Valley: Holdings now total 2.3 million square feet of commercial space (with another 1.5 million planned or under construction) and 3,700 apartments.
Pal of former Gov. Pete Wilson. Large booster of UC system: Bren has endowed more chairs than any other single donor, given more than $20 million to UCI. Contributed 21,000 acres to Nature Reserve of Orange County, UCI’s Bren Events Center named after him, serves on the school’s board of overseers. Namesake of renamed Bren School of Environmental Sciences at UCI. Also a trustee for Caltech.
Son of real estate investor and Hollywood producer Milton Bren and Marion Bren, who divorced. Business administration and economics degrees from University of Washington.
Founded homebuilder Bren Co. in 1958, and Mission Viejo Co., which he sold to Phillip Morris in 1972. Part of 1977 group acquiring control of Irvine Co. Bought out most partners for $518 million in 1983. In 1991 paid $256 million court award to heiresses Joan Irvine Smith, Athelie Clarke. Assumed 100% ownership of the Irvine Co. in 1996.
Married to entertainment lawyer Brigitte Bren, divides time between Los Angeles and Newport. Four children with previous wives. Avid (and accomplished) skier. Also windsurfs, sails, plays tennis.
JONATHAN MOSHEIM JAFFE
President, Western Region, Lennar Corp.
Born in New York, Sept. 21, 1959
Lives in Emerald Bay
Oversaw construction of Lennar Corp.’s presence in California from scratch into its current status as one of top three builders in the state. Spent more than $1.5 billion since 1995 in acquisition binge that now finds Lennar’s Western region controlling more than 50,000 lots and 11 homebuilding operations in three states.
Despite talk of economic slowdown, continues to eye opportunities: “We’re very opportunistic and look for market inefficiencies.”
Main focus this past year has been overseeing absorption of national builder U.S. Homes’ operations into Lennar Corp.’s fold. Also serving as key individual in developing strategy and planning of company’s increasing focus on redevelopment of defense facilities. Company already redeveloping 500-acre Mare Island facility near San Francisco; recently lost out on San Diego Naval Training Center; in the running for redevelopment job of Alameda Naval Station.
Formulating proposal for redevelopment effort of former Tustin Marine base: “We think Tustin is a great location and a great opportunity to create a really super masterplan.” Also interested in El Toro, but believes that potential job still well in the future.
Came to California from Florida in 1995. Was point man on merger between Lennar’s homebuilding operations with that of Los Angeles-based Pacific Greystone Corp., at the time creating one of the biggest homebuilding operations in the country. Followed that up with U.S. Homes deal last year. Has been with Lennar for 16 years, seven of them overseeing several divisions in Florida that built 10,000 homes. Undergraduate from University of Florida, graduate studies in architecture at Georgia Tech University.
Wife Karen, a housewife. Three kids. Hobbies include tennis, enjoying the beach life and coaching kids’ little league teams.
,Nidal M. Ibrahim
FRANK JAO
Chairman, Bridgecreek Group Inc.
Born in Haiphong, Vietnam, June 1949
Lives in Huntington Beach
Prolific builder who is responsible for development of large swaths of Little Saigon in Westminster, controls portfolio of 750,000 square feet in area, roughly half of the commercial and retail space in the tightly-packed business district. One of the original developers who helped define ethnic building niche.
Admired in Asian-American community, known as chow fou Chinese for “godfather.”
Taking a stepped up role in making Little Saigon more tourist-friendly; at own expense, funding development of 200 to 500 parking spaces. “We’re working to attract more non-Asian shoppers to the area.”
Has been quiet locally,”Westminster is impossible to work with; that’s why we’ve been quiet in Southern California”,but now moving forward on two potential projects in adjoining cities, one of which is expected to begin later this year.
Making major push in Northern California: Completed first phase of $50 million, 40-acre mixed-use project in San Pablo, north of Berkeley; property now in escrow to be sold and completed by another developer. Bridgecreek Group pursuing development plans on second opportunity: In talks with city officials on 43-acre mixed-use commercial and residential project in Daly City south of San Francisco.
Barely escaped from Saigon with his life in 1975, with communists shooting at Air Force jet lifting him, 400 other refugees to safety. Arrived in Westminster’s Vietnamese community with $50, began selling Kirby vacuum cleaners, studying real estate. Worked as security guard by night, real estate broker by day. Earned license in 1976, founded Bridgecreek two years later.
Ethnic Chinese born in Vietnam. Loathes stereotypes. Changed spelling of name, pronounced “chow,” to Americanize it.
Bachelor’s in business from Vietnam, has done graduate work at Harvard University’s School of Design. Speaks fluent English, Vietnamese and Chinese. Wife Cathie; two daughters.
DONALD MILTON KOLL
Chairman, Koll Co.
Born in Santa Monica, March 29, 1933
Lives in Beverly Hills
Along with fellow OC 50er Don Bren, among a core group of developers who have helped shape OC’s commercial landscape. Active developer across the U.S. who was one of the first to launch new construction projects in OC at beginning of current boom; recently gave up CEO duties but has no plans to slow down: “Are you kidding? I’m doing more now than I’ve ever done.”
Still, firm undergoing restructuring in response to economic slowdown; new CEO Steven Van Amburgh under mandate to pull back from aggressive spec construction strategy and focus more on build-to-suit activity. Currently, 80% of projects on spec basis, goal is to reduce that to 50% by the end of the year.
Heads Koll Development Co., Koll Construction LP, Koll Resorts and KollStar Golf, all based in Newport Beach.
Current activity includes about 54 commercial projects totaling more than roughly 7 million square feet with “a lot more on drawing boards.” Umbrella Koll Co. one of largest private companies based in OC, with annual revenue estimated at $375 million.
In OC, recently sold stake in Koll Center South development at Campus and Jamboree in Irvine to friend and former employee Tim Strader Sr. Completed eight-story, 187,000-square-foot Phase I of Koll Center Irvine North office project at Main and MacArthur, currently developing second building with plans to sell it once project leased up.
Major force behind initial development push in Los Cabos; still retains 500 acres of land surrounding Palmilla resort community, which is being subdivided and sold to individuals and other developers.
Recently closed Koll Development office in Shanghai, China: “Just couldn’t get things going fast enough Too hard to do business (there).”
Holds stake in Los Angeles-based CB Richard Ellis and is part of a group that has made a bid to buy the firm.
Since its founding in 1962, Koll Development has developed more than 72 million square feet of office, industrial, retail and entertainment space.
Sits on buddy Bren’s Irvine Co. board. Also on boards of CB Richard Ellis (whose CEO is former Koll general Ray Wirta) and OC 50er Bill Foley’s Fidelity National Financial.
Partner with Bren’s brother Peter Bren and Chuck Schreiber in Koll Bren Realty Advisors, an asset manager that has 66 million square feet of space.
Earned bachelor’s in economics from Stanford. Former Air Force fighter pilot. Wife Mary “Kathy,” one son, five daughters.
,Nidal M. Ibrahim
WILLIAM LYON
Chairman, CEO, William Lyon Homes Inc.
Born in Los Angeles, March 9, 1923
Lives in Coto de Caza
Prolific builder who has had major hand in creating Southern California suburbia; suffered through down times but has adapted strategies to new market conditions.
Legendary OC homebuilder began with brother Leon in 1950s, has put up more than 75,000 homes. Is training son Bill Lyon to take over firm.
After completing reverse acquisition of Presley Homes and renaming it William Lyon Homes, has spent last year rebuilding company’s finances: Last year sold 2,666 units, making firm one of 25 biggest builders in the country. Still, firm under heavy financial burden: repurchased $125 million of high-yield debt, seeking to do same with remaining $75 million.
In past used to buy large parcels of land and develop; new more conservative approach calls for construction of 100- to 200-unit subdivisions, off-balance sheet financing through various joint ventures. Company also diversified into Northern California, San Diego, Nevada and Arizona. No. 6 on Business Journal list of most active homebuilders in OC.
Owns majority stake in William Lyon Property Management and the 10,000 apartment units it owns or manages.
Aviation buff. Owns Air Lyon, partial owner of Martin Aviation. Previous owner (with fellow OC50er George Argyros) of AirCal.
Retired Air Force major general, 17 combat decorations. Chief of the Air Force Reserve, 1975-1979. Attended Dallas Aviation School, Air College, also USC.
Major fundraiser, philanthropist: Reagan Library, Orangewood Children’s Foundation, OC Performing Arts Center and USC, where athletics complex is named for him.
Avid car collector: has 52 antiques, including 10 Duesenbergs (only 480 manufactured). Lives with wife Willa Dean in mansion on 130 acres in Coto de Caza. Five children.
MICHAEL D. McKEE
Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer
The Irvine Company
Born in Clinton, Ill., Jan. 2, 1946
Lives in Emerald Bay
RICHARD GEORGE SIM
Chairman, Investment Properties Group
The Irvine Company
Born in Phoenixville, Pa., Aug. 2, 1936
Lives in Irvine
CLARENCE W. BARKER
President, Investment Properties Group
The Irvine Company
Born in Tulsa, Okla., July 27, 1948
Lives in Corona del Mar
Perennial OC 50er Don Bren’s new,and fluid,power team. McKee, Sim and Barker serve as Bren’s direct line of communication to the various Irvine Co.’s units, responsible for carrying out his edicts and implementing the vision. McKee oversees the giant landowner’s financial affairs; Sim the strategic planning of its office, industrial, retail and apartment holdings; and Barker,the newest member of the troika,oversees the investment properties group’s day-to-day activities.
McKee, a lawyer, has been key in Irvine Co.’s restructuring and strategy planning. In addition to CFO role, serves as vice chairman. Speculation is that he is the man most likely to succeed the 68-year-old Bren if and when the chairman ever steps down, a view recently reinforced with the departure from the company of longtime Bren pal and confidant Gary Hunt, who oversaw government relations. McKee oversees Irvine Co.’s finance and corporate administration group and chairs the strategic planning committee. Along with Bren and Sim, sits on firm’s operations management committee, which sets the strategic vision for the Irvine Co.
Joined the Irvine Co. from Latham & Watkins, where he was Bren’s lawyer and helped take Irvine Apartment Communities public (subsequently oversaw successful effort to take it back private). Started with Latham in 1979, became OC managing partner in 1993 before joining Irvine Co. in 1994.
Board member of Hoag Hospital Foundation, Health Care Property Investors Inc., Realty Income Corp. and Mandalay Resort Group. McKee provided legal counsel to the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee.
Wife, Cindy; two children and one grandchild. Avid golfer.
Sim is viewed as the man who operates the cash register, overseeing the more than 28 million-square-foot commercial portfolio that provides a large chunk of the firm’s cash flow. Recently stepped back from day-to-day responsibility for management and marketing of company’s office, industrial, retail, hotel and golf portfolio; now serves as more of a strategic manager.
He also is a member of the company’s board of directors, and its operations management committee, which coordinates The Irvine Company’s two operating groups: Irvine Community Development Co. and the investment properties group.
Has been key executive in geographic diversification drive of the Irvine Co., pushing it into Los Angeles County, the San Diego area and Silicon Valley, where the Irvine Co. owns approximately 2.3 million square feet of office and R & D; buildings and has another 1.5 million square feet planned or under development. Additionally, the firm has 3,700 apartments completed or under construction in Northern California.
Viewed as being in twilight years; has expressed desire to retire, which is considered by many to be just a matter of time. Came to company in 1981 from Kacor Development Co., where he was responsible for managing development of 100,000-acre Rancho California project in Riverside County. Holds bachelor’s in economics from Villanova University, has completed advanced management program at Harvard University Graduate School of Business.
Company bulldog, community cheerleader. Charitable causes include St. Joseph Ballet and Human Options. Also active with UCI Chief Executive Roundtable and recipient of UCI Medal, the school’s highest honor.
Wife, Ann; five children and five grandchildren.
Barker is the newest, and youngest, member of the inner cabinet, overseeing the day-to-day management of the investment properties group, a post he assumed in December as part of a wide-ranging reshuffling of senior management at the Irvine Co. In his new position, he oversees a division responsible for approximately 28 million square feet of office and retail property (including the 5,000-acre Irvine Spectrum) and approximately 26,000 apartments in 75 apartment communities owned or under construction by the company.
Barker joined The Irvine Company in 1988 as vice president of development for the Irvine Office Co., helping plan and implement construction of a string of new office projects, including University Research Park. Has also served as president of Irvine Industrial Co. (which has since been rolled into the Irvine Office Properties entity), Irvine Office Co. and Irvine Apartment Communities.
Prior to joining The Irvine Co., Barker served as vice president of development for Williams Realty Corp. of Tulsa, Okla., whose portfolio of properties included urban mixed-use projects containing high-rise office buildings, hotels and retail shopping malls.
Barker is a member of the Urban Land Institute, the board of directors of the United Way of Orange County and is also involved with the University of California, Irvine.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla.
Wife Eve, three children.
,Nidal M. Ibrahim
ANTHONY RICHARD MOISO
CEO, President, Rancho Mission Viejo LLC
Born in West Los Angeles, Sept. 17, 1939
Lives in Emerald Bay
Orange County’s second-biggest landowner behind Irvine Co. chief Don Bren. Runs Rancho Mission Viejo LLC, holding company for Moiso-O’Neill family’s development, farming and cattle raising operations in south OC and North Fork, Nev. Locally, the family controls 30,000 acres of undeveloped land.
Working on major development plan that would seek to set aside large swaths of environmentally sensitive family holdings in exchange for agreement to develop unspecified number of acres and units. Plan still in early stages; said to be consulting with county and environmental groups to hone it.
In process of grooming next generation of company’s leadership, which includes daughters Anne Marie, 30, and Katrina, 36. While planning family’s future, busy in the present with development of 4,000-acre Ladera Ranch masterplanned community in partnership with Phoenix-based DMB Consolidated Holdings LLC. Roughly 1,450 of planned 8,000 units already sold. Ladera Ranch also to include commercial and retail components, with the first retail center scheduled to open this summer. Completion expected in 2010 or so.
Success to date of Ladera is marked departure from Moiso’s struggles while overseeing Rancho Santa Margarita masterplanned community, a casualty of last California recession, when he operational control.
Well-connected. Uncle Richard O’Neill, 77, a Democratic bigwig; Tony’s a Republican.
History and political science degrees from Stanford. Served two years in the U.S. Army as infantry officer. Along with fellow OC50er Bren, started the Mission Viejo Co. Revived Santa Margarita Co. in 1973. In California Building Industry Foundation’s Hall of Fame.
Wife Melinda, four daughters and two granddaughters. Well known for his love of horses, he also bicycles, hikes, skis and golfs.
IGOR OLENICOFF
Owner, CEO, Olen Properties Corp.
Born near Moscow, Russia, Sept. 19, 1942
Lives in Emerald Bay
One of Orange County’s most successful immigrant stories. Prolific developer who has quietly amassed major holdings in Southern California, Las Vegas and Florida. Reputation is that of powerful, tough businessman.
Holds extensive portfolio of office, industrial and apartment properties, while still active cherry-picking new development projects as economy cools. Said to be “actively looking, but definitely less aggressive.”
Olen Commercial Realty Corp. owns 72 commercial properties in Orange County, totaling 4.5 million square feet. Launched new Olen Development arm; in midst of major $250 million entertainment center development in Florida as part of joint venture with Canadian firm. No plans at this point for additional centers.
Recently entered Phoenix market by acquiring a 304-unit apartment development site and additional 240-unit existing building. Goal is to get to 1,000 units by the end of the year.
Also, new office buildings and apartment complexes under construction in Orange County, Nevada and Florida. Total apartment portfolio has almost doubled in past two years and now stands at 10,500 units. Expects to top 11,000 by end of year.
In OC, completed more than 400,000 square feet of new development this past year in Brea, Lake Forest and San Clemente.
Headquartered in one of the more distinctive buildings in Orange County: Huge, museum-like structure on Corporate Plaza near Fashion Island.
Son of Russian & #233;migr & #233; parents who he said fled communism to Persia (now Iran) because of family ties to Tsar Nicholas II. Family immigrated to United States in 1957. Attended missionary school where he became fluent in English, Russian and Farsi.
With money from odd jobs while attending school, purchased small rental properties. Graduated from USC with four degrees,bachelors in business and engineering, MBA in finance and master’s in quantitative analysis. Worked for Shell Oil Co., Touche Ross and Motown Records.
Founding partner in real estate syndicator Gemini Pacific; VP of operations at Dunn Properties before starting Olen 1973.
Wife Jeanne; 29-year-old son Andrei, USC grad who works as vice president at Olen Properties; daughter Natalia, 19, junior at USC. Hobbies: snow and water skiing and off-road motorcycle riding.
,Nidal M. Ibrahim
JOHN B. PARKER
Principal, Parker Properties.
Born in Beverly Hills, Sept. 13, 1927
Lives in San Juan Capistrano
RUSSELL J. PARKER
Principal, Parker Properties
Born in La Canada, Aug. 12, 1957
Lives in Laguna Niguel
Father-and-son real estate development team, launched The Summit Office Campus, opening up Aliso Viejo to business and ushering in area’s commercial construction boom. Holdings include eight buildings totaling 700,000 square feet at Summit Office Campus. Under construction are another two buildings totaling 300,000 square feet and plans call for six more buildings totaling 700,000 square feet.
Eyeing opportunities for additional land for duplicate,though smaller,projects.
John Parker is a 50-year veteran of the real estate industry whose career spans the development of OC from orange groves to a major business and technology center. Joined Coldwell Banker upon graduating from UCLA and was The Irvine Co.’s marketing representative for Newport Center and many subsequent developments. In 1974 launched Parker Properties Inc. development firm, struggled with economic downturn. In 1980, jointly formed Equidon Cos. with a partner, struggled as nation entered recession but restructured holdings and held on. Went on to develop 23 major projects valued at more than $300 million. Again felt bite of economic downturn in late ’80s, turned to acquiring and rehabilitating bank-owned suburban office buildings in South County and northern San Diego.
John Parker was recipient of the 1999 University of California, Irvine, Graduate School of Management Lifetime Achievement Award.
Russell Parker oversees firm’s strategic design and concept, leasing and marketing programs. Began career in 1979, when he joined Coldwell Banker after graduating from UCLA. Has also held major positions with Kennedy Wilson Inc.,where he marketed and brokered commercial and residential properties whose combined value exceeded $100 million,and JMB Realty-JMB Properties Co., overseeing that firm’s lease negotiations, generating fee management business and managing the property management department. Joined father John in 1994 and helped launch plans for The Summit Office Campus.
John Parker active in industry trade and community groups, serving as trustee and chairman of the Building Committee for the Orange County Performing Arts Center and The Laguna Museum of Art; trustee of the Urban Land Institute; and chairman of the Building Committee for the James West Alumni Center at UCLA. He was presented the Humanitarian Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews. Parker also served on the boards of Allergan Pharmaceuticals, CB Commercial Real Estate Services, First Federal Savings Bank, The Regency Group of Florida and CIDA.
John Parker is a member of the Urban Land Institute and has written case studies for ULI textbooks and other publications; has been a featured speaker at numerous real estate forums and seminars. Married with children.
HENRY THOMAS SEGERSTROM
Managing Partner, C.J. Segerstrom & Sons
Born in Orange County, April 5, 1923
Lives in Newport Beach
Commercial developer, owner of South Coast Plaza and other retail centers, and leading patron of the arts.
Recently completed major revamping, re-merchandising and re-marketing of former Crystal Court retail complex across from South Coast Plaza. Constructed pedestrian bridge connecting the former Crystal Court to South Coast Plaza as part of that effort. Initial returns said to be encouraging.
Expected to win approval for major new development efforts in Costa Mesa and Santa Ana later this year. In Costa Mesa, 10- to 15-year undertaking calls for development of planning and construction of 90-acre Home Ranch project, which will include 1 million square feet of office space, several hundred single-family homes and a 300,000-square-foot Ikea store.
In Santa Ana, plans call for development of 90-acre Armstrong Ranch project, which will include roughly 300 single-family homes and a cathedral for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange on 45 acres. Remaining land may be sold to the Santa Ana Unified School District, which plans to put a high school as well as other institutional components on the site.
Crown jewel of holdings, South Coast Plaza, believed to have been the first shopping center in country to have topped $1 billion in sales this past year. Retail holdings,the expanded South Coast Plaza and South Coast Village center,total in excess of 2.7 million leaseable square feet. Owns two of most distinctive office towers in Orange County: Plaza Tower and Center Tower, both in Town Center business district of Costa Mesa. Planning additions to holdings in the area: Recently received approvals from city for redevelopment of outdated buildings; to construct new 21-story tower as well as high-end hotel.
Longtime patron of the arts: Successfully pushed for approval to construct new Segerstrom Center for the Arts; family has donated 6 acres (latest of several family land contributions) and recently gave seven-figure gift to South Coast Repertory; recently made $40 million personal commitment to help fund new concert hall.
Most business enacted through C.J. Segerstrom & Sons. With passing of his mother, Nellie Ruth, the firm has become a partnership of Henry and Jeanette, widow of deceased cousin Harold Jr. (Henry and Jeanette both have managing partner title). CJS & S; a partner with IBM in Plaza Tower. Fashion Square Ventures, a separate entity of Henry, other family members and other parties, has minority stake in MainPlace mall in Santa Ana.
Grandfather C.J. was Swedish immigrant farmer; by 1950s family was leading lima bean grower. Took over from Uncle Harold T., changed focus from farming to development. Rose from Army private to field artillery captain; received Purple Heart in World War II. Bachelor’s and MBA from Stanford. Honorary doctorate of law from Western State University.
Recently remarried to Elizabeth, third wife, sons Anton and Toren from first wife. Second wife, Renee, passed away last year. Anton and son-in-law David Grant involved in business. Harold Jr.’s son, Theodore, and daughter, Sandra Segerstrom Daniels, also work for company.
,Nidal M. Ibrahim
JANA LYNN TURNER
President, Management Services Division
CB Richard Ellis
Born in Long Beach, July 15, 1955
Lives in Newport Beach
As president of Management Services Division, oversees approximately 250 million square feet of institutionally owned real estate encompassing more than 500 clients, 1,600 properties and 1,100 employees.
Hard-charging, fun-loving female exec in male-dominated real estate industry. Has taken on duties as head of human resources and corporate communications departments of sprawling CB Richard Ellis holdings.
Was part of fellow OC 50er Don Koll’s empire before joining CB Richard Ellis upon its acquisition of Koll Real Estate Services. Based out of Newport Beach, but spends 80% of her time traveling across the country. Aggressive networker who recently took up golf as hobby: “It’s a great social platform for business.”
Graduate of Northern Arizona University with bachelors in business administration. Prior to CB takeover managed Koll Real Estate’s West division. Prior to that was with IDM Corp. as senior VP of leasing, overseeing 3 million square feet of retail, office and industrial space.
Energetic and exuberant. Recently lost best friend, cat Cash. Has two new best friends: Cashew and Macademia. “I have two more nuts in the house, including myself.”
Single. Donates to Hollygrove orphanage in Hollywood.
RALPH J. CICERONE
Chancellor, University of California, Irvine
Born in New Castle, Pa., May 2, 1943
Lives in Newport Beach
THOMAS R. MOEBUS
Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, UCI
Born in New York, September 14, 1948
Lives in Laguna Beach
DAVID H. BLAKE
Dean, UCI Graduate School of Management
Born in Rumson, N.J., June 5, 1940
Lives in, Newport Beach (Belcourt)
Three key figures in UCI’s drive to build reputation for academic excellence, raise OC’s profile as a national technology center. Blake and Moebus took current assignments in 1997 under then-chancellor Laurel Wilkening, whom Cicerone succeeded in 1998.
Lots of work ahead for Cicerone: UCI, the fastest-growing campus among the nine in the UC system,expects to grow about 5% a year this decade, with accompanying capital projects. Received record 34,563 applications for its 2001 fall semester.
Cicerone was the first in his family to earn a college degree. Graduated from MIT with a bachelor’s in electrical engineering, master’s and Ph.D. from University of Illinois. Specialist in chemistry, physics and geosciences. Former dean of physical sciences at UCI, joined UCI in 1989 as a professor in the Department of Earth System Science. Elected to membership in the National Academy of Sciences, 1990. Received the 1999 Bower Award and Prize for his achievements in science and public policy leadership in protecting the global environment. Received the U.N. Environment Program Ozone Award in 1997 for researching Earth’s ozone layer; advised VP Al Gore and the Bush administration on global warming. Wife Carol, UCI professor of cognitive sciences; daughter Sara. Interests include chemistry research, basketball and golf.
Moebus oversees university’s expanding advancement activities; achieved an increase in private support from $30 million in 1997 to $88 million in 2000. Has been instrumental in enlisting community support and enthusiasm for OC’s Tech Coast and helping to forge university partnerships with corporations. UCI’s Center for Pervasive Communications (with Broadcom and Conexant), and the development of the California Institute of Telecommunications and Information Technology, together with UC San Diego, are examples of new partnerships. Charged with linking UCI more closely to the community and developing resources to support the 5% growth in the campus and student body, Moebus views the university as a powerful engine for economic growth in Orange County. Previously at MIT as director of corporate relations, he directed the largest university-industry linkage operation in American higher education. Degreed from MIT in materials engineering and management. Wife Lorraine Remby, three grown children. Hobbies include blues guitar, clarinet, photography, cooking and walking.
Blake sharpens B-school’s distinct focus on management for the networked economy and positions the school for significant growth over the next eight years with plans to double full-time MBA enrollment and nearly double faculty size. School is ranked among top 50 in the nation by Business Week and U.S. News & World Report, and Financial Times rates its information technology for management focus first among 1,500 MBA programs worldwide. Business school has about 950 students, and the average GMAT score for full-time students entering in fall 2000 is 669, placing the school among the nation’s top 20 on this measure. Blake is committed to helping students learn to use their knowledge of information and technology to build business value in emerging and existing firms. School encourages innovation through annual business plan competition and a 24/7 facility on campus for business building. Blake also is determined to build a faculty of renowned thought leaders. Wife Mary, three grown children. Hobbies include travel, athletics and reading history.
,Chris Cziborr
CHRISTOPHER COX
47th District of California,
U.S. House of Representatives
Born in St. Paul, Minn., Oct. 16, 1952
Lives in Newport Beach (Harbor View)
Since George W. Bush won the White House, speculation has swirled about what’s next for Cox. Recent reports have him under consideration for a seat on the liberal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, where his conservative intellect would offer a distinct counterpoint. Candidates are already lining up for his House seat and leadership position; Cox isn’t saying much, but insists he’s happy to stay in Congress as point man for several Bush legislative initiatives.
Fifth-ranking member and highest-ranked California member of the House. Close to veep and former House GOP colleague Dick Cheney. Tackles big projects: Last year headed a congressional panel that blasted the Clinton administration’s policy toward Russia; in December 1998 his select committee issued the provocative report detailing China’s acquisition of sensitive U.S. technology.
Proponent of high tech, free trade and other business interests, champion of a tax-free Internet, budget reform and repeal of the inheritance tax. Sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, including the telecommunications subcommittee. PC Computing magazine’s “Person of the Year” for 1999.
A former corporate attorney who’s a bane of trial lawyers. Scored big victory in 1995 when Congress overrode President Clinton’s veto of his bill to limit securities fraud suits. Co-authored bill to limit Y2K lawsuits. Erudite, photogenic. Admirers call him brilliant, critics an egghead.
District includes Irvine, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach. Has walked tightrope on El Toro, suggesting the site be “put to its highest and best use.”
Elected to Congress, 1988; senior associate counsel to President Ronald Reagan, 1986-88; partner Latham & Watkins, 1984-86; with father Charles published independent English translation of Pravda, 1984-88; lecturer on business administration, Harvard Business School, 1982-83; associate Latham & Watkins, 1978-82 (he worked on Donald Bren’s acquisition of The Irvine Company); clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals, Judge Herbert Choy, 1977.
Graduated magna cum laude, USC, 1973; law degree and MBA from Harvard, where he was editor of Harvard Law Review, 1976-77; wife Rebecca (Gernhardt), international counsel for Continental Airlines; children Charles, 8, Kathryn, 6, and Kevin, 2. Enjoys tennis, skiing, swimming, surfing the Internet.
,Rick Reiff
JAMES LOUIS DOTI
President, professor of economics,
Chapman University
Born in Chicago, Sept. 26, 1946
Lives in Villa Park
Academic overachiever. After raising in excess of $160 million in multiyear Millennium Campaign, extended original 2001 deadline and boosted fundraising goal to $200 million. Has overseen “can-do” administration, growing buildings, staff, students and test scores at OC’s largest private university.
Will mark 10th year as president come June. Remains focused on enhancing Chapman’s personalized approach to education. Since becoming president in 1991, average SAT test scores at Chapman have increased from 997 to 1165.
Under his watch, endowment has grown to more than $100 million; enrollment has grown from 2,100 to 4,100; number of endowed chairs has risen from one to 18.
Continues to bring down the house at his annual economic forecast, adding a presidential election forecast (close but no cigar: he picked Gore).
Is looking ahead to new library, sports complex, symphony hall and film and television studio on campus. Poster on office wall reads “Chapman Studios,” with the university’s panther mascot as its logo.
Welcomed former presidents George Bush, Gerald Ford to campus in each of the past two years. In 1999, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas helped dedicate new law school. Saw growing pains: law school accredited by American Bar Association in 1998 on third try.
Latest challenge: helping train OC’s tech workers. Received $1.5 million from fellow OC50er Henry Samueli to start a chip and embedded systems program. The gift followed nearly two years of effort by Doti to interest the Broadcom co-founder in Chapman.
Economist by training; entertainer by nature. Hosts “Economic Journal with Jim Doti” on KOCE-TV, looking to launch California Venture Forum about venture capital on local cable. Still sits in dunk tank at campus spring sizzle party; serves up lasagna at Chapman’s International Food Fair; flips and serves pancakes for students at finals week midnight breakfast.
Chicago-bred. Undergraduate degree from University of Illinois, master’s and doctorate in economics from University of Chicago, where he trained under Nobel Prize winners Milton Friedman and George Stigler. Joined Chapman faculty in 1974, was appointed dean of School of Business and Economics in 1985. Wife Lynne Pierson Doti is Chapman economics professor. Couple has two grown children, Adam and Cara. Hobbies: cooking, skiing, reading, bicycling.
,Chris Czibor
MILTON ANDREW GORDON
President,
California State University, Fullerton
Born in Chicago, May 25, 1935
Lives in Fullerton
Heads fastest-growing school by enrollment in the 23-campus Cal State system,spring saw a record-setting 28,851 students. In charge of training vast labor pool for area businesses.
CSUF is furthering its business ties. With Disney and others launched the Center for Entertainment and Tourism, as well as an undergrad program to prepare students for careers in those fields. Also established a graduate business emphasis in e-commerce and a special physics program for entrepreneurs.
Globalizing curriculum, establishing, enhancing ties with schools in several countries, including Vietnam, China, Taiwan and India. Recently opened Center for the Study of Emerging Markets in Santa Ana. In November, co-hosted trade mission from Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Also in November, hosted Global Partnerships 2000 Conference, where tech business leaders could get practical information and network with representatives from around the world. Attended President Bush’s inauguration.
Creating University Gables in neighboring Buena Park to provide affordable housing for faculty.
Gordon is charter member of the Orange County Workforce Investment Board, which seeks to establish a federally funded workforce development system for OC. Other directorships include OC Business Council, Pacific Symphony Orchestra, World Affairs Council of OC.
Has been CSUF’s president since 1990. Was born and grew up in Chicago. Has doctorate in mathematics from Illinois Institute of Technology. Was vice president for academic affairs at Sonoma State University; dean of College of Arts and Sciences at Chicago State University; math professor, director of Afro-American Studies Program, Loyola of Chicago; mathematician in Laboratories of Applied Sciences at University of Chicago; and secondary-school teacher in Chicago public schools.
Noted author on diversity, education. Wife, Dr. Margaret Faulwell Gordon, dean of extended education at Cal State Dominguez Hills. Couple lives in The El Dorado Ranch, hillside Fullerton estate once home to city pioneer C. Stanley Chapman Sr., donated to the university in 1989.
Gordons have grown sons, Patrick, Vincent, Michael. They enjoy travel, and have visited more than 30 countries. Enjoys walking, movies, photography and sports.
