DOUG FREEMAN
CO-FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE CHAIR/CEO
ORANGE COUNTY MUSIC & DANCE
WHY: Founder of National Philanthropy Day, held annually on Nov. 15 since 1986. The day recognizes the contribution philanthropy makes to society, and honors businesses, individuals and support organizations. Executive chair and CEO of nonprofit OC Music & Dance.
IN THE NEWS: Marked the 40th anniversary of National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 13. Celebrated the groundbreaking of a new $50M performing arts center at the Great Park, which is expected to open in 2027.
NOTABLE: Well-known OC banker, tax attorney and businessman who was a key executive during the 2007 founding of First Foundation Inc. Previously served as chairman of the board of trustees for the University of California, Irvine Foundation from 2005 to 2008 and chaired a $1B fundraising campaign until 2018. Met with OCMD co-founder Charlie Zhang for lunch to discuss philanthropy, resulting in Freeman becoming chief executive of the nonprofit performing arts school and Zhang buying its current Irvine facility to house it. Zhang calls Freeman “the father of OCMD.” Worked together to build a $10M endowment for students who can’t afford tuition. Learned about charity at an early age by working at the Westchester YMCA where he met kids from low-income families.
QUOTABLE: “My dad was always my north star when it came to business and integrity.”
