ROBERT SANTANA
CEO
BGC OF CENTRAL OC
WHY: Chief executive of BGC of Central OC, the 56th largest nonprofit in OC that reported $10.6M in revenue, a 45% increase from the prior year, for the 12 months ended June 30, 2024. Reported revenue of $10.4M for year ended June 30, 2025.
IN THE NEWS: Oversaw two BGC of Central OC mergers. One with BGC of Greater Anaheim-Cypress; the other with Boys & Girls Club of Buena Park in September. Now serves more than 15K youth annually across eight cities. Raised a record of $700K during BGC of Central OC’s annual BE GREAT Gala in 2024.
NOTABLE: Worked as a dishwasher at Lenny’s Pasta & Pizza in Tustin, where owner Lenny Adams gave him the entrepreneurial spirit when he was 15 years old. Had his own business with employees who washed cars while he attended classes during his senior year. Takes his out-of-town guests to the Beachcomber in Crystal Cove for breakfast.
QUOTABLE: “This merger strengthens our ability to serve an additional 3,000 youth, broaden our footprint, and maximize our impact across eight cities in Orange County.”
