DOUGLAS FREEMAN
CO-FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, CEO
ORANGE COUNTY MUSIC & DANCE
WHO: 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.
WHY: Founder of National Philanthropy Day, held annually on Nov. 15. The day recognizes the contribution philanthropy makes to society, and honors businesses, individuals and support organizations.
IN THE NEWS: Announced OCMD’s planned relocation into a new $40M facility at Irvine’s Great Park Cultural Terrace. The 85,000-square-foot building, including a 450-seat theater, will be large enough to double the number of students OCMD can enroll, Freeman said.
NOTABLE: 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. Worked together to build a $10M endowment for students who can’t afford tuition.
IN THEIR WORDS: “Moving to the Great Park is going to be an incredible gift to the community and to the kids we’re serving.”
LEARN MORE: ocmusicdance.org
