Balancing professional leadership with daily commitments is enough of a challenge. Then there are those who go above and beyond. Every fall CSQ spotlights a few individuals who not only juggle professional and personal responsibilities, but also carve out time for community. Whether enriching others’ lives through their activities in social programs, education, or the arts, here are some executives worth emulating.
Bruce Andelson
Partner, Corporate Law, Greenberg Glusker
Aviva Family and Children’s Services, Chairman
Aviva Family & Children’s Services is a comprehensive provider of compassionate support, therapeutic services, and guidance to a diverse group of at-risk children and families in Los Angeles County. Currently celebrating its centennial year, Aviva has continually evolved to meet the dynamic nature of society and its impact on youth, developing the most appropriate services to meet those needs.
Tenure More than 10 years
Connection My parents were long-time board members and I saw the sizable impact Aviva has on youth, helping empower them to turn around their lives. I wanted our family to continue to be involved in something important and for me to personally do what I can to advance Aviva’s work.
On Giving Back It is not enough to be thankful for what I have – it is more important to share with, and help, others. Doing so not only makes for a more just society, but a better world in which to live. My hope is to help make the world better for my children and that they will continue the tradition and make life better for those around them.
Proudest Moment I experience my proudest moment every year at our annual awards banquet for all of the young women who live in Aviva’s Wallis Annenberg Center, a 24-hour therapeutic residential center for abused and neglected teen girls. Each one of them is special in her own way, and everyone gets an award.
Todd Goldstein
Chief Revenue Officer, AEG
GRAMMY® Museum, Board Member
Debuting in 2008 in conjunction with the GRAMMY Awards 50th anniversary, the GRAMMY Museum utilizes four floors, 30,000 square feet, and a 200-seat performance space to explore everything from rock and hip-hop to country, classical, latin, R&B, and jazz in an effort to celebrate the enduring legacies of all forms of music.
Tenure Since 2013
Connection I am passionate about the GRAMMY Museum’s mission and commitment to enriching the lives of thousands of youth every year by nurturing an appreciation for music through on-site visits to the GRAMMY Museum, or through participation in the incredible educational programming they offer.
On Giving Back I am proud that the spirit of giving back is so strongly embraced and encouraged by AEG as part of our organization’s business philosophy. We have regularly scheduled community-service days when hundreds of our employees work together at a local school or other site on projects. Recently, as sponsors of the Special Olympics World Games, more than 500 AEG employees served as event volunteers in a variety of capacities.
Proudest Moment Last June, when First Lady Michelle Obama appeared as the keynote speaker at the Museum’s Jane Ortner Education Award Luncheon and highlighted the outstanding work being done on behalf of the youth of Los Angeles by the Museum.
Michele L. Havens
President of the Los Angeles Region, Northern Trust
United Way Greater Los Angeles, Board Member
With regional roots that go back to 1854, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles has a simple mission: to permanently break the cycle of poverty for our most vulnerable neighbors, including families, students, veterans, and the homeless.
Tenure Since 2013
Connection United Way President and CEO Elise Buik is an incredible leader. Her vision and dedication are inspiring to me. It wasn’t enough to contribute to the annual capital campaign run by Northern Trust. I decided to get engaged and make a difference first hand.
On Giving Back It’s easy to get behind an organization that is committed to reducing homelessness and keeping our children in school. Northern Trust is committed to philanthropy, particularly in the communities in which we are connected.
Proudest Moment A morning I spent volunteering to assist a woman in resume writing as she prepared to reenter the workforce. The pride she had in expressing her prior accomplishments created a wonderful moment and connection with hope for her bright future.
Mark Hutchins
Pacific Southwest Managing Partner, KPMG LLP
The Library Foundation of Los Angeles, Board Member and Audit Committee Chair
Since 1992, the Library Foundation has privately raised nearly $125mm in an effort to enhance the resources and services offered at each of the 73 partnered LA public libraries.
Tenure Since 2006
Connection Initially, I was asked to join by a former board member and chair, and I also attended previous events, most notably the Literary Feasts, which support many of the Foundation’s programs. Their mission of helping and supporting our community aligned with my position and view on volunteerism and philanthropy. It was and still is a great connection, and one that I’m very proud to be associated with throughout all these years.
On Giving Back It’s imperative that all of us, in all walks of life, contribute our time and resources to our communities. We’re all stewards, and it’s our obligation to lend a helping hand.
Proudest Moment Hosting the Literary Feast program at my home for the past 12 years to raise funds and support for our public library system has been the most rewarding.
