ThOmas J. Blumenthal

Tom Blumenthal, President and CEO of GEARYS Beverly Hills, shares a journey of faith and philanthropy. A convert to Catholicism 15 years ago, he steers GEARYS, the iconic family business, and serves on numerous boards, including his role as past chair of the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce. Tom is humble and proud to serve as chairman of the Board of Trustees at Mount St. Mary’s University, along with other non-profits. His profound faith transformation aligns with his commitment to supporting various communities throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Thomas Blumenthal says that had he converted from Judaism to Catholicism in his early life, he likely would have gone into the priesthood. But that profound change in his faith life did not happen until 15 years ago, long after his days at Daniel Murphy High School and Marymount California College, while he was focused on carrying on the family business as president and CEO at the iconic GEARYS Beverly Hills.

Thomas has found ways to honor those who have taken on areligious life and ensure there will be more to take their place in the future. He is a board member at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo and Santa Clara University’s Jesuit School of Theology.

He also supports female empowerment: Thomas has served as the board chair at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles for the last five years. His mother, Susan, says Thomas’ focus on women in leadership roles is evident in all aspects of his professional and personal life. “He’s developed a great love for the Mount,” she says. “His leadership there has been very appreciated and respected. I think he has a gift for making people feel comfortable.”

“In the back of my mind, I always had the idea of beingCatholic,” Thomas shares, “but I was involved in my career, and it wasn’t the center of my life. Finally, the Holy Spirit took hold.”

That moment came in 2004, when Sister Mary Jean Meyer finally asked him about converting. “That sparked it all again, and I was grateful for that,” he says. “My faith has grown dramatically from the day of my baptism until today, and it just keeps getting greater.”In 2008, he was baptized with his parents, who also converted, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels by Msgr. Kevin Kostelnik, now pastor at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Long Beach.“I see Tom celebrating his faith as the pillar of everything he does for the community,” says Msgr. Kostelnik. “His gift of inclusivity is calling people of all faiths and walks of life to be leaders.”

Thomas explains that his support for religious men and women in the Diocese and religious communities is his way of paying it forward. “It’s important to me to help them because those coming into this will be our spiritual directors of the future, and it’s natural to honor those who have served us so well in the past … They are a great example of those who come before them.”

Daniel K. Walker

As the fourth-generation leader of Farmers & Merchants Bank, Daniel K. Walker personifies Christian values in community business practices. Embodying pillars of honesty, integrity, home, church, and service above self, Walker has recently assumed the role of executive chairman. His commitment extends to the broader community, which was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when F&M Bank swiftly facilitated over 350 Paycheck Protection Program loans to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, providing $50 million in vital support. Walker's deep appreciation for the Catholic faith is reflected in his partnerships, philanthropy, and commitment to ethical leadership, making him deserving of the Cardinal's Award.