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.

DAVID A. FUHRMAN

David Furhman understands the power of asking a question with four simple words: How can I help?
“It’s just the right question to ask, one that’s very open-ended,” David explains. “You occasionally see volunteers who might want to impose their thoughts on the strategy of the organization as they see it. I think a much healthier way to approach any nonprofit organization is by asking ‘How can I help?’ And then you listen.”
David reflects, “Maybe you get an apron and start on a line to help feed the homeless. Maybe they need help cleaning up, taking out the garbage, or unloading a truck of food. It is the practice of servant leadership.
“There’s so much in Catholic teaching that inspires those simple words that if you want to imitate Christ, and you see that misery abounds, it should prompt you to ask how you can help to alleviate that?”
David has devoted his life to leadership in both the marketplace and the Church’s mission. Since April 2020, he has served as president of the Dan Murphy Foundation, following his 2015 appointment to its board of trustees. The foundation is dedicated to strengthening inner-city Catholic high schools, fostering new vocations to religious life, and supporting the faith formation of youth and families who contribute to a vibrant community throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
In 2020, David retired after a distinguished 35-year career in the financial services industry, predominantly with Marsh McLennan Companies. He was known for strategic leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to mentoring others. Those are qualities he now brings fully to his philanthropic vocation.
“David’s expression of his faith was really well known when he made a spiritual grandiose decision to move from the secular world and all its attractions to Catholic philanthropy,” says Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik, founding pastor of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles.
A graduate of Dartmouth College, where he was captain of the football team, David was excelling at Servite High School in Anaheim, when he met the love of his life, Maria, who had been at St. Paul High in Santa Fe Springs. Married in 1989, they are the proud parents of Jacqueline, who recently married to Dylan Trumbull.
With the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels as his family home parish, David is a member of the Order of Malta, having made nine pilgrimages to Lourdes, together with Maria, to provide week-long assistance for malades and their caregivers. He recently served as leader of the Los Angeles location, which facilitates an annual World Day of the Sick Mass at the Cathedral.
“This Mass is a gift to Angelenos,” David says. “My experience in Lourdes is that many come seeking physical healing, yet most depart strengthened in their faith with renewed courage to surrender to their circumstances – just as Jesus did in dying for us.”
In 2002, David was invested in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem to preserve Catholic presence in the Holy Land.
During a Holy Land pilgrimage in 2009, David explained a pivotal moment in his spiritual formation.
“I was alone in the Garden of Gethsemane, looking at these olive trees that possibly dated back to Christ’s own passion, and I remembered then how He warned his apostles, who had fallen asleep, to be alert and pray for the strength to endure the test.
“That has stayed with me as a guiding principle. We are called out for an adventure of a lifetime. There’s going to be challenges and some pain and suffering, and you should pray every day you measure up to that moment.”
Mother Gloria Therese, OCD, super general of the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles, saw David’s strength put to the test when he was asked to succeed Richard Grant as the lead at the Dan Murphy Foundation.
“David inspires me greatly,” she said. “He’s done so with a passion for organizational health, as well as creating a culture that is within the Catholic world view. It’s so obvious he cares deeply for the organizations that come seeking support. We see his capacity to be a leader like a father, a brother and a friend.”
David’s previous board service includes the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Weingart Center Association, St. Anne’s, the Red Cross and Town Hall.
Michael Feeley, a 2020 honoree of this award, has worked with David for more than 30 years on various boards and calls him “smart, proactive and faithful … very disciplined, focused and calm. He is someone not afraid to ask for help, or money or advice — because he will do all those things himself.”

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.

Joseph N. “Pep Valdes, Jr. is Executive Vice President at Parking Company of America (PCA).  Prior to PCA, Pep was in the mortgage business for 30 years.  PCA is a privately-held company founded in 1964 with operations in California, Kansas, Wisconsin and Georgia.  PCA is one of the largest minority certified parking companies in the United States and successfully provides superior service to hotels, healthcare facilities, restaurants, airports, retail establishments, the Entertainment industry, private events, and independent property management companies. PCA manages the parking at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Pep is dedicated to giving back to the community.  He has the following non-profit organization affiliations:   YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles [Board Director]; National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) [National Education Fund Board of Directors]; White Memorial Medical Center [Board Member and former Chair, Foundation Board]; PBS So Cal [Board of Trustees]; Legatus – Pasadena Chapter [Former

President and Board Member]; East Los Angeles Classic Theater [Former Board President]; Pasadena YMCA [Former Board Member].  

Pep has been an active member of the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL) and served as a Past President of the organization.  

He has been honored with the “Community Hero Award” by the Los Angeles Dodgers (2017) and was “Volunteer of the Year” in 2016 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropy Day.

Pep served as Co-Chair along with Janet Feeley for the Pathway to Priesthood Campaign to build Queen of Angels Center for Priestly Formation in Torrance.  He is an active member of the Order of Malta and the Equestrian Order of Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Pep and his wife, Renee Chaves Valdes, live in Pasadena.  They have two adult daughters, Lauren and Reagan.  They are parishioners at St. Philip the Apostle in Pasadena.

JOSEPH “PEP” VALDES

Joseph “Pep” Valdes was 9 years old when he came to the United States in 1967, with his parents as political refugees from Cuba, a place where it was illegal to practice religion.By the time he met and married his wife Renee in 1993, and started a family, Pep’s faith life was about to take on a new dimension.“My parents instilled a love of God,” Pep says, “and Renee helped cement a love for the Catholic faith.”Inspired by his community at St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Pasadena — and as a way to honor his parents — Pep has united his networks from his business and faith communities to make a difference through a variety of projects that reflect his dedication to serving others.For the last 17 years, Pep has been executive vice president of Parking Company of America (PCA), a business based in downtown Los Angeles that was founded more than 60 years ago by his in-laws. PCA is the one of the largest minority certified parking companies in the country. Prior to joining PCA, Pep was executive vice president and principal at Milestone Mortgage Corporation in La Palma. Reflecting on how his family lived in several Southern California communities — including Huntington Park, Mayfair, and Bell — Pep has a simple reason for why connecting with projects around the region is important to him: “That was the community where I grew up, where people need help, where some folks just don’t know what they don’t know.”On the faith-filled side of his service, Pep co-chaired the Pathway to Priesthood Campaign, which raised $6 million to create the Queen of Angels Center for Priestly Formation in Torrance. He also served on the committees for the 10-year anniversary celebration of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and the Los Angeles Catholic Prayer Breakfast. Pep is the past president of the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL) and a member of Legatus Pasadena, where he has served both as past president and board member.Pep and Rene are active in the Equestrian Order of Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.Pep is just as committed to the work he has in the broader community. He serves on the boards for YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles and White Memorial Medical Center in Boyle Heights. He is a past board president for the East Los Angeles Classic Theater, an after-school program that promotes literacy through the arts.“My faith plays a quiet role in my professional life and my service life,” Pep explains. “In both cases, you ask: What would God want me to do? You do what you can. Be honest. Treat people how you want to be treated. And if you fail, apologize.”Pep’s family’s faith was truly tested when his oldest daughter, Lauren, overcame a year-long battle with cancer 17 years ago. The Valdes family found tremendous support from their St. Philip the Apostle community. They also discovered a new source of strength through a relationship with the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles. “It was beautiful for me to see how they approached this difficult time in their faith journey as a family — a powerful testament to Pep that he wasn’t afraid to share the suffering they endured,” says Sister Maria Goretti, OCD. “We saw the vulnerability of their hearts. We were able to be there with them.”Renee Valdes says her husband “went all in with his faith” during that time to comfort her and their youngest daughter, Reagan.“He was the rock for us,” Renee says. “He stayed patient and positive and told us we would get through it together. And we did. It was a tough year. But it was a good year. We survived.”Pep smiles when he explains how he has learned to lean into the idea that someone once shared with him: that the word “ego” is an acronym for “Edging God Out.”“I always try to remember that,” Pep says. “When we’re young, we think changing the world means changing the whole world. But I believe if you change one person’s world, they can go on to succeed somewhere. We never know who that will be or what they will become.”Renee says Pep’s ability not only to pull people together for a common cause and his willingness to support the safety and stability of children are among the things that first drew her to him.“He always tries to bring something to wherever he goes, learn something from wherever he is, and teach something when he can,” Renee says. “With Pep, there is always hope. When you are with him, it’s always another great day.”

KARLA AHMANSON

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.

Karla Ahmanson has served as President of the Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation for decades.  She also serves as an advocate for Reserve Officers who mission of crime prevention and public safety is a major asset to the Los Angeles Police Department.  

Since 1995, she has participated in Anne Banning Operation School Bell with the Assistance League of Los Angeles, having served on the board and chaired committees, she has availed the organization of her public relations and event coordination talents.  Karla is a proud board member of Loyola High School Los Angeles, serving as Vice Chair of the Educational Resources Committee.  

Karla is also politically active, having served as California State delegate and currently as a board member of New Majority of California.

Karla is co-founder of The Angelics Auxiliary, has been involved with the Luminaires Juniors of the Doheny Eye Institute, and has headed the Parent Association at St. James Episcopal School.  She has also served on the Parent Board at Claremont McKenna College and in an advisory position for Christ the King Catholic School.  

Karla is married to William H. “Bill” Ahmanson, president of The Ahmanson Foundation.
They live in Los Angeles and are active parishioners at Christ the King Parish.  They have 3 adult children: son, Chris Ahmanson is a writer, and twins, Kathryn, an architectural historian, and Karalyn, who works in development.  

Karla Ahmanson credits her drive to build a purposeful and meaningful life for her family and community to the example set by her immigrant parents. The daughter of a German mother and Greek father determined to live the American dream, Karla reflects: “My parents formed me. I am not about what has happened to me, but what happened to them.”Born in Inglewood and raised among the orange groves of Placentia, Karla attended UC Irvine, where she earned a degree in economics. She was preparing to pursue graduate studies in education when she met her husband, Bill, on a blind date 37 years ago — a meeting that would shape the course of her faith and service.Bill, a banker, wealth management executive, philanthropist, and longtime reserve officer with the Los Angeles Police Department, was honored with this award by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 2017. His deep connection to Christ the King Catholic Church in the Larchmont neighborhood of Los Angeles led Karla to explore the Catholic faith more deeply. With the encouragement of Monsignor Antonio Cacciapuoti, she entered the Church 25 years ago.“I could see that strong moral formation from her parents — that sense of kindness, responsibility, and empathy,” Monsignor Cacciapuoti reflected. “She was already so involved in the Church that I was not surprised when she chose to convert. It was organic and beautiful.”Karla describes her conversion: “I felt something stirring deeply inside. I knew I wanted to do this and to be a better role model for my children.”Today, Karla is a dame of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of Saint Gregory the Great, a recognition of her commitment to faith and service. At her parish, she serves on the Finance Council and as a eucharistic minister, roles that reflect her devotion not only in principle but in daily practice.Her faith is expressed most visibly through leadership and service. As president of the Los Angeles Police Reserve Foundation, Karla has strengthened the organization’s reach and impact, championing reserve officers whose mission of public safety and crime prevention is vital to Los Angeles.“I had no idea Bill’s passion would become mine,” she says. “These reserve officers have extraordinary character. They have all the training of full-time officers and hold themselves to the highest standards.”Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded its visibility, fundraising capacity, and advocacy. “When I saw there was a way to grow the program,” Karla says, “I felt a responsibility to find these unicorns — people willing to serve in this extraordinary way.”Since 1995, Karla has been active in Anne Banning’s Operation School Bell through the Assistance League of Los Angeles. She served on the board, chaired committees, and lent her expertise in public relations and event coordination to ensure that children could receive clothing, shoes, and school essentials with dignity and care.It is in this hands-on ministry that many have witnessed Karla’s heart most clearly. Longtime friend Jane Schroeder, who, alongside her daughter, has participated in the distribution of shoes, clothes, and backpacks through Operation School Bell, reflects:“She is fiercely loyal and deeply passionate. If something matters to Karla, she is all in — there is no turning back, only forward. Her focus is always to make people feel safe and loved. She inspires me constantly. She is a strong Catholic who truly walks the walk and lives her faith every day.”Education and youth formation have also been central to Karla’s life of service. She served 10 years as a regent of Loyola High School of Los Angeles, including vice chair of the Educational Resources Committee, after witnessing firsthand the transformative formation the school provided her son, Chris. She served on the parent board at Claremont McKenna College and currently serves as a trustee of The Institute of World Politics, a graduate school of national security, intelligence, and international affairs in Washington, D.C.Throughout Los Angeles, Karla co-founded The Angelics Auxiliary, served with The Luminaires Juniors of the Doheny Eye Institute, and led as head of the parent association at St. James’ Episcopal School.“When I look at Karla’s journey and her dedication to the Church with passion and tenacity, it is truly ecumenical,” said Monsignor Cacciapuoti. “I am very proud of her.”When Archbishop José H. Gómez informed her that she would receive this honor, Karla was deeply humbled.“Once I began serving, there was no turning back,” she reflects. “It truly is better to give than to receive. Serving others is part of our duty and our humanity — a deeply Christian value. I do not feel more special than anyone else.”Above all, Karla views her vocation as wife and mother as the foundation of her life — her most important calling and greatest joy.

KEVIN SHANNON

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.

Kevin A. Shannon is Co-Head of U.S. Capital Markets for NEWMARK.  He is widely considered to be one of the premier investment sales brokers in the United States.  Kevin leads a team of over 33 professionals focused on arranging the disposition, financing, and joint ventures of investment properties on behalf of domestic and offshore investors throughout the Western United States.  Mr. Shannon has been involved in over $86 Billion since 2010 of office, industrial, self-storage, multifamily, land and mixed-use transactions.  His experience includes structuring fee simple and partial interest sales, as well as recapitalization and joint venture transactions.

Shannon joined NEWMARK after 10 years at CBRE, where he served as Vice Chairman and Managing Director for the West Coast Institutional Investment Group and lead the Western United States Office Vertical.  Prior to CBRE, Kevin served as Senior Vice President with the Institutional Investment Group of Grubb & Ellis.  He began his real estate career at Colliers Seeley, where he rose to managing director and started their Investment Division in 1996.  

Kevin Shannon holds a bachelor’s degree in Real Estate Finance and Development from the University of Southern California, class of 1981, and is a frequent guest lecturer at USC.  He is a long-standing Board Member of the USC Lusk Center and serves as Vice Chairman of the Board for the USC Caruso Catholic Center. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Urban Land Institute’s Industrial and Office Park Development Council.  He is also on the Fisher Center for Real Estate & Urban Economics Policy Board.  He has long been an avid supporter and served on the board of Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters Los Angeles for over 25 years and is the Treasurer of the Missionary Sisters of the Eucharist.

In 2020, Kevin Shannon was honored with the USC Trojan Saint Award which recognizes those who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and selfless service to others, inspired by their Catholic faith and guided by a spirit of excellence.  Trojan Saint recipients are generous, joy-filled souls who are an inspiration for the entire Trojan family.

Kevin and his wife, Britta, live in Palos Verdes Estates with their children:  Patrick, Finley, Mackenzie and Delaney. They are active members of St. Lawrence Martyr Parish in Redondo Beach.

If a situation appears to be a simple "yes-or-no" decision, Kevin Shannon has a way of finding the answer that benefits everyone involved."In my business world, it's who you know, what you know, and what you can do with what you know," Kevin says. "If I wasn't using all of that for the benefit of my family, my charities, my community, and the people I work with, I wouldn't sleep very well at night. We all have God-given talents, and our real purpose is using them for the greater good.”Kevin continues, “People often say that you have to learn to say no. I've always believed in saying yes when approached to help. That's just how I was raised.”That spirit of saying yes to service, leadership, and faith has defined Kevin’s life. He serves as the chair of the USC Caruso Catholic Center and vice chair of the Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles and is the primary benefactor and treasurer of the Missionary Sisters of the Eucharist. These organizations have benefited tremendously from his long-term leadership and dedication.Professionally, Kevin has built one of the most respected careers in the commercial real estate industry. Since 2015, he has served as co-head of capital markets for the global commercial real estate advisory firm Newmark. He spent 10 years prior at CBRE as a vice chairman and leaser of their West Coast Institutional Group. Recognized as one of the top investment sales brokers in the country, Kevin has completed more than $86 billion in transactions since 2010.A Pasadena native and lifelong product of Catholic education, Kevin graduated from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks before studying real estate finance and development at the University of Southern California. He remains closely connected to his alma mater as a board member of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate and is a founding trustee for USC’s House of Victory. In 2020, he was honored with the Trojan Saint Award, recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and selfless service inspired by their Catholic faith. Kevin speaks about his relationship with the USC Caruso Catholic Center with characteristic humility, joking that he feels a little bit like the prodigal son. “To see how impactful the center has been for students and the surrounding community is incredibly meaningful,” Kevin says.Father Matt Wheeler, pastor of Our Savior Parish at the USC Caruso Catholic Center, reflects, “In his humility, Kevin recognizes how much he’s received from USC and the Trojan family. He generously gives back with his time, gifts, and resources because his faith is real and active. Kevin is truly all in!”Service runs deep in Kevin’s family. His mother, Annette, once aspired to religious life and later became a foundational leader in the RCIA adult faith formation program. His father, a respected CPA, frequently volunteered his financial expertise to support parish initiatives.Two of Kevin’s aunts also entered religious life. In 1975, one of them, Sister Tonia Marie Orland, founded the Missionary Sisters of the Eucharist to encourage religious vocations among Indigenous communities in Guatemala. Kevin promised Sister Tonia on her deathbed in 2000 that he would take care of her nuns. In 2015, Kevin established a foundation to support her order and now serves as its primary benefactor and treasurer. The community includes 52 sisters and operates seven missions. Kevin recently visited the missions with his son Patrick to celebrate the order’s 50th anniversary. “It is incredibly meaningful to know that this order of nuns will continue for generations because of this foundation,” Kevin says. “I always tell my children that this is the most important thing our family does. It’s such a special ministry for me, and I know that Sister Tonia is watching proudly from above.” Another cause close to Kevin’s heart is the Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. Kevin has been instrumental in advancing this organization’s mission to support underserved youth for nearly three decades. “Kevin is in demand by many organizations and causes, yet he consistently devotes his time, leadership, and resources to help our mission grow,” said Ken Martinet, longtime president and CEO of the only Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters organization in the nation. Kevin and his wife, Britta, live in Palos Verdes Estates and are the proud parents of Patrick, Finley, Mackenzie and Delaney. They are also active members of St. Lawrence Martyr Church in Redondo Beach. Monsignor Paul Dotson, pastor of St. Lawrence Martyr Church, sees Kevin’s influence clearly: "Kevin’s impact on our parish, our community, and every organization he serves is extraordinary. He leads in a quiet, generous and joyful way. He knows the Lord is present in his work, and we are all blessed by his friendship.”

Bob Graziano & Wendy Wachtell

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.

Robert “Bob” Graziano is Vice Chairman of J.P. Morgan and oversees corporate strategy and development for the Western Region of the United States.

His first job was as a certified public accountant at Ernst & Young.  He worked there for 4 years until he took a leave of absence to work for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics Organizing Committee in ticket operations.

Starting in 1986, Bob spent 18 years working with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and was named the Dodgers’ President and Chief Operating Officer, the 11th president in franchise history, in 1998 when News Corporation bought the Dodgers from Peter O’Malley.  He worked with CEO Rober A. Daly in managing the day-to-day operations of the Dodgers.

Graziano left the Dodgers organization in 2004 when the team was sold to Frank McCourt.  He briefly worked with O’Malley Seidler Partners LLP before joining Northern Trust as a managing director. He worked at Northern Trust until joining J.P. Morgan Private Bank in May 2013.

Bob holds his B.S. degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting from the University of Southern California, class of 1980, graduating summa cum laude and receiving the University Trustees Award.
Bob is active in the community, serving on numerous boards, including: LA84 Foundation, Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission, Los Angeles Premier Water Polo Club, LA’s BEST, USC Leventhal School of Accounting, USC Sports Business Institute, USC Associates, Jackie Robinson Foundation, Jim Murray Memorial Foundation, Japan America Society of Southern California and the Dodger Foundation.

Bob’s wife, Wendy Wachtell, is president of the Joseph Drown Foundation. They have five sons:  Matthew Graziano, Jameson Wachtell, Brian Graziano, Bradley Wachtell and Davis Wachtell.  They are parishioners at St. Monica Parish in Santa Monica.

Bob Graziano and Wendy Wachtell have been prominent influencers through philanthropic activity, demonstrating how communities in Southern California are strengthened by their belief in how sports and education impact change. Theirs is a trajectory not just with distinguished individual careers, but one that continues as a married couple since 2011.Bob, a USC graduate who recently retired as vice chairman at JPMorgan Chase, may be best known in the roles of president, COO and CFO for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1986 to 2004. Bob was also at the forefront of creating the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation for community outreach.As current chair of the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission, Bob directs the nonprofit organization’s securing of high-profile events for the city, such as the upcoming World Cup and 2027 Super Bowl. He is also director emeritus and past chair of the LA84 Foundation, which supports youth development from proceeds raised by the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Bob was also part of that organizing committee.“Those were such fulfilling experiences, to work for organizations that have shown Los Angeles at its best,” Bob says. “I saw how, in that period of time, the power of sports could change communities. It’s incredible when you see that positive impact. I continued in so many of these efforts because it is critically important for me to use sport to better our community.”Former Dodgers president and owner Peter O’Malley says of Bob: “I have known him 40 years and witnessed his extraordinary work ethic and commitment to volunteerism and community involvement with his faith-based approach. His intellect, integrity and expertise on the financial side earned him respect throughout Major League Baseball.”Wendy, with a master’s in journalism from USC, is the chair of the board for the Joseph Drown Foundation. She recently retired as the executive chair and CEO after 38 years at the foundation. The foundation distributes approximately $10 million each year to nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County with a particular focus on education. “When evaluating grants, we look at all the data and have the metrics, but ultimately, there is more your heart sees and your gut tells you about what is going on,” says Wendy, who also serves as co-managing partner of Oak Knoll Advisors. “The foundation’s work has shown us how so many individual lives can be changed day in and day out. It’s profoundly rewarding.”One of Wendy’s hallmark accomplishments was working with her mother, Esther, to establish the USC Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy. Wendy is also on nonprofit boards, including Harvard-Westlake School, the Leadership Council for International Medical Corps, USC Price School of Public Policy and the Core Leadership Group for Champion LA. Together, Bob and Wendy support the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Foundation as trustees, advocating for a spectrum of athletic programs that support competitors across the Olympic movement in our country. The U.S. does not provide support for its Olympic athletes, and money is raised privately. The couple also works together on the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission to achieve its initiatives.“Some may view sports as a big business with no reason for philanthropic or community involvement, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” Bob says. “The events we host have and will change Los Angeles in a very positive way, well into the future. We are super excited to see Los Angeles on the world stage. It’s something you can’t do but through the vehicle of sport.”Bob and Wendy’s blended family includes five sons, four daughters-in-law and two grandchildren. Debra Duncan, who met Bob while working at the 1984 Summer Olympics and joined him with the Dodgers in ticketing, has also found Wendy to be a powerful ally during her own work at the Dan Murphy Foundation.“Bob is not just kind, but ethical and generous in a way you don’t often find with people at the top of organizations,” says Debra. “Wendy has helped so much in guiding me. They each lead with their hearts. It’s incredible how the two of them align so perfectly to complement what they bring to the table.” Monsignor John Barry of American Martyrs Catholic Church proudly claims to have known Bob since he was an altar server for him some 60 years ago at Holy Trinity Parish in San Pedro.“Having his parents as good friends of mine when they were in the young married couples’ group, I’ve seen Bob so involved in helping us at American Martyrs, especially in building a new gymnasium for the community,” says Monsignor Barry. “He and his family have made tremendous contributions to the lives of those in Los Angeles. They are wonderful people, and I congratulate Bob and Wendy.”