Orange County CEOs Are A Charitable Bunch
By: Rod McDermott, Managing Director

The clocks just changed, it’s getting darker earlier, and it is starting to get much colder in the evenings. This time of year also kicks off the season of giving. For the next six months, schools and non-profits will have their hands out to raise the lion's share of their annual budgets. Between black-tie galas and other gatherings, golf tournaments, auctions, and walks, runs or bicycle rides, you will undoubtedly be bombarded with requests for donations and attendance to benefit many worthy causes. If you’re a CEO of a high profile company, you’re also a target for supporting worthwhile community charities.

However, some CEOs have taken their contributions to the next level. It’s a lesson that others throughout the ranks of companies could do well to learn. Not only will they support a cause with their money, they will take precious time from the day-to-day schedule of running large, multi-national companies, and sit on the Boards of Directors of non-profit organizations. The involvement of high-profile CEOs on non-profit Boards is critical to the success of the underlying organization.

Tony Orme, Managing Director of Newport Beach based money management firm Knightsbridge Asset Management says, “High profile CEOs who sit on Boards provide two very important benefits to the charities: the credibility of being associated with someone who is well-known in the community; and access to other CEOs and other companies for fundraising efforts.” In addition to their time investment, CEOs can be very valuable in opening the coffers of other corporations in the local community. Mr. Orme is the current Chairman of both Concept 7 and The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Los Angeles, and relies on his close ties with business leaders in achieving the annual objectives of each charity.

Tim Dolan, Director of Development, UCLA Division of the Humanities says, "It's no secret that landing a CEO on a volunteer board is the equivalent of winning a first round draft pick in the NBA. What is discussed less often are the underlying reasons for jubilation. A seasoned chief executive brings savvy and a critical eye to the world of nonprofit governance. Providing sound advice and solid direction can be just as valuable as securing his/her major gift."

Below are a few local CEOs and one of the nonprofit Boards they support with their membership:

Rod McDermott
Managing Director
McDermott & Bull Executive Search