The Kavli Foundation selects Douglas Freeman as new chair of the board of directors
Longtime board member will lead the foundation as it continues its mission to promote basic science research for the benefit of humanity.
Los Angeles, CA – The Kavli Foundation board of directors has elected longtime member, Douglas K. Freeman, Esq. as chair, effective immediately. Doug has a long history with The Foundation, having been involved since its founding. Doug is also a noted civic leader and leading expert on organizational management.
“We are grateful that Doug has agreed to take on this new leadership role at a crucial time.” Said Cynthia Friend, President of The Kavli Foundation, “Doug has a deep understanding of our programmatic work and is one of the nation’s leading experts on strategic planning and organizational management. His knowledge and experience are a significant asset as we continue to be deeply focused on supporting great science and look forward to the 20th anniversary of The Kavli Prize. When so much is changing in science, Doug is the right person to provide leadership to The Foundation board. I am looking forward to the privilege of working with Doug in this new capacity.”
“I am honored to be able to serve the board in this new role.” Said Doug, “Since Fred Kavli first articulated his vision for The Foundation, I have been excited to be involved. I am consistently energized by the incredible team that has grown around Fred’s vision, the great scientific discoveries The Kavli Foundation has the chance to support, and the incredible scientists we’ve been privileged to honor.”
Doug is concurrently serving as Executive Chair, co-founder and former CEO of Orange County Music and Dance, a nonprofit community music school in Irvine, California. He comes to this role after a long career as a lawyer, businessman, civic leader and philanthropist. He served in a variety of capacities within the nonprofit field, including as Board Chair of the Pacific Symphony, where he is now a Lifetime Trustee, and Board Member, now Trustee Emeritus, at the California Institute of the Arts. He was also Board Chair of the UCI Foundation (2005-2008) and Founding Board Chair of The Literacy Project. He is currently the Chair and President of the Larry and Helen Hoag Foundation and of the Ernest and Irma Rose Foundation.
Doug’s leadership comes as The Kavli Foundation mourns the loss of Rock Hankin, longtime board chair. Doug, Rock and Fred Kavli worked together to start The Kavli Foundation together over twenty years ago.