John E. Kobara

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, California Community Foundation

After serving on the board of the California Community Foundation for five years, John Kobara was appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2008. He is responsible for all development, marketing, administrative, grant-making, civic engagement, and donor relations at the foundation, the 39th largest grant-making foundation in the nation. From 2003 to 2008, served as head of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles. In 2007, he received the City of Angels Award for his service on behalf of children and families. He was engaged in three pioneering startups traversing education and entertainment.

Enjoy most: I help people and institutions understand the unmet and underserved needs in L.A.

Toughest challenge: Attracting philanthropic investments takes persistence, endurance, and innovation.

Proudest moment: Most recently was the passage of both Prop HHH and Measure H to address homelessness in L.A.

Best advice: Focus on your value proposition and how it is differentiated from your competition.

Beverage: A hearty cabernet.

Car you drive: Audi Cabriolet.

Alma Maters: BA, UCLA; MA, Occidental College; MBA, USC

Bucket list: To walk the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage.

Hobby/passion: Golf.

Favorite destination: Oahu, Hawaii.