Chairman, Milken Institute

The Santa Monica-based Milken Institute is known for advancing medical research, education, public health and access to capital for the four decades it has been in existence. Milken hosted the 25th annual Global Conference in May, bringing 5,000 attendees from 60 nations to Los Angeles. Next year, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream will open one block from the White House in Washington, D.C. As a financier, Milken is known for revolutionizing capital markets by pricing and rewarding risk more efficiently. He financed the growth of more than 3,000 companies and dozens of his early associates now lead major institutions.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 7