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Michael Milken

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Michael Milken

Chairman, Milken Institute
Michael Milken

Michael Milken, chairman of the Milken Institute, has been at the forefront of successful initiatives in medical research, education, public health and access to capital for more than four decades. Fortune called him 'The Man Who Changed Medicine' and Forbes listed him among 'Visionaries Reimagining Our Children’s Future.' In 1982 he formalized his philanthropy by co-founding the Milken Family Foundation. The Milken Institute hosts more than 250 events annually, including major conferences in Singapore, London, the Middle East, New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.; the Institute’s 2020 Global Conference was held virtually from October 12-21. He also chairs FasterCures, which speeds progress against all life-threatening diseases. In March 2020, Mike redirected the efforts of his foundations, the Institute’s 10 centers, and the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University to respond to the coronavirus crisis, including developing policy recommendations, expediting treatments and addressing funding issues. He also launched an ongoing podcast series titled 'Conversations with Mike Milken' to address COVID-19, the economy and social justice issues. As a financier, Mike revolutionized modern capital markets by pricing and rewarding risk more efficiently. The thousands of companies he financed created millions of jobs. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Mike earned his M.B.A. at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. He and his wife Lori have been married since 1968 and are members of the Giving Pledge; they have three children and 10 grandchildren. More information is at www.mikemilken.com.