Miguel A. Santana

Miguel A. Santana has more than three decades of experience in the public, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, where he has led major policy reforms and delivered community-driven solutions to some of Los Angeles’ toughest challenges.

In 2023, Santana became President and CEO of the California Community Foundation (CCF), one of the nation’s largest community foundations. The foundation stewards more than $2.6 billion in assets, nearly 2,000 charitable funds, and more than $300 million in annual grants. Under his leadership, CCF has spearheaded key initiatives, including a voter engagement effort that secured the passage of Measure A, creating a permanent revenue stream for affordable housing and services. CCF has also mobilized rapid response to crises, raising more than $100 million for wildfire survivors and $2 million to support Angelenos impacted by immigration enforcement actions.

Prior to joining CCF, Santana served as President and CEO of the Weingart Foundation and Fairplex in Pomona. As City Administrative Officer for Los Angeles, he managed the City’s $9 billion budget during the Great Recession, developed its first comprehensive plan to address homelessness, and helped secure a $1.2 billion voter-approved housing bond. He also served as Deputy CEO for Los Angeles County, overseeing social service programs supporting children, families, veterans, and persons experiencing homelessness.

Santana began his career at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) and later served as Chief of Staff to L.A. County Supervisor Gloria Molina.

He remains active in civic leadership, serving as Chair of The Angeleno Project, Second Vice Chair of the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Authority (LACAHSA), and as a board member of the Surdna Foundation and Black Freedom Fund.

Santana earned his BA in Sociology and Latin American Studies from Whittier College and a MPA in Public Administration from Harvard University.