United for Los Angeles:
Rebuilding with Vision and Resolve
Our Vision
We envision a Los Angeles that rebuilds faster, stronger, and more resilient in the face of disaster.
Founded by Rick Caruso and led by the private sector we prioritize action, accountability, and results over red tape.
In The Spotlight
Steadfast LA Foundation Modular Housing Eligibility & Candidate Screening Process is Now Open
May 14, 2025
To review eligibility criteria and begin the screening process click Learn More.

Streamlining The Road to Recovery: Introducing the future of permit approvals with eCheck!
Apr 30, 2025
In Collaboration With Steadfast LA, California Governor Gavin Newsom Announces Launch Of New AI Tool To Supercharge The Approval Of Building Permits

LA Strong Sports And Steadfast LA To Forge Public-Private Partnership With The City Of Los Angeles To Rebuild The Palisades Recreation Center
Apr 10, 2025
Coalition Is Working with Leading Designers and Architects To Restore The Park So It Is Once Again A Hub Of Recreational Activity For The Community.

Donate now
Feb 21, 2025
Support the Steadfast LA Foundation, a newly established charitable organization that’s affiliated with Steadfast LA and designed to accept donations to support initiatives like Expanding Housing Choices.

Steadfast LA Launches First Non-Profit Rebuild Initiative – Expanding Housing Choices
Feb 21, 2025
CA-based Samara will build homes for fire survivors in LA who are unable to relocate or whose insurance will not cover the cost.

Steadfast LA Expands Coalition of Industry Leaders to Accelerate LA’s Rebuild
Feb 11, 2025
We are expanding our team of industry experts with two additional top visionaries: Mike McNamara, co-founder and CEO of Samara, and Craig Russell, former Executive of Walt Disney Imagineering.

Led By Rick Caruso, Los Angeles Community Leaders Launch Steadfast LA
Feb 3, 2025
The organization will focus on outcomes and action. Serve as a way to ensure city, state, and feds have access to ideas, information, and resources to move aggressively and....

About
Steadfast LA is a civic nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the rebuilding Los Angeles after the devastating wildfires by bringing together top leaders, bold ideas, and effective solutions to get things done right and fast.

STEADFAST LA
our mission

STEADFAST LA
our focus is clear

STEADFAST LA
CORE VALUES
Action
Steadfast LA is committed to rebuilding Los Angeles with a strategic, structured, and results-driven plan focused on five core pillars.

INFRASTRUCTURE
Building the backbone for a brighter future.

REBUILDING
Transforming devastation into vibrant communities.

COMMUNITY
Strengthening bonds, inspiring hope.

COMMUNICATION
Ensuring transparency, fostering collaboration.

RESILIENCE
Bouncing back and preparing for a stronger tomorrow.
Steadfast LA Coalition
Founded by Rick Caruso, and guided by Executive Director Najla Kayyem, Steadfast LA unites a dynamic team of visionaries:

Rick Caruso
Caruso, Founder

Recognized as a leading business innovator, civic leader and philanthropist, Rick J. Caruso is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Caruso®, one of the largest and most admired privately held real estate companies in the United States. Caruso started his career as a real-estate lawyer in the corporate finance department of one of the nation’s largest law firms. Thereafter, he transitioned from law to pursue his lifelong passion for development, establishing Caruso Affiliated Holdings in 1987.
Rick Caruso, Caruso, Founder

Hon. Nicole Avant
Former U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas

Former U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas, entrepreneur, author and film producer, Nicole Avant was the youngest person and first African-American woman to hold the office where she served until 2011. She is known for producing the acclaimed documentary The Black Godfather, which chronicles the life of her father, music executive Clarence Avant. A passionate advocate for education and social justice, she has been involved in various philanthropic efforts.
Hon. Nicole Avant, Former U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas

Andy Cohen
Gensler, CEO

Global Co-Chair of Gensler where he has spent his entire 43-year career shaping the built environment. Under his leadership, Gensler has grown into an industry powerhouse with 6,000 professionals across 57 offices, delivering award-winning projects like Shanghai Tower and BMO Stadium. A thought leader and advocate for design’s transformative power, he has been recognized for his impact on the future of work, business, and urban development.
Andy Cohen, Gensler, CEO

Jack Dangermond
Esri, President

A landscape architect by training, Jack Dangermond founded Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) in 1969 with a vision that computer mapping and analysis could help us design a better future. As the president of ESRI and a pioneering leader in geographic information system (GIS) technology, he has advanced and driven innovation across industries, earning global recognition, 14 honorary degrees, and authoring The Power of Where to promote geographic solutions for environmental and societal challenges.
Jack Dangermond, Esri, President

Greg Econn
Venbrook Insurance Services, President

Gregory Econn is a recognized leader in real estate and construction insurance specializing in providing highly innovative products and services to property owners, developers and contractors. While at Venbrook, he and his team have created a program designed for the real estate industry known as Real Estate America Property and Liability Association. He has lectured to numerous groups and is often sought after as a resource for articles dealing with his core specialty.
Greg Econn, Venbrook Insurance Services, President

Kobie Fuller
Upfront Ventures, General Partner

Kobie Fuller joined Upfront in June 2016 after having previously been at Accel Partners. Prior to Accel, he was the Chief Marketing Officer at REVOLVE, one of the largest global fashion e commerce players based in Los Angeles. Earlier in his career he was an investor at Insight Venture Partners and a founder of OpenView Venture Partners.
Kobie Fuller, Upfront Ventures, General Partner

Olivier de Givenchy
JPMorgan Private Bank, West Region Head

West Region Head at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, leading over 630 professionals across 15 offices and overseeing nearly $170 billion in client assets. With nearly four decades in finance, including serving as CEO of J.P. Morgan Private Bank in the U.K., he has driven remarkable growth, expanding the California market by 140% in five years. Beyond banking, he is deeply committed to philanthropy, serving as vice president of Children in Crisis, ambassador of The Blue Marine Foundation, and a trustee of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Olivier de Givenchy, JPMorgan Private Bank, West Region Head

Mike Hopkins
Amazon, Head of Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios

Head of Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, leading the company's global streaming and studio operations since 2020. Previously, he served as Chairman of Sony Pictures Television, CEO of Hulu, and President of Fox Networks Group, with a career spanning major media and entertainment companies.
Mike Hopkins, Amazon, Head of Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios

Lew Horne
CBRE, President for Advisory Services

President for Advisory Services at CBRE, overseeing strategic direction and performance across Greater Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. With over 30 years at CBRE, Lew Horne is a champion of workplace transformation and a respected community leader, actively addressing business and social challenges, including homelessness. He is passionate about collaboration and actively promotes the integration of multiple disciplines to ensure well-conceived, strategic solutions for complex client assignments.
Lew Horne, CBRE, President for Advisory Services

Najla Kayyem
Steadfast LA, Executive Director

Najla Kayyem has launched and marketed some of the largest mixed-use developments and landmark retail-led projects in the nation. With over 22 years of experience as a commercial real estate executive for firms such as Related Companies, Caruso, Westfield, RED Development and Pacific Retail Capital Partners, Kayyem has been responsible for successfully creating a culture of empowerment through developing strong teams, succession in bench strength and integrating the executive team members with a people first approach.
Najla Kayyem, Steadfast LA, Executive Director

Jason Keller
Oaktree Capital Management, Managing Director

Mr. Keller is a managing director and assistant portfolio manager for Oaktree’s Real Estate Opportunities strategy, where he is involved in capital raising, management and investing. He also serves as Head of Residential for the broader real estate organization. Prior to joining Oaktree in 2007, Mr. Keller held various roles at DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners, Salomon Brothers, CIBC Oppenheimer and D-Street Investments.
Jason Keller, Oaktree Capital Management, Managing Director

Joe Lonsdale
8VC, Managing Partner; Palantir, Co-Founder

Joe Lonsdale is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist known for co-founding Palantir Technologies, a leading data analytics firm. He is also the founding partner of 8VC, a venture capital firm that invests in technology-driven companies. Beyond his business ventures, Lonsdale is involved in policy and philanthropic initiatives, focusing on education reform and national security. His career spans various industries, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, and finance.
Joe Lonsdale, 8VC, Managing Partner; Palantir, Co-Founder

Mike McNamara
Samara, CEO

Prior to the formation of Samara, Mr. McNamara served as Head of the Samara division of Airbnb. From 2019 to 2022, Mr. McNamara was Venture Partner with Eclipse Ventures and from 2006 to 2018, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Flex Ltd. (product development and manufacturing firm). From 1994 until his appointment as Chief Executive Officer in 2006, Mr. McNamara served in other executive roles at Flex, including Chief Operating Officer.
Mike McNamara, Samara, CEO

Adam Mendelsohn
Upland Workshop, Founder and CEO

Founder and CEO of Upland Workshop, leveraging over two decades of experience advising top leaders across politics, media, sports, technology, and finance. He has worked with LeBron James and Maverick Carter since 2011, led global communications at TPG, and helped launch major media ventures, including The SpringHill Company, Puck, Airmail, and TOGETHXR.
Adam Mendelsohn, Upland Workshop, Founder and CEO

George J. Mihlsten
Latham & Watkins, Of Counsel

George Mihlsten has substantial experience in real estate, regulatory, and legislative issues at the local, state, and federal level. His work often includes real estate projects and transactions, including securing regulatory approvals for large scale development projects. In addition, George has broad experience in complex regulatory and legislative issues. He has served on a number of task forces dealing with issues such as housing policies, transportation policies, permit streamlining, and environmental review processes.
George J. Mihlsten, Latham & Watkins, Of Counsel

Harry Robinson
McKinsey, Senior Partner

Senior partner in McKinsey’s Southern California office and the global leader of the firm’s Transformation Practice. With 26 years at McKinsey, Harry Robinson has worked across six continents, primarily advising multinational mining institutions and major players in the global energy and materials sector. Beyond consulting, he is deeply committed to education and philanthropy, having served as Vice Chair of the USC Shoah Foundation.
Harry Robinson, McKinsey, Senior Partner

Craig Russell
Walt Disney Imagineering, Former Executive

Russell had a long career at Disney spanning more than four decades, culminating in his role as chief design and product-delivery executive. He retired in February 2024, but continues to serve as a senior advisor to Disney leadership and other entertainment and technology companies. From his early days at WED Enterprises, Disney’s experimental arm, to his leadership roles in creating half of Disney’s global theme parks, Russell’s work has touched millions.
Craig Russell, Walt Disney Imagineering, Former Executive

Ted Sarandos
Netflix, CEO

At Netflix, Ted Sarandos has been responsible for all content operations since 2000. He led the company's transition into original content production that began in 2013. Ted was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2013 and received the Producers Guild of America Milestone Award in 2019. He is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, a trustee of the American Film Institute, and on the boards of Exploring the Arts and Spotify
Ted Sarandos , Netflix, CEO

Carey Smith
Parsons Corporation, Chair, President, & CEO

Chair, President, and CEO of Parsons, leading the company’s strategy, growth, and global operations. With prior executive roles at Honeywell and Lockheed Martin, she also serves on multiple industry boards, including Parsons, Edison International, and the Intelligence and National Security Alliance. She has been successful across a portfolio of businesses, that include systems integration, hardware and software products and services supporting the Department of Defense, intelligence, federal civilian, international and state and local customer communities.
Carey Smith, Parsons Corporation, Chair, President, & CEO

Bruce Vaughn
Walt Disney Imagineering, President & CEO

President and Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Imagineering, leading the global team behind Disney’s theme parks, attractions, resorts, and immersive experiences. With a career spanning Imagineering, Dreamscape Immersive, and Airbnb, he brings deep expertise in storytelling, innovation, and experiential design, shaping groundbreaking entertainment across multiple industries.
Bruce Vaughn, Walt Disney Imagineering, President & CEO

Corinne Verdery
Caruso, CEO

With over 30 years of industry experience, Corinne Verdery has led transformative projects, including the Forbes triple five-star Rosewood Miramar Beach and Palisades Village. Previously, she oversaw NBCUniversal’s multibillion-dollar Evolution Plan and played a key role in the development of The Beverly Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
Corinne Verdery, Caruso, CEO

Jared Wolff
Chairman, CEO and President, Banc of California

Jared M. Wolff is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Banc of California, Inc. (NYSE: BANC). He also serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Banc of California. Banc of California is the third-largest bank headquartered in California, with over $33 billion in assets and nearly 2,000 team members in offices across 10 states. Mr. Wolff is a veteran California banking executive with deep expertise in finance, law and risk management. He joined Banc of California in March 2019 from City National Bank, a Los Angeles-based regional bank and wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada, where he was Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and served on the bank’s executive committee. Prior to City National, Mr. Wolff was President and a member of the Board of Directors of Pacific Western Bank, a leading California-based commercial bank and wholly owned subsidiary of PacWest Bancorp. Mr. Wolff joined PacWest from the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. Mr. Wolff is a member of several professional and nonprofit organizations. He is a member the WSJ CEO Council, the CEO Council of Los Angeles, the Economic Club of New York, the Board of Directors of the Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America, the FTV Capital Strategic Advisory Board and the Young Presidents’ Organization. Mr. Wolff is also a member of Steadfast LA’s coalition of civic and business leaders dedicated to accelerating the rebuilding of Los Angeles after the devastating January 2025 wildfires. Mr. Wolff received his bachelor’s degree from Duke University, his master’s degree in French language and literature from Middlebury College, and his law degree from the University of Michigan.
Jared Wolff, Chairman, CEO and President, Banc of California
Press Room
Steadfast LA Foundation Announces Collaboration with HomeAid OCLA, loanDepot, and Armanino to Power Modular Housing Initiative
California Governor Gavin Newsom Announces Launch Of New AI Tool To Supercharge The Approval Of Building Permits
LA Strong Sports And Steadfast LA To Forge Public-Private Partnership With The City Of Los Angeles To Rebuild The Palisades Recreation Center
Steadfast LA Launches First Non-Profit Rebuild Initiative
Steadfast LA, the nonprofit started by Rick Caruso to accelerate the rebuilding of Los Angeles and g...
News


Public-private partnership launched to rebuild Palisades Recreation Center after fire

Lakers coach JJ Redick unveils public-private partnership to rebuild Palisades recreation center

Alley-Oop to Recovery: Redick, Caruso, and Bass Team Up for Pali Rec Rebuild


This nonprofit will deliver free homes to L.A. fire victims


Rick Caruso launches foundation to help rebuild L.A. after wildfires


A billionaire's private sector coalition for LA fires recovery


Rick Caruso nonprofit plans 80 to 100 modular homes for those most impacted by wildfires


Caruso-backed nonprofit partners with builder to give prefab homes to fire victims


Billionaire Caruso Starts Nonprofit for LA Fire Rebuilding


Rick Caruso's organization offering new homes to wildfire victims


Rick Caruso announces new foundation to expedite rebuilding efforts in Palisades and Altadena


LA businessman Rick Caruso launches foundation to rebuild after wildfires


Caruso nonprofit to provide free pre-fab homes in LA County


LA billionaire offers a hand — and applies some pressure — in wildfire recovery


Rick Caruso Launches Nonprofit Aimed at Expediting L.A. Fire Rebuilds


Caruso Wants To Lead Wildfire Rebuilding Efforts With New Foundation: 'It's Our Job"
Together, we will rebuild, renew, and rise.
Steadfast
Stead·fast /'stəd fast/
Adjective resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.
37K+
acres burned
$250B
economic losses
18K+
structures destroyed
Steadfast LA is a calling to business leaders, community members, civic partners — to anyone who believes in the power of unity, efficiency and resolve.
Join our cause.