Steadfast LA Expands Coalition of Industry Leaders to Accelerate LA’s Rebuild and Get Families Back in their Homes

LOS ANGELES, CA – February 11, 2025 – Steadfast LA, the first-of-its-kind nonprofit organization chaired by Rick Caruso to bring together the best minds, the strongest resources, and the boldest solutions to rebuild the communities of Altadena, Malibu, the Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena in the wake of last month’s devastating wildfires, is expanding its 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. This announcement follows Steadfast LA’s formal launch last week, which included an initial coalition of 16 top-tier business and civic leaders – including experts from real estate, finance, infrastructure, and technology – to help expedite the rebuilding of these communities and get residents safely back in their homes.   
 
Steadfast LA recognizes that government cannot manage or execute this rebuild alone, and the group intends to arm local, state, and federal officials with the tools, blueprints, and plans to make this rebuild happen more quickly. The organization will also work to fight through bureaucratic delays that slow down the process, bring forward new innovations that allow the city to build for the future, and provide clear communications so residents understand what is being done and, more importantly, what is possible to help them to rebuild and return to their community.     
 
“The scale of this disaster demands action and solutions for families who have lost everything,” said Rick Caruso, Chairman of Steadfast LA. “That’s why we are expanding our coalition with proven leaders like Mike McNamara and Craig Russell – two pioneers in their respective industries who bring decades of expertise in building at scale and solving complex infrastructure challenges. Mike’s groundbreaking work in sustainable and modular construction and Craig’s leadership in large-scale urban design and infrastructure will add critical capabilities to our effort. Their addition represents the next step in growing Steadfast LA into the most effective, results-driven force for rebuilding Los Angeles. We are not just reacting to a crisis - we are building an action-oriented movement to get residents back in their homes and ensure the city’s future is stronger and more resilient.”
 
Both McNamara and Russell bring decades of experience in designing and delivering transformative projects to Steadfast LA. At Samara, McNamara has led innovative efforts in reimagining the home and home construction. Russell, with more than four decades at Disney Imagineering before retiring last year, has overseen some of the world’s most ambitious urban design and infrastructure projects. Their leadership will reinforce the organization’s mission to rebuild faster with more resilient communities. Last week’s announcement about Steadfast LA’s launch includes more information on the coalition’s other leaders and how their backgrounds and expertise align with the group’s purpose.  
 
Drawing on the knowledge, experience, and capabilities of this esteemed coalition, Steadfast LA will focus its attention on five key pillars to execute this rebuild with the efficiency and urgency that it demands:
 
Infrastructure – Building stronger and more resilient systems
 
Rebuilding – Rapidly restoring homes, businesses, and communities
 
Community – Strengthening neighborhoods and supporting displaced families
 
Communication – Ensuring transparency and collaboration with the public
 
Resilience – Implementing long-term solutions to prevent future devastation
 
In addition to adding two additional coalition members in McNamara and Russell, the group has engaged with both government officials and other prominent private-sector leaders to expand its influence and ability to drive results in the week since it launched. Steadfast LA has also already heard from more than 2,350 citizens - both in LA and nationwide - to offer their support, thoughts and advice about how to expedite this rebuild. The group will continue to solicit feedback from the public. To stay up to date on Steadfast LA’s initiatives or to get involved, visit www.steadfastla.com.