Henry Samueli
Henry Samueli was born in Buffalo, NY and grew up in Los Angeles, CA. He earned his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Electrical Engineering from UCLA in 1975, 1976 and 1980, respectively. From 1980 to 1985 he was employed in various engineering and management positions in the Electronics and Technology Division of TRW, Inc., a military communications defense contractor now part of Northrop-Grumman. Since 1985 he has been a professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at UCLA, and since 2003 he has also served as a Distinguished Adjunct Professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department at UC Irvine. In 1991 he co-founded Broadcom Corporation, a global leader in providing semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications and took a leave of absence from UCLA in 1995 to be at Broadcom full-time. In 2016 Broadcom Corporation was acquired by Avago Technologies Limited and renamed Broadcom Inc. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Broadcom Inc.
In 2003 Henry and his wife Susan took over management of the Honda Center sports and entertainment venue in Anaheim, CA and in 2005 they purchased the Anaheim Ducks National Hockey League (NHL) club from the Walt Disney Company. In 2007 the Anaheim Ducks became the first California team ever to win the NHL Stanley Cup championship. Henry serves on the Executive Committee of the NHL Board of Governors. The Samuelis also own and operate the Anaheim Ducks minor-league affiliate, the San Diego Gulls, an American Hockey League (AHL) franchise.
Susan Samueli
Susan Samueli was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. She earned a B.S. in Mathematics from UC Berkeley in 1972. From 1972 to 1985 she was with IBM Corporation, where she worked initially as a software programmer in the Federal Systems Division, Westlake Village, CA, and then as a Systems Engineer in the National Marketing Division, Los Angeles, CA, providing technical marketing and sales support for IBM’s mid-range computer systems. In 1985 she left IBM and focused her energy on raising her children, at which time she developed a keen interest in alternative health care. She developed an active consulting practice in the areas of nutrition, homeopathy and Chinese herbs, and subsequently received a Ph.D. degree in nutrition from the American Holistic College of Nutrition in 1993 and a diploma in Homeopathy from the British Institute of Homeopathy in 1994.
Gerald Solomon
Executive Director
Gerald Solomon serves as the Executive Director for the Samueli Foundation, overseeing Samueli Philanthropy. Prior to this position, Mr. Solomon served as President & CEO of Public Health Foundation Enterprises (PHFE) for seven (7) years where he transformed the organization from an LA-centric provider of funding and services into national prominence.
Mr. Solomon offers a diverse executive leadership background, having served as President and CEO of several highly successful and nationally recognized nonprofit as well as for-profit organizations, including a distinguished 18 year career as a civil trial attorney and Judge Pro Tem.
Michelle Freeman
Program Officer
Michelle Freeman serves as Program Officer, overseeing grantee capacity building, program development, project management, evaluation, communications, data analysis and reporting.
She has served as a Peace Corps Volunteer and a Court Appointed Special Advocate. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services with a minor in Child and Adolescent Studies from California State University, Fullerton, a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies.
Victoria Torres
Director of Community Impact
Victoria Torres serves as Director of Community Impact, overseeing the foundation’s work as it relates to the City of Anaheim; including capacity building, community relations, project management, evaluation, and reporting.
Born and raised in Orange County, Victoria has been volunteering and working in the non-profit sector for over 15 years. She is passionate about making connections that are strategic and meaningful with the intent of building strong relationships and partnerships. Skilled in nonprofit management, team building, facilitation, evaluation, and talent development. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelors in Human Services and Masters Degree in Counseling.
Wayan Kaufman
Office Manager/Grants Administrator
Wayan Kaufman serves as Office Manager/Grants Administrator, overseeing grants management, communications, and special projects for the Foundation.
She has over 12 years of experience with Orange County nonprofits, both in staff and volunteer capacity, spanning arts, higher education, and food justice organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz.