Michael Milken — Milken Institute

Chairman

THE LATEST: Michael Milken focused the Santa Monica-based Milken Institute on Covid-19 relief during the pandemic. Also last year, he announced plans to open the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream in July 2023 in Washington, D.C. In February 2020, Milken was pardoned by President Donald Trump for violating securities laws in the 1980s.
BACKGROUND: Milken made his fortune during the 1970s and ’80s, when he popularized the use of “junk bonds.” He co-founded the Milken Family Foundation in 1982 to focus on educational and medical philanthropy. After a serving a prison term for securities fraud, Milken turned his energy to philanthropic initiatives with his nonprofit think tank, the Milken Institute.
YEARS ON THE LA500: 6
Return to the 2021 edition of the LA500.