John E. Kobara
Nonprofit, business, and tech startup leader and administrator
John E. Kobara served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the California Community Foundation for 12 years before retiring from the position in 2020.
A self-described social entrepreneur, John has been leading and managing innovative nonprofit organizations, companies, and technology startups for almost four decades. He is passionate about the power of community-building to improve people's lives, and he speaks on this subject frequently to nonprofit and Fortune 500 audiences.
In 2007, John received the City of Angels Award for his service on behalf of children and families. His leadership includes service on the boards of directors for the Japanese American National Museum, SCGA Junior Foundation, Coro Southern California, Southern California Grantmakers, and Walden University. He currently serves as Board Chair for MLK Community Healthcare.
Education
- BA in Sociology, Political Science from UCLA
- MA in Urban Studies from Occidental College
- MBA, USC Marshall School of Business