Dear Friends,
LA BioMed's Spirit of Excellence Gala 2016 Invitation
On Thursday evening, May 5, 2016 a prestigious group of more than 500 business and community leaders from every corner of Los Angeles gathered at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel for the LA BioMed 2016 Gala.

LA BioMed marked the occasion by honoring exemplary champions whose contributions continue to fuel discoveries that hold promise for patients around the globe. We appreciate those of you who supported us through sponsorship of our 2016 Gala.

At the 2016 Gala, LA BioMed honored following three outstanding champions with our Spirit of Excellence Awards:

Steve Nissen

 

        

Steve Nissen

Sr. Vice President, Legal & Government Affairs, NBCUniversal
Spirit of Excellence Award for Outstanding Leadership

The senior vice president of legal & government affairs at NBCUniversal, Steve served as chair of the LA BioMed board of directors from 2011 to 2015. During his tenure, he raised more than $1.2 million to support the growth of research programs that impact medicine on a global scale. Steve’s keen insight, thoughtful guidance and sound counsel have been critical during some of the most transformative years in LA BioMed’s history — and will help us continue to make a lasting difference. He has also been a tireless advocate for LA BioMed and has introduced many valued friends to our organization.

George Mihlsten

 

 

George Mihlsten

Partner, Latham & Watkins LLP
Spirit of Excellence Award for Advancing the Mission

A partner with Latham & Watkins, George Mihlsten has played a leading role in securing the future of LA BioMed. His assistance in negotiating and finalizing our 70-year lease with the County of Los Angeles provides an 11.4-acre campus that will accommodate improved facilities and expanded research programs. As breakthroughs continue to occur, George’s involvement not only impacts the future of LA BioMed, but also the future of health care.

California Community Foundation  

California Community Foundation

Antonia Hernández, President and CEO
Spirit of Excellence Award for Community Service

The California Community Foundation awarded more than $1 million to LA BioMed. One of the programs the foundation recently supported helps prevent blindness among patients with diabetes. The innovative work made possible with the California Community Foundation’s philanthropic involvement has significantly improved health in our community.

 

This is an exciting time for biomedical research, with many new discoveries on the horizon. It is also a time of extreme financial challenge. Our ability to pursue innovative research, make potentially lifesaving new discoveries, apply new science through meaningful community outreach, and provide leading-edge scientific education is only possible with your support. Thank you to all those who joined us in honoring our Spirit of Excellence awardees, along with the LA BioMed scientists whose work they support.

Best regards,
David Meyer signature
David Meyer, PhD
President & CEO