Our Commitment to Community

With a legacy rooted in the very foundation of California, Whittier Trust, as the oldest multifamily office headquartered on the West Coast, is dedicated to fostering enduring relationships within our communities. Our mission is to provide exceptional wealth management services through a personalized approach, ensuring that our clients receive the care and attention they deserve at a local level.

We believe that our success is deeply connected to the well-being of our community and the fulfillment of our team. By cultivating a workplace that is among the best, we empower our team members to excel and contribute meaningfully. This commitment extends beyond our office walls, as we actively encourage and support volunteerism in causes that resonate with both our team members and our clients-whether through grassroots efforts, administrative support, or planned giving.

We are proud to sponsor and participate in events and organizations that are integral to the fabric of our community, reinforcing our belief that strong partnerships and a shared sense of purpose lead to lasting impact.

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What We’ve Been Up To

 

Whittier Trust Office Recognized as the #12 Best Place to Work in Los Angeles

For the third consecutive year, Whittier Trust has been honored as one of L.A.’s 100 Best Workplaces by the Los Angeles Business Journal, securing the 12th spot among midsize companies in 2024. This significant jump from #25 in 2023 highlights Whittier Trust’s unwavering dedication to fostering a top-tier work environment that values both employee satisfaction and professional growth.

“I’m so incredibly privileged to work here among such wonderful people,” said David Dahl, CEO & President of Whittier Trust. “To have been recognized as a top 100 workplace for three years running means that we’re on to something. To have risen in the rankings each of those years, and to now be recognized as a top twelve company on this exceptional list and within this great city means that we’re living into the promise of Whittier Trust as a place where legacy can grow not just for our clients but for our incredible team members as well. 

Learn more about Whittier Trust’s inclusion in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Top 100 Workplaces list, along with other top 100 workplace accolades from the Puget Sound Business Journal and the Orange County Business Journal.

Whittier Trust Volunteers at the Orange County Food Bank

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as part of the National Day of Service, Chief Portfolio Manager Caleb Silsby, CFA, and his daughter joined thousands of families at the Community Action Partnership of Orange County Food Bank to combat food insecurity and give back to those in need.

Their volunteer efforts were recognized in a feature on NBC News LA, highlighting the powerful impact of service and the importance of giving back to the community. Volunteers packed and distributed essential food items, creating a tangible difference for families facing hunger in Southern California.

At Whittier Trust, we are committed to fostering meaningful connections and building compassionate communities. By partnering with organizations like the Community Action Partnership of Orange County Food Bank, we contribute to a brighter, more equitable future for all.

David Dahl Visits The Boys and Girls Club of San Bernardino

David Dahl, President and CEO of Whittier Trust, recently had the privilege of meeting with the inspiring leaders at the Boys & Girls Club of San Bernardino. Their shared commitment to empowering young people as productive, caring, and responsible citizens made the visit especially impactful.

David believes that “investing in youth is investing in our future,” and his visit underscored Whittier Trust’s dedication to supporting organizations that inspire and uplift the next generation. We are proud to stand alongside the Boys & Girls Club in their mission to create brighter futures for young people in our community.

Whittier Trust Making a Local Impact at the YMCA

Whittier Trust is proud to share that Matt Markatos, Senior Vice President, Senior Client Advisor and head of the West LA Office, has joined the Board of Managers at the YMCA. Matt’s connection to the YMCA runs deep-his involvement spans decades, from childhood experiences to years as a camp counselor and now as a parent watching his own children grow within the Y’s programs.

Matt’s dedication to the YMCA aligns perfectly with Whittier Trust’s commitment to building stronger communities. His passion for service and leadership will undoubtedly make a meaningful impact on the organization and the families it serves.

Joining Matt on the Board is Cori Close, head coach of UCLA’s women’s basketball program and a champion for empowering young people through sports. Together, they bring fresh perspectives and strong leadership to the YMCA’s mission of fostering community and equity.

Matt’s expertise and passion are already making an impact, and we look forward to seeing how his leadership continues to strengthen the YMCA and the communities it serves.

Whittier Trust and the Second Harvest Food Bank

Whittier Trust proudly sponsored the Second Harvest Food Bank‘s annual “No Lunch” Lunch. This meaningful event brought together community members for a simple meal of soup, bread, and salad to raise awareness about food insecurity and support the fight against hunger.

The event featured a State of the Food Bank update, inspiring videos, and a call to action, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. Representing Whittier Trust, Riley Sakioka, Sabrina M. Kerr, Chuck Hoblitzelle, Sophia Nolan, Nielson Fields, and Haley K. Dahl from our Newport Beach office joined the event to show their unwavering support.

Whittier Trust is proud to contribute to a future where no one goes hungry and to partner with organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank, whose vital work makes a profound difference in the lives of so many. Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable community.

Lifting Spirits with the Dream Foundation

The Philanthropy Department recently hosted a card-making event, where Whittier Trust staff came together to create beautiful, heartfelt cards for the Dream Foundation. These cards will be sent to terminally ill adults and their families, offering comfort and support during a challenging time. Over several weeks, staff gathered in the Legacy conference room, watched inspiring Dream Foundation videos, and worked to create art for a meaningful cause. Special thanks to Pegine Grayson and others who brought the mission of this incredible organization to the attention of Whittier Trust after visiting the Dream Foundation’s headquarters.

A Proud Sponsor of the Farmstead Feast

The +BOX Farmstead Feast is a farm-to-table dinner and celebration of community impact, and Whittier Trust is proud to support +BOX’s mission to deliver healthy food and fresh ideas to those in need. +BOX partners with local farms, food rescue organizations, and schools to provide food-insecure families with weekly boxes of fresh, nutritious food. Each week, more than 700 families across 14 San Diego communities benefit from life-changing nutrition provided by +BOX.

Enhancing The Lives of Children and Families 

Gregg Millward, Haley Kirk Dahl, Leo Connolly, and Steve Pizula had the pleasure of attending the opening night celebration for the Festival of Children, an event proudly sponsored by Whittier Trust this year. The atmosphere was lively, and it was inspiring to see so many passionate supporters of the Festival’s mission to enhance the lives of children and families in Orange County and beyond. Running throughout the month of September at South Coast Plaza, the Festival continues to foster a strong sense of community and purpose.

Wrapping Up Summer With The United Way 

After a summer of successful initiatives, Executive Vice president and Manager of the Whittier Trust Newport Beach Office, Greg Custer and Jimmy Filter attended the annual Men of Breakfast End of Summer Party. The event was kicked off by a speech from Supervisor Don Wagner, and served as the latest in a series of Men of Breakfast events aimed at enabling local business leaders to build strong relationships with like-minded individuals who support the vital and enduring work of the Orange County United Way.

Building Community Through Food

At Whittier Trust, we take pride in not just serving our communities, but participating wholeheartedly in them and supporting local organizations, entrepreneurs and artisans. For a night of team bonding, and to show support for an inspired community project, several members of our Newport Beach office recently attended a Farm Dinner event as part of The Ecology Center’s weekly Community Table series.

The Ecology Center is a 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified™ farm and education center that serves as a hub for southern California’s ecological movement. This series brings together a new lineup of world-class chefs to create an edible conversation between a farm, a chef, and the community using ingredients grown on the urban 28-acre Regenerative Organic Certified™ farm. The Ecology Center hopes to help deepen attendees’ connection with the land and grow as an inspired community educational resource and gathering place.

Swinging Hard For A Good Cause

Sam Bauserman, a Client Advisory Associate with Whittier Trust, played a pivotal role in supporting the Boy Scouts and the community through his dedicated work on the tournament committee for the Boy Scouts golf tournament at Newport Beach Country Club. Sam’s involvement with the event which began last February highlights his commitment to this initiative and the local community. From securing key elements for the event to rallying support, Sam’s efforts exemplified the spirit of giving back and showcased Whittier Trust’s ongoing dedication to important community cornerstones like the Boy Scouts. 

Whittier Trust’s Volunteers at Second Harvest Food Bank Orange County

This summer, Whittier Trust hosted an office volunteer event in support of our new nonprofit endowment client, Second Harvest Food Bank Orange County. Our team participated in a hands-on outdoor activity at Harvest Solutions Farm, where we helped plant, harvest, weed, and maintain the fields. Located on 45 acres in Irvine, this farm played a crucial role in providing 50,000-60,000 pounds of fresh produce each week to food banks and those in need across Orange County.

Harvest Solutions Farm is a collaborative effort between Second Harvest, the University of California South Coast Research & Extension Center, and Solutions for Urban Agriculture. Volunteers were essential to the farm’s operations, and we were proud to contribute to this vital initiative as part of our commitment to community involvement and support for local causes.

Whittier Trust On Board With The United Way

Greg Custer recently joined the Board of Directors of the United Way of Orange County alongside six other leaders in the community. As the United Way celebrates 100 years of serving Orange County, The Whittier Trust Executive Vice President hopes to give back to his community by helping the organization in its goals to deliver measurable long-term solutions to complex issues in education, financial stability, health and housing.

Greg also serves on the United Way’s United to End Homelessness℠ Executive Committee and Leadership Council, a powerful collaboration between Orange County’s top business, philanthropic, governmental, faith-based and non-profit leaders and caring community members. The initiative is determined to end the community’s homeless crisis through the creation of long-term supportive housing to do more for those most in need.

Greg is also involved in the Men of Breakfast event, a quarterly offshoot of the highly successful Women of Breakfast program, which has become a driving force for philanthropy, leadership, and empowerment. These gatherings provide a valuable opportunity for fellowship among committed and active members of the Orange County community while also supporting United Way Impact Hubs that assist vulnerable children and families.

A Rich History With Flight

Whittier Trust is a proud donor to the incredible new exhibit at The Museum of Flight, Home Beyond Earth! Our team member, Sharon Perlin, JD, had the unique opportunity to view the exhibit and watch the awe-inspiring Blue Angels fly as part of Seattle’s iconic Seafair festival.

Whittier Trust has a rich history in aviation, beginning with Paul Whittier’s early barnstorming adventures in flight, recognized by Orville Wright himself. Our ongoing support for The Museum of Flight’s “Home Beyond Earth” exhibit is a testament to our commitment to the West Coast aviation community and to honoring and preserving Paul Whittier’s legacy. Through initiatives like this, we hope to ensure that his passion for flight and exploration continues to inspire future generations.

The Whittier Trust Silver Cup

Whittier Trust was proud to host the Whittier Trust Silver Cup, which served as the highlight of the 2024 Santa Barbara Polo Club Season. The championship match, followed by a private trophy presentation, brought together esteemed guests for an afternoon filled with great company and exhilarating polo in Santa Barbara. The event was a memorable celebration of sport and camaraderie, bringing Southern California’s equestrian community together and marking a standout moment in this year’s polo season.

Whittier Trust and The Rose Bowl Parade

With headquarters in Pasadena, CA, Whittier Trust has advisors have a proud history of involvement in The Tournament of Roses, which presents the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game every January. Greg Custer, Executive Vice President and Manager of Whittier Trust, is currently  Vice President for the organization. Having served as a Chair of 7 operating committees for the Rose Parade, Greg will be the President of the Tournament of Roses for the 2032 Parade.

Our Support of Scouting America

This summer, Whittier Trust donated $100,000 to Scouting America, Aloha Council, to support the replacement of the aging Pop Hutton cabins at Camp Maluhia on Maui. These cabins, integral to the camp’s operations, have long served both the Maui Scouts and the wider community. This contribution is part of Whittier Trust’s ongoing commitment to community resilience, following a $50,000 gift in 2023 that funded vital water infrastructure upgrades at the camp.

“We are excited to support Maui Scouting and are deeply impressed by the ‘Be Prepared’ mentality of the Maui Scouts. Their quick response during the recent wildfires, including hosting displaced families and over 100 Red Cross workers, along with organizing supply drives and other emergency operations, truly exemplifies the spirit of Scouting.” – David Dahl, CEO and President of Whittier Trust. 

This donation ensures that the camp continues to be a haven for outdoor education and community activities, furthering the legacy of Scouting on Maui.

Sponsoring The Golden Oak Gala

Whittier Trust proudly sponsored the Golden Oak Gala – Laguna Blanca Event, a delightful fundraising gathering for parents, alumni, and friends of Laguna Blanca School. Our own Carter Thicke, a Laguna Blanca alumnus and assistant Vice President in our West Los Angeles Office, joined in celebrating the school’s legacy and future.

Whittier Trust Swimming With Mike

Whittier Trust was a proud sponsor of the 43rd annual Swim With Mike event. Our very own Gregg Millward  was in attendance, witnessing firsthand the inspiring commitment of the foundation to student-athletes overcoming catastrophic injuries or illnesses. Swim with Mike’s mission to change lives through scholarships, community-building, and instilling hope resonates deeply with our values at Whittier Trust. A huge congratulations to the 2023-24 scholarship recipients – your resilience and strength are truly admirable.

A Proud Sponsor of Classical Tahoe

Whittier Trust is a proud sponsor of Classical Tahoe, and Dean Byrne, Executive Vice President and Nevada Regional Manager with the Whittier Trust Company of Nevada, has joined the Board of Directors for the event. Classical Tahoe is a one-of-a-kind annual summer music series, bringing together classical musicians from the MET Orchestra, LA Phil, Cleveland Orchestra, and symphonies of San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver, NY City Ballet, SF Ballet, SF Opera and more. This 16-concert series pairs America’s top musicians with open-air pavilions, educational programs and Lake Tahoe’s beautiful scenery.

Looking After California’s Youth

Last October, Whittier Trust served as the lead sponsor of a highly successful fundraising event at Lake Arrowhead Country Club for the Boys and Girls Club. The event hosted over 155 guests and raised over $64,000 to continue providing a safe environment for children to grow. Whittier Trust and its advisors are committed to helping the youth of Southern California and beyond, especially those who need the Boys and Girls Club to develop educational skills, form responsible habits and participate in healthy recreational activities.

Whittier Trust’s History with The Transpac Race

Many members of the Whittier Trust Team are heavily involved in the sailing community of southern California. Whittier Trust’s partnership with the Biannual Transpacific (Transpac) race, now in its third year as the Heritage Sponsor, is rooted in shared principles of meticulous planning, risk management, and perseverance-values that resonate deeply with both ocean racers and Whittier Trust’s approach to wealth management. The connection is also personal, dating back to 1923 when Max Whittier entered his family’s yawl in the race. This legacy continues with current CEO David Dahl and his sons, who participated in the 2021 race, demonstrating teamwork and resilience in challenging circumstances.

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We have always placed our people at the heart of our success, fostering a culture that values passion, collaboration, and above all, a shared commitment to our clients. It is through their collective efforts and a belief in our shared vision that we continue to thrive and make a positive impact on the lives of the families and the community we serve.

David Dahl, CEO & President of Whittier Trust

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