David Rubin cdr’s story began in Mexico City and continued in Los Angeles, California, where his family settled when he was just a child. His parents, survivors of extraordinary circumstances, had an enduring influence on his life. His father was the lead liberator of the Bergen-Belsen DP camps following World War II, and his mother, Bella, endured the horrors of the Polish Concentration Camps. Their resilience, strength, and unwavering belief in the importance of service to others shaped David’s values from an early age. Raised in New York during his early childhood and later moving to Los Angeles at nine, David’s upbringing instilled the core values of perseverance, responsibility, and a desire to make a difference in the world.
David’s professional journey began when he attended California State University, Northridge, in 1980, where he pursued a degree in finance. His growing interest in financial structuring and investment strategies led him to become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). This academic achievement laid the foundation for a career that would make David an influential leader in structured finance, affordable housing, and philanthropy.
Financial Leadership and Affordable Housing: Building a Legacy
David Rubin cdr’s career is defined by his work in structured finance and affordable housing development. As a principal in several affordable housing companies, David oversaw the completion and operation of over 2,200 housing units across the United States. His commitment to addressing the pressing issue of housing affordability and providing stable homes for families impacted many communities.
David’s entrepreneurial ventures further expanded his influence in the housing sector. He co-founded companies such as Enhanced Affordable Housing, EDJCO (a construction management and valuation firm), and Accelfunding, which uses tax strategies to generate additional equity for affordable housing projects. Through these efforts, David was able to apply his financial expertise to create opportunities for underserved communities, blending financial innovation with social responsibility.
David’s work didn’t stop at affordable housing. He also recognized the importance of sustainability and the potential for finance to drive environmental change. David has been involved in renewable energy projects, particularly solar energy and battery storage, utilizing tax credits to support these initiatives while generating returns for investors. This approach to sustainable finance demonstrates David’s ability to blend financial success with responsible environmental practices.
Personal Struggles and Strength: A Journey of Hope and Dedication
David Rubin cdr’s professional accomplishments have been significant, but his journey has also been one of great strength and resilience. In 2009, his wife, Gail, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a challenge that would profoundly shape David’s life. Devoting himself entirely to her care, David put his professional responsibilities on hold to find the best treatments and experimental therapies. Working with leading medical institutions like the Salk Institute and UCLA, he sought every possible avenue for her healing.
Through their unwavering faith and determination, David and Gail achieved an extraordinary result: Gail became the longest-living survivor of metastatic pancreatic cancer. For 15 years, David remained by her side, demonstrating that love, resilience, and perseverance can overcome even the most difficult challenges. While Gail tragically passed away in 2024, her legacy of strength and faith continues to inspire those who witnessed their journey.
Commitment to Public Service and Philanthropy
David Rubin cdr’s contributions go far beyond his professional life; his dedication to public service and philanthropy is at the heart of his leadership. David believes that leadership should be used to help others and create lasting change, a principle that has guided his philanthropic efforts throughout his life.
A significant part of David’s legacy is his work in affordable housing. He played a key role in implementing lease-to-own housing projects across the country, allowing renters to become homeowners. These projects, made possible through Tax Credit financing, enabled families to gain financial stability and build equity, helping to address housing affordability challenges.
As the Commissioner of Housing for the City of Los Angeles, David worked to address the city’s public housing crisis. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in restructuring the financial operations of the housing agency, improving its efficiency and effectiveness. His leadership in this role helped create policies that have long-term impacted the city’s housing strategies, especially in addressing the need for affordable and stable housing.
In addition to his work in housing, David’s contributions to healthcare have also been significant. He worked with the Daughter of Charity Health System to restructure hospitals that served low-income and indigent populations in Southern and Northern California. During this process, David recognized the need for recuperative care for indigent patients discharged from hospitals. In 2016, he led the effort to create the first permanent supportive housing project in Los Angeles County for these individuals. This initiative resulted in over 500 housing units, providing shelter and essential services to those who needed it most.
Leadership in Education: Fostering Future Generations
David Rubin cdr’s leadership also extended to the field of education, where he made a lasting impact on both K-12 and higher education. As President of Yavneh Academy, a private elementary school in Los Angeles, David played an instrumental role in the school’s growth and success. Under his leadership, Yavneh achieved academic excellence and became a community anchor, providing students with a strong educational foundation and a sense of belonging.
David also served as the President of YULA, a private girls' high school in Los Angeles, for seven years. During his time at YULA, David oversaw the construction of a new campus, which provided students with a modern and dynamic learning environment. His work at both Yavneh Academy and YULA demonstrated his belief in the power of education to shape young people into the leaders of tomorrow.
Global Philanthropy: Making a Difference Around the World
David Rubin cdr’s humanitarian work extends well beyond the United States. He has contributed over $25 million to various causes, including education, disaster relief, and efforts to combat antisemitism. One of his most notable contributions came during the October 7 war, when David organized and financed the first private airlift to Israel. This airlift delivered over 4,000 pounds of critical supplies to those in need, including military equipment, winter clothing, and other essential items.
For his lifetime of service, David received a lifetime achievement award from the Orthodox Union, an international organization that honors those who have dedicated their lives to community service. Additionally, David was named a Wexner Leadership Scholar, recognizing his outstanding contributions to philanthropy, education, and community leadership.
A Lasting Legacy of Service, Innovation, and Dedication
David Rubin cdr’s life and career reflect his unwavering commitment to leadership, innovation, and service to others. Through his work in structured finance, affordable housing, public service, and philanthropy, David has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities. His ability to merge financial success with a deep commitment to social good has set him apart as a business and nonprofit leader.
David’s work in sustainability and criminal justice reform demonstrates his dedication to addressing complex societal issues. His efforts in renewable energy, supportive housing for the homeless, and transitional housing for former offenders highlight his desire to create long-term solutions that benefit individuals and society.
In addition to his many professional and philanthropic accomplishments, David finds balance in his life through personal interests such as swimming, hiking, and traveling. He and his family also founded The Gitel Foundation in memory of his late wife, Gail, focusing on combating food insecurity and promoting child literacy.
David Rubin cdr’s legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. His story is one of strength, compassion, and leadership, and his work will continue to inspire future generations to lead with integrity, empathy, and a commitment to making the world a better place for all.
Follow more : Linkedin, Facebook, Reddit, YouTube
Portfolio