When commercial property executive Sandy Sigal was a kid his mom sent him to a camp owned by Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles, and the experience changed his life. Now he's stepped into a key role at the nonprofit organization that provides mentorship and support to children in need.
Sigal, founder, CEO and president of retail developer NewMark Merrill Cos., has been appointed board president of the Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles. A member of the board for 20 years, he's been involved with the organization for nearly 30 years and serves on the board of the Foundation for Camp Bob Waldorf, the camp in Glendale, California, he attended as a child.
“When I was seven years old and my mom needed a place for her young son to be nurtured in a positive environment with positive role models, Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters found me a home in Camp Bob Waldorf," Sigal said in a statement. "To be involved with the organization that changed my life over 50 years ago and help lead it today is the honor of a lifetime."
Sigal has been in the real estate industry for more than 40 years. In 1997, he founded NewMark Merrill, a fast-growing developer and owner of shopping centers in California, Colorado and Illinois. Since its inception, Calabasas, California-based NewMark Merrill has worked on acquiring, developing, managing or repositioning over 150 retail shopping centers.
Cari Uslan, CEO of Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles, said Sigal will help the group expand its mission. “His passion, personal connection, and dedication to our organization will be invaluable as we continue to grow and serve more youth in need," Uslan said in a statement.
Sigal has four children, and lives in Hidden Hills, California, with his wife.