About

About David Rubin

David Rubin was born in Mexico City and migrated to Los Angeles, California. David’s father was the lead liberator of the Bergen-Belsen DP camps post-WWII, and his Mother, Bella, was a survivor of the Polish Concentration Camp. David was raised in his early years in NY before settling with his family at the age of 9 in Los Angeles, CA, where he shaped his early life, family, and career. He was raised with the values of perseverance and responsibility, which helped guide his path to an unwavering commitment to significantly impacting the world around him.

David attended California State University, Northridge, in 1980 to pursue finance. His interest in financial structuring and investment strategies led him to become a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). This foundation paved the way for an extensive career in structured finance, defined benefit and 401 K investment strategies, affordable housing development, governmental advocacy, and philanthropy.

A Career Defined by Finance and Housing Innovation

David Rubin’s career has been marked by a strong focus on structured finance and investment solutions designed to increase yields for various governmental entities. As a principal in multiple affordable housing development companies, Mr. Rubin has been responsible for completing and operating over 2,200 units across the United States.

In addition, David Rubin’s financial acumen led him and his family to become active operators in multiple companies. Ranging from Development companies such as Enhanced Affordable Housing to EDJCO, an active construction management and valuation company, and Accelfunding, an entity that uses tax strategy to generate additional equity for affordable housing transactions. This ability to develop financial engineering while effectuating social change places Mr. Rubin as a leader in multiple fields.

David is also focused on environmental impact investments utilizing depreciation benefits that are derived from solar and battery investment tax credits. The program aligns with his vision of blending financial gains with environmental responsibility, further proving his ability to merge profitability with positive societal change.

Overcoming Adversity: A Personal Battle with Strength and Faith

David Rubin has faced his share of adversity. In 2009, his wife Gail was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. David put his professional responsibilities on hold and scoured the country for cutting-edge, experimental medical treatments and protocols. He worked with the world’s best research hospitals, including the Salk Institute and UCLA.

After more than a decade of experimental treatments, faith in God, and never giving up, Gail became the longest-living survivor of metastatic pancreatic cancer in history. For 15 years, David remained by her side, proving that love, resilience, and hope can overcome even the greatest challenges. In 2024, Gail tragically lost her battle, but the Rubin family continues to be an inspiration for everyone who witnessed their journey.

Public Service and Philanthropy

David Rubin’s contributions are much more than just a professional legacy. His philanthropic and public service passions define him as a person who views leadership as an opportunity to help others and make a lasting change in society.

Innovative Housing for Ownership

David also played a key role in implementing a lease-to-own housing project in San Diego and Nationwide through Tax Credit financings. These projects allowed renters to become homeowners, a life-changing program that provided stability for many families.

Transforming Los Angeles Through Housing Initiatives

As the Commissioner of Housing for the City of Los Angeles, David was instrumental in creating policies that addressed the city’s public housing crisis. David also restructured the Agency’s financial affairs during his tenure and was elected Vice Chair of the appointed commissioners.

David never lost touch with his care for the less fortunate. David was instrumental in restructuring the Daughter of Charity Health System, whose hospitals focused on treating the less fortunate and indigent in both Southern CA and Northern California. Through that initiative and its restructuring, David became aware of recuperative care for released indigent patients. David took the lead and worked with the county in 2016 to build the first permanent supportive housing project. That initiative led to David overseeing and successfully delivering over 500 units of this nature.

These projects provide desperately needed services through social service organizations, VOA P180, the Salvation Army, and multiple other organizations. These projects were delivered in the span of 4 years and built from prefabricated ‘steel modules, the first ever such projects in the city of Los Angeles and its county. David also spearheaded the development of transitional housing and caring for former prisoners in a shelter, which focused on working with the Office of Diversion and Reentry, housing nearly 400 such residents throughout LA county and city.

Through those innovative construction projects, Mr. Rubin helped the city provide shelter for vulnerable populations, including low-income families and those experiencing homelessness.

Educational Leadership and Community Development

Beyond housing, David served as the President of Yavneh Academy for 15 years, a premier private elementary school in Los Angeles with over 500 students. Under his leadership, the school experienced unprecedented growth, achieved academic excellence, and had unmatched community involvement.

In addition, he was also President of YULA, a private girls’ high school for seven years, where he spearheaded the construction of an entirely new campus and facilitated the faculty’s focus on building and investing in new generations of leaders.

He has also served on the Revenue Task Force for the Mayor of Los Angeles, lending his financial acumen to help shape the city’s economic strategies.

Global Philanthropy and Humanitarian Efforts

David has contributed over $25 million to various philanthropic pursuits worldwide, funding education, arts, disaster relief, and efforts to combat antisemitism. His involvement in humanitarian work was apparent from the first day of the October 7 war, when he organized and financed the first private airlift to Israel.

Due to his efforts, more than 4,000 pounds of essential military equipment, winter clothing, and gear were delivered to those in need, an example of his unwavering commitment to global humanitarian issues. a

For his lifetime work, David received recognition award from the international organization Orthodox Union, which honored him with a lifetime achievement award. David Rubin was also named a Wexner Leadership Scholar to honor his dedication and hard work in philanthropy education and community leadership.

Building a Legacy of Leadership and Impact

David Rubin has led a life defined by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to giving back. From his early days in structured finance to his work in affordable housing, public service, and philanthropy, David has touched the lives of countless communities.

Involvement in Sustainability and Criminal Justice Reform

David’s interests in sustainability and social responsibility go beyond finance and philanthropy. He is passionate about sustainable initiatives, integrating a financially sustainable business plan with powerful social impact. Through the Office of Diversion and Reentry, David continues to develop projects to house people experiencing homelessness and provide transitional housing for former offenders.

His knowledge of structured finance has also allowed him to pursue new opportunities in sustainability, particularly through tax benefits associated with renewable energy investments. He always looks ahead and ensures his work balances economic development and social responsibility.

Personal Interests: A Life of Balance and Passion

Despite a demanding career and many philanthropic engagements, David Rubin dedicates time to his personal interests. He is an avid swimmer, and he loves to hike and travel, which has helped broaden his cultural experiences and perspectives, both personally and professionally. Together with his family, David founded a foundation in his wife’s memory, The Gitel Foundation, which is committed to tackling food insecurity and promoting child literacy.

His talent for fusing financial acumen with social purpose has made him a pioneer among business leaders who can navigate the intricacies of economic structures and have the foresight and dedication to leverage them for everyone’s benefit.

As he continues leading, conceiving new ideas, and helping others, David Rubin’s legacy is best defined by transformation, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to making the world a better place.