August 26, 2025

CHMC Foundation mourns loss of founding Board Chair David R. Carpenter

Visionary leader and health care advocate dies at 86, leaving lasting legacy of community service.

California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC) Foundation expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of its founding Board Chair, David R. Carpenter, who died on July 21. He was 86 years old.

Carpenter's visionary leadership was instrumental in the establishment of the California Hospital Medical Center Foundation. On August 21, 1985, he convened CHMC Foundation's inaugural board meeting, setting the course for what would become a pivotal philanthropic engine for health care in Los Angeles. Under his initial guidance, the foundation focused on vital programs including the Southern California Cancer Center, Inc., and the California Hospital Center for Health, Education and Research. His dedication laid the groundwork for the foundation's remarkable achievement of raising over $21 million to support CHMC's programs and services, significantly improving access to care for the diverse communities of downtown, south and central Los Angeles.

"David Carpenter's legacy at California Hospital Medical Center Foundation is profound and enduring," said Susan Shum, Chief Philanthropy Officer at CHMC Foundation. "He not only ignited the flame of philanthropy for our organization but continued to inspire generations of leaders and donors. His strategic foresight, particularly in recognizing the critical role of philanthropy in a turbulent health care environment, has allowed us to deliver life-saving care and uplift countless lives. We are eternally grateful for his remarkable contributions and will strive to uphold the high standards he set."

Born on March 24, 1939, in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Mr. Carpenter embarked on a distinguished career after earning his bachelor’s First CHMC Foundation Board Meeting August 21, 1985 degree in business administration and master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Michigan on scholarship. His extensive career in insurance began as an actuary, eventually leading him to become Chief Actuary of American Mutual Life before joining Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company in 1971. He retired in 1995 as Chairman and CEO of Transamerica Life Insurance and Executive Vice President of Transamerica Corporation. Beyond his corporate achievements, Mr. Carpenter was a true pioneer in addressing the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, serving on the American Council of Life Insurance CEO Task Force on AIDS and as a founding co-chairman of the National Leadership Coalition on AIDS. Under his leadership, Transamerica became the first company to make a major grant for AIDS education and research.

Following his retirement, Mr. Carpenter continued his dedication to public service, serving as Chairman and CEO of UniHealth and later UniHealth Foundation. He was a prominent figure in both the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara communities, holding leadership positions and serving on numerous civic and nonprofit boards, including the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Nationally, he chaired the National Institute of Transplantation and the Alliance for Aging Research. A Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, he received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Recognition Award for Community Service for his early leadership in the fight against AIDS. Known for his "tough but fair" approach and sense of humor, Mr. Carpenter loved golf and Michigan football and enjoyed sailing.

His vision continues to guide the California Hospital Medical Center Foundation in its mission to improve the health and well-being of the community.

Captions:

Photo 1: David R. Carpenter
Photo 2: First California Hospital Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors Meeting - August 21, 1985

About California Hospital Medical Center Foundation

California Hospital Medical Center Foundation was founded in 1985 to raise philanthropic support for building projects, equipment, patient care services and community outreach for Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center. The generosity and vision of our donors generate the resources to provide the highest quality medical care to all in need, regardless of their ability to pay. The foundation has dedicated staff and is governed by a Board of Directors that oversees a comprehensive fund development program incorporating special events, private foundation and corporate grants, individual giving and government support— raising more than $25 million per year. Learn more at SupportCaliforniaHospital.org.

About Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center

Founded in 1887, Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center is a 318-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in downtown Los Angeles. The hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level II trauma center, the Los Angeles Center for Women’s Health, obstetrics and pediatric services, and comprehensive cardiac and surgical services. The hospital shares a legacy of humankindness with Dignity Health and is part of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s five largest health care systems. Visit dignityhealth.org/californiahospital for more information.