The CHOC Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Ben Drutman, president of the Ronald M. Simon Family Foundation, and Christopher Lentz, author, speaker, and philanthropist. With decades of professional leadership, philanthropic engagement, and personal passion for children’s health, Ben and Christopher will play an essential role in expanding resources, inspiring generosity, and elevating the impact of CHOC, part of Rady Children’s Health, for generations to come.
“At a pivotal moment for pediatric healthcare, we are honored to welcome these exceptional new members whose leadership and commitment to unlocking philanthropy will be critical to building a healthier and brighter future for all kids and families,” says Jessica Miley, senior vice president and chief development officer at the CHOC Foundation. “We are grateful to have a deeply engaged board whose experience and insight move our mission forward.”
Together, Ben and Christopher join a dedicated group of leaders and advocates—chaired by Christopher Harrison, co-founder and managing partner of Dauntless Capital Partners—who are actively engaged in creating community awareness and philanthropic support for the health and well-being of children.
Meet our newest board members:
Ben Drutman
As president of the Ronald M. Simon Family Foundation, Ben partners closely with the Board of Directors, senior leadership, and community partners to advance the Foundation’s mission of empowering the pursuit of the American Dream for underserved communities in Orange County. His work focuses on innovative program development, operational excellence, and strategic grantmaking.
Prior to his appointment as president, Ben served as executive director of Simon Scholars, preparing students facing difficult life and economic challenges with the leadership skills, pathways, and professional networks needed to excel in high school, college, and beyond. In this role, he strengthened operations and secured critical funding that expanded the program’s reach to more than 200 scholars annually.
Before joining the Foundation in 2017, Ben spent over a decade in the hospitality industry, establishing, operating, and successfully selling multiple franchise businesses.
A graduate of the University of California, Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business, Ben serves on several boards dedicated to advancing education, healthcare, science and technology, leadership, and workforce development.
Q&A with Ben
1. Why does CHOC’s mission of caring for sick and injured kids resonate with you personally, and what inspired you to get involved with CHOC?
Ben Drutman (BD): As a parent of three young children, ranging from seven months to seven years old, my wife and I find tremendous peace of mind knowing that we have access to CHOC’s world-class pediatric care right in our backyard. Through our family’s experiences at CHOC, we’ve witnessed an exceptional level of compassion, expertise, and dedication that has left a lasting impression on us. I was inspired to get involved to play a small part in advancing a mission that profoundly impacts the health and well-being of the children and families in our community.
Joining the CHOC Foundation Board represents a meaningful opportunity to help strengthen an organization that has already touched countless families, including my own, and continues to make a generational impact throughout Orange County and beyond.
2. What makes you most excited about joining the CHOC Foundation Board of Directors?
BD: Having personally experienced the extraordinary care and compassion of the entire CHOC team, paired with its state-of-the-art facilities and ability to attract top talent from around the world, I’m deeply honored to join the CHOC Foundation Board. I know how much CHOC means to families, and it’s incredibly rewarding to give back to an organization that embodies such a powerful legacy of healing and hope. I’m most excited to help advance CHOC’s mission, strengthening the resources, partnerships, and programs that ensure every child continues to receive the exceptional care they deserve.
Christopher Lentz
Christopher Lentz is an author, speaker, and memoirist whose work centers on themes of hope, resilience, and second chances. In addition to his writing career, he is an active workshop leader and mentor, inspiring audiences with stories of perseverance and purpose. His background includes decades of professional leadership in corporate marketing for companies such as Experian, TRW, AAA, and Disney.
Christopher also serves as a director on the board of the Swenson Family Foundation, which supports wellness, education, and the arts, and was honored at the 2024 CHOC Charley Awards for Outstanding Philanthropist.
Since 2008, Christopher and his family have been passionate CHOC Walk in the Park participants, CHOC Gala supporters, and advocates for improving access to care. Through both their personal contributions and connection to the Swenson Family Foundation, they have made transformational investments that have established the Susan & James Swenson Family Foundation Family Assistance Endowment, supported pediatric oncology patients and families, and expanded resources to meet the pediatric mental health crisis through initiatives such as school-based WellSpace Minis and WellSpaces.
Q&A with Christopher
1. Why does CHOC’s mission of caring for sick and injured kids resonate with you personally?
Christopher Lentz (CL): It’s all about the kids. And so am I. As a father, father-in-law, and grandfather—well, Papa, actually—I totally understand the need to give kids their best chance for hope, healing, and happiness. CHOC’s a place where that happens every day.
2. What inspired you to get involved with CHOC?
CL: In my corporate career, I coordinated CHOC Walk teams back in the early 2000s…and I’ve been walking ever since. Trust me, you only have to participant in one CHOC Walk to witness the impact of the CHOC community. To see the triumphant victories, as well as the long-lasting ripples of tragic losses. I was hooked then. I’m hooked now.
3. What makes you most excited about joining the CHOC Foundation Board of Directors?
CL: This may sound cheesy, but I was raised to always make a difference. A positive difference. Joining the board is an unmatched chance to be actively involved in the process of bringing wellness to children, along with peace of mind to their families…plus hope for the future. I truly believe that a string of “happy for nows” leads to a lifetime of “happily ever afters.” And I’m more than ready to focus on that with the talented directors of the CHOC Foundation Board.
Learn more about our Board of Directors
Philanthropic support is at the core of CHOC’s ability to be there for patients with injuries, illness, or diagnoses that might overshadow the joy of childhood. In partnership with a generous community and our CHOC Foundation Board of Directors, CHOC is with patients every step of the way, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
