OCCF strengthens its leadership to drive growing impact and build a strong foundation for the future
IRVINE, Calif. (April 1, 2025) — Today, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) announced the election of Christopher D. Tower, CPA, to its Board of Governors. Tower brings a wealth of expertise in financial oversight, sustainability, and strategic leadership, joining a distinguished group of business and community leaders who guide one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing community foundations.
“OCCF is well-positioned to tackle emerging challenges and capitalize on new opportunities that will shape the future of Orange County,” said Rachid Chamtieh, chairman of the board of the Orange County Community Foundation. “We welcome Christopher’s expertise to enhance our organization’s passionate and visionary work.”

Christopher D. Tower, CPA
Tower actively supports nonprofits focused on environmental advocacy, conservation, education, the arts, and social and wellness causes. He serves as a Board Trustee for the African Wildlife Foundation, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Pacific Symphony. With over 40 years of public accounting experience, Tower most recently led ESG and sustainability services at BDO, where he also played a key role in shaping the firm’s strategic growth as a member of its executive team. Previously, he served as BDO’s Managing Partner for the West Region Audit Services and subsequently the National Managing Partner for Audit Quality and Professional Practice, overseeing audit methodology, regulatory compliance, and risk management. Tower holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.
OCCF is recognized as the center of gravity for Orange County philanthropy, acting as an unparalleled resource for local philanthropists and their families for 35 years by offering unique insights, deep knowledge, and a diverse array of tools to support both lifetime and legacy giving. To learn more about the Orange County Community Foundation, visit www.oc-cf.org.
About Orange County Community Foundation
The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) combines giving strategy, community intelligence, enduring relationships, and heartfelt intention to amplify the power of giving and its profound result: greater good in Orange County, and beyond. We serve as a resource for individual and family philanthropists, facilitate grant and scholarship programs, and lead community-based initiatives. We inspire giving and connect people and resources to create sustainable impact, granting more than $1.1 billion since 1989 in Orange County, across the country, and around the world. For more information, visit oc-cf.org or call (949) 553-4202. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. View OCCF’s 2024 annual report here.
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