Steven M. Hilton

Steven M. Hilton is President and CEO of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, one of the nation’s largest philanthropic organizations founded by his grandfather, the late hotel entrepreneur. Mr. Hilton oversees the work of the Foundation throughout the world as well as the $1.5 million Hilton Humanitarian Prize and the Hilton Humanitarian Symposium.

Mr. Hilton has worked in the field of philanthropy for more than 20 years. He joined the Foundation in 1983 and has held numerous positions over the years, including Program Assistant, Program Associate, and Vice President, Programs. He was named President in 1998 and in 2005 the board of directors appointed him CEO.

The Foundation and its related entities have total assets of $4.5 billion. Most of the Foundation’s grants are applied to long-term projects such as water development in Africa and other countries; early childhood development for disabled babies and toddlers; youths substance abuse prevention; housing for the mentally ill homeless; worldwide blindness prevention and services; and support for the work of Catholic Sisters.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Mr. Hilton worked for five years in hotel management in Alabama, Georgia and California with the Hilton Hotels Corporation. He was also involved in aquaculture (fish farming) businesses in California and Hawaii. A graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara, Mr. Hilton earned his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).

Mr. Hilton serves on the boards of both the Foundation and the Conrad N. Hilton Fund. In addition, he sits on the boards of St. Joseph Center and the Southern California Grantmakers.

Based in Los Angeles, the Hilton Foundation was established in 1944 by hotel entrepreneur and business leader, Conrad N. Hilton, who left his fortune to the foundation with instructions to help the most disadvantaged and vulnerable throughout the world. The Hilton Humanitarian Prize, the world’s largest prize, is awarded annually to an organization that significantly alleviates human suffering. The annual Hilton Humanitarian Symposium convenes decision makers and thought leaders in humanitarian work, human rights and public policy to consider solutions to critical global issues. It is one of the few U.S. foundations with a worldwide mission, in keeping with the wishes of Conrad Hilton who noted that the Hilton fortune was built on the international as well as the domestic hospitality industry.

Steven Hilton resides in Malibu with his wife, Lisa, an accomplished pianist and composer, and their two children, Christian and Fiona.