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Ferris Wehbe

Businessman, Advocate & Community Leader

In A Snapshot

Ferris Wehbe: A Civic Leader Transforming Hollywood

Ferris Wehbe has dedicated decades to fostering community development, education, and economic growth in Hollywood. As the operator of the acclaimed Hollywood Schoolhouse, he established a national model for creative K-6 education that continues to inspire innovation in learning. In addition, he founded F&D Properties and supported local businesses, becoming a major contributor to Hollywood’s economic resurgence during challenging times.

Wehbe’s leadership in civic engagement includes his role as a founding member of the Hollywood Neighborhood Council, where he championed initiatives to enhance community representation. He has also served on the boards of the Getty House Foundation, the Hollywood Community Police Advisory Board, and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, reflecting his broad commitment to civic and cultural advancement.

In youth empowerment, Wehbe led initiatives like Hollywood Youth Charities, which raised over $300,000 for local programs, and the Hollywood Youth Collaborative, providing essential after-school activities. He also played a pivotal role in creating the Hollywood Media District Business Improvement District (BID), driving economic growth and cultural vitality in Hollywood.

Politically, Wehbe spearheaded the Hollywood VOTE campaign, gathering over 38,000 signatures to advocate for cityhood. As Co-Chair of Measure M, he supported transformative public transportation improvements for Los Angeles. His fundraising acumen was equally remarkable, raising $2.4 million in just 90 days for Eric Garcetti’s Super PAC.

On the global stage, Wehbe has fostered international cultural and business exchanges as Chairman of the Los Angeles Beirut Sister City Committee. His leadership with Rotary International District 5280 included chartering new clubs and supporting international development projects.

In 2025 Fares is launching the Hollywood Distillery, an homage to Hollywood and the product of 50 years of Fares’ passion and dedication to his city.

As a craft distillery – the first of its kind in Hollywood – the Hollywood Distillery honors the history and legacy of the area with every bottle. Located on the historic Route 66, a trip to the Hollywood Distillery is a journey through time and the culture of Hollywood itself. Featuring locally sourced ingredients and recipes influenced by the history of culture and agriculture in the area, the Hollywood Distillery connects Hollywood’s starry past to it’s bright future.

Work Experience

Co-Founder and Operator

F&D Properties

Invested in Hollywood real estate during times of decline in 1983 Operated the acclaimed Hollywood Schoolhouse, a national model for creative K-6 education

Community Leadership

Founder

Hollywood Sentinels Neighborhood Watch

Started in 1988 to combat local crime

Co-Founder

Hollywood Youth Charities

Started in 2021 and raised over $300,000 for youth activities

President

Hollywood Police Activities League

Started in 1989, increased membership from 25 to 1,300 children

Co-Founder & First Treasurer

Hollywood Beautification Team

Founded in early 1990s to clean and beautify neighborhoods

Co-Founder & Board Member

Hollywood Media District, BID

Started in 2000, active participation in the media industry

Co-Chair

Hollywood Redevelopment Project

Overseeing a 1,107-acre plan to revitalize Hollywood

Vice President

Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council

Increase public participation in government

Co-Chair

Hollywood Community Police Advisory Board

Create a safe and livable community

Board Member

Hollywood Chamber PAC

Shape policy that strengthens our business community

Political Engagement

President

Hollywood VOTE

Led the initiative for Hollywood cityhood with 38,000 signatures

Finance Chair

Eric Garcetti’s Super PAC, Lots of People Who Support Eric Garcetti

Raised $2.4 million in 90 days

Co-Chair

Measure M

Supporting a tax increase for improved public transportation in LA

Civic Engagement

Senior Assistant Governor

Rotary International District 5280

Chartered three new clubs and raised funds for international projects

Chairman

Los Angeles Beirut Sister City Committee

Fostering cultural and business exchanges between LA and Beirut

Treasurer

The Getty House Foundation

Preservation of the Getty House, civics education, global engagement

Advisor to the President

World Lebanese Cultural Union

Global Advocacy Chair

Treasurer

Los Angeles Cedars Rotary

Charter Member, Past President, and Paul Harris Fellow

Board Member

House of Lebanon

Served on the Real Estate Committee

Board Member

Media Business Improvement District

Co-Founder and Board Member

Co-Founder & First President

Our New Lebanon

Launched the USA-Lebanon advocacy group in 2020

Advocacy Projects

Our New Lebanon

Advocating for Lebanese American Diplomatic Ties

LACC

Lebanese American Coordinating Committee

LA Cedars Rotary

Humanitarian Aid to Lebanon

WCLU

World Cultural Lebanese Union

Skills & Expertise

Advisory & Board Governance

Team Building

Business and Community Leadership

Civic Engagement and Advocacy

Political Campaign Management

Public Relations

Strategic Planning and Development

Strategic Planning and Development

Business Improvement Districts

Education and Youth Empowerment

Educational Leadership

Youth Program Development

Financial Acumen

Fundraising

Budget Management

Cross-Cultural Communication

International Relation

Multilingual Communication

Local Businesses I’ve Supported

Phone

+1 (323) 213-9671

Follow

@ferriswehbe

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