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



