As one of America's most accomplished business leaders, Mike Leven has spent a lifetime building empires. His career in the hospitality industry included launching the Holiday Inn Express brand and growing Days Inn from a regional chain into one of the largest hotel organizations in the world.
He went on to serve as President and COO of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Chairman and CEO of US Franchise Systems, and Chairman and CEO of the Georgia Aquarium. He co-founded AAHOA, today representing over 19,000 members and 40,000 hotels nationwide. But in 2019, at the height of his success, Mike walked away from the boardroom entirely to do the most important work of his life.
Inspired by the Giving Pledge, he founded the Jewish Future Promise, a global movement now representing over 122,000 individuals and family foundations committed to directing at least half of their charitable giving to Jewish causes and Israel. He also founded the Jewish Youth Promise, bringing that same commitment to the next generation.
Every Sunday morning, Mike opens his email and waits for the latest numbers. "When I see the numbers," he says, "I smile." Mike Leven built empires, but he decided the Jewish future is worth more.