About George Haywood
About George Haywood
George Haywood's journey, beginning on September 30, 1952, in Washington, DC, is a testament to his profound impact on finance and philanthropy. Born to parents of public school teachers, he was instilled with a strong appreciation for education and community service from a young age. This foundation fueled his remarkable career trajectory, which saw him make significant strides on Wall Street and private investing, accompanied by a deep-rooted commitment to philanthropic endeavors.
His educational journey started at Brightwood Elementary School, advancing later to Saint Albans School from the seventh grade. There, he excelled academically and made his mark as an athlete, serving as co-captain of the soccer team and achieving All-Metropolitan honors. He demonstrated leadership and captained the school's It's Academic TV quiz show team. His academic success led him to Harvard College at 16, where he majored in biology.
Early in his career, he explored various roles, including being a flight attendant and a blackjack player, before shifting his focus to law studies at Harvard Law School. This decision turned him into the finance industry, beginning with a significant role at Lehman Brothers in 1982. He made groundbreaking achievements as the first black managing director, heading the corporate bond trading department there. His career in finance then evolved to include a stint at Moore Capital Management, which eventually led to private investing.
In finance, he was instrumental in bolstering the growth of companies such as XM Satellite Radio, Martek Biosciences, and AVI BioPharma. His involvement with Martek was particularly notable, leading to the incorporation of DHA in infant formula, an advancement that significantly impacted infant nutrition worldwide.
He has always championed the transformative power of education, evidenced by his significant support for various educational institutions, including his alma maters and others like the National Cathedral School and Washington Latin Public Charter School. His philanthropic work has opened new horizons for numerous students.
Extending his philanthropic interests, he has supported cultural venues such as the Kennedy Center and the Public Theater of New York. His dedication to social welfare is also evident in his involvement with organizations like Martha's Table and the Bedford Stuyvesant YMCA, underlining his commitment to building more robust, equitable communities.
Outside his professional sphere, He is deeply passionate about mastering track and field, holding multiple world records and championship titles, which underscore his commitment to personal health and excellence.
As a father of three and having been married for over three decades, his personal life reflects the same commitment and passion he has demonstrated professionally. Although now divorced, his legacy in finance and philanthropy continues to inspire, illustrating the far-reaching impact of commitment to excellence and community service.
From a bright student to a pioneering figure in finance and philanthropy, George Haywood's life narrative exemplifies the effectiveness of education, perseverance, and civic participation. His significant career achievements and dedication to societal betterment have created a lasting legacy that transcends traditional industry confines, enriching and uplifting communities worldwide.