Business leader Steve Keck named to the USC Board of Trustees

USC alumnus Steve Keck, a financial analyst and co-president of the W.M. Keck Foundation, was elected to the USC Board of Trustees on June 9.

“It’s my great honor to welcome Steve Keck to our board,” said Rick Caruso, chair of the USC Board of Trustees. “Steve brings a wealth of experience across business, philanthropy and research, along with a deep familiarity and passion for our university. His family’s longstanding history as Trojans, and his ongoing engagement across USC and Keck, will make him a significant addition to our board. I’m looking forward to using his leadership, insight and perspective to the benefit of our community.”

The Keck family holds historical roots within USC. Keck’s father, William M. Keck II, earned both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business. William M. Keck II was a member of the USC Board of Trustees for 32 years, helping to advocate for federal funding of USC science and technology centers, and supporting many USC schools and programs. Keck’s mother, two brothers and wife are also USC alumni.

Keck himself is a double Trojan, holding two degrees from USC Marshall — a bachelor’s in 1997 and an MBA in 2005.

As a trustee, Keck will bring to the board nearly 20 years of experience in investment management, and in reviewing scientific, engineering and medical research. He currently works at Los Angeles-based asset management firm TCW Group as a managing director focusing on corporate credit in the emerging markets division. He also serves as co-president of the W.M. Keck Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the nation.

The foundation supports pioneering discoveries in science, engineering and medical research. It aims to lay the groundwork for discoveries and technologies that will save lives, solve complex problems and increase our understanding of life.

Steve Keck committed to the growth of USC and its medical school, health system

“I’m looking forward to getting more involved and contributing back to my alma mater,” Keck said. “Being a trustee is important in terms of helping the school achieve its long-term strategy objectives and helping support President Folt and the administration.”

USC’s medical school, the Keck School of Medicine of USC, recognizes the foundation’s generosity through its name.

Keck said he is also committed to the reputation and growth of both Keck Medicine of USC and the Keck School of Medicine.

“In this century, in order for a university to be successful, it needs to have a strong research component, and I think USC is well-positioned,” he said. “With the partnership of the W.M. Keck Foundation, USC has developed not only a world-class school of medicine but a clinical health system as well.”

“I am excited that Steve has agreed to join the USC Board of Trustees,” said President Carol L. Folt. “He is an accomplished business leader with deep ties to our medical enterprise. As co-president of the Keck Foundation, Steve has played a critical role in reviewing and supporting cutting-edge research across medicine, the sciences, engineering and technology, and in supporting arts and culture, education, health and community service projects across Los Angeles.

“As multigenerational Trojans, he and his family are passionate about USC and have helped us develop partnerships and programs that have elevated the university’s standing in Los Angeles and beyond. Throughout our conversations, I have been impressed by Steve’s vision and ideas for USC’s future, and I have no doubt that he will help us continue to make great strides in his new role as a member of our board.”