July 2026

Progress Newsletter

Last month, San Mateo County Supervisor Jackie Speier (former long-time PVF board member) honored Albert J. Horn in recognition of his extraordinary lifetime of service and his upcoming 100th birthday. Albert was PVF's founding Board Chair from 1991-2002 and served on PVF's Board of Directors for a total of 25 years. For nearly a century, he has exemplified leadership, integrity, civic responsibility, and a deep commitment to family and community.

Here are some of the remarks Supervisor Speier made in recognizing Albert Horn:

Born in Germany, Albert immigrated to the United States and embraced the opportunities and responsibilities of his adopted country. During World War II, he proudly served in the United States Army, demonstrating the same sense of duty and service that would later define his professional and civic life. Throughout his life, he has remained a steadfast defender of democracy, civic engagement, and community responsibility.

“Al Horn has been a constant and towering inspiration and role model to all of us on how we can endeavor to do good in the world. How our individual and collective actions can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors and communities. He has uplifted and emboldened all of us who he has touched, generations upon generations, to aspire to be better. PVF's DNA is Al Horn personified.”

— James Higa, PVF Executive Director

Albert J. Horn

Following his military service, Albert attended Stanford University and Stanford Law School, where he served on the Board of Editors of the Stanford Law Review. He went on to build a distinguished legal career spanning more than five decades, becoming one of the Bay Area’s most respected estate planning attorneys and advisors.



As an Emeritus Partner specializing in estate planning, trusts, and wealth transfer, Albert has helped generations of families acquire, preserve, and transfer wealth while honoring their personal values and long-term goals. His expertise in multi-generational planning, family business succession, and tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies has made him a trusted advisor to countless individuals and family-owned businesses throughout San Mateo County and beyond.

“Rarely can so many on the Peninsula be so grateful to one person for the growth of philanthropy as with Al Horn. To Al, we say thank you for your dedication, perseverance, and optimism.”

— Bill Somerville, PVF Founder

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Albert has dedicated himself to strengthening the community through extraordinary civic and philanthropic leadership. He played an important role in the early development of Philanthropic Ventures Foundation and has served as Chair, Board Director, and advisor to numerous nonprofit and community organizations. His leadership positions have included:

• Former Chair and current Board Director, Philanthropic Ventures Foundation

• Former Chair, Peninsula Community Foundation

• Former President, Stanford Alumni Association

• Former President, Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County

• Former President, Mills-Peninsula Hospital Foundation

• Former Council President and Area President, Boy Scouts of America

• Former Board Chair and current member of the Finance & Planning Committee, Mills-Peninsula Health Care System

“Al is a wonderful leader. He helped many others improve and be successful in their foundation and non-profit organization work. He had a good sense of humor and taught many how to improve their efforts to help others.”

— Cole Wilbur, PVF Board Member

2026 Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County

Ray Mueller, Jackie Speier, Albert Horn, Lisa Gauthier, and David Canepa

“Al’s contribution to PVF and guidance on the Board were a foundation of my understanding of the philanthropic world. I can’t tell you how many time I have thought “how would Al handle this” as I grew Generosity in Action and served on the boards of other foundations in San Mateo. Al, thank you!”

— Duncan Beardsley, PVF Board Member

Throughout his life, Albert has demonstrated a belief that success carries with it a responsibility to serve others and strengthen communities. He has helped build institutions, support families, mentor future leaders, and advance philanthropy across the Bay Area.

As he approaches his 100th birthday, Albert J. Horn stands as a remarkable example of a life well lived—one marked by service to country, dedication to family, professional excellence, civic leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

“Albert Horn introduced me to PVF’s Founder Bill Somerville in 1998, resulting in me joining PVF as Associate Director. Albert was Chair of the PVF Board at that time and we worked together on many issues and programs, building and growing PVF’s impact and reach. Now, years later, as the Chair of the PVF Board, I reflect on how very fortunate I am to learn from and work with Albert. I have witnessed his dedication to helping others as a lawyer, volunteer, and philanthropist. He is a leader and mentor to countless people and his commitment to the community is unsurpassed. Happy Birthday Albert. It is an honor to know you and work with you.”

— Moira Walsh, PVF Board Chair

His legacy lives on in the countless individuals, families, organizations, and communities that have benefited from his wisdom, generosity, and leadership.

Congratulations, Albert J. Horn!

With gratitude and admiration, we celebrate your century of service and your enduring contributions to San Mateo County, the Bay Area, and generations of families whose lives you have touched. Happy 100th Birthday.

Recently, Brisbane School made use of our Visiting Artist Grants, helping to bring a historian and hands-on learning to their students. The Visiting Artist in the Classroom Grant enriches the classroom environment by fostering deeper engagement with school curriculum through creative, experiential learning. From interactive workshops to hands-on art lessons, students immerse themselves in experiences that leave them excited about learning.

This month the fourth and fifth grade classes at Brisbane School brought in California Weekly Explorer to create an interactive learning experience. Students gathered to act out key moments in California’s history using props and costumes, turning a theatrical presentation of history into a way to fully engage with and absorb their curriculum. Students stepped into historical roles to reinforce their ongoing study of the American Revolution.