Henry Segerstrom

Henry Thomas Segerstrom (April 5, 1923 – February 20, 2015) was an American entrepreneur and philanthropist known for shaping much of Orange County's cultural and commercial landscape. As a business leader he guided family enterprises and development projects that turned agricultural land into prominent commercial centers and civic assets. For further background see biographical sources.

Segerstrom is most frequently associated with the creation and expansion of South Coast Plaza, a major retail and business complex in Costa Mesa, California. Under his direction the property grew into one of the region's largest shopping and arts districts, attracting national retailers, restaurants, and cultural institutions. His approach combined commercial development with long-term planning for public access and civic benefit.

He was the founding chairman of the Orange County Performing Arts Center, which was later renamed the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in recognition of the family's leadership and philanthropy. Segerstrom helped secure funding, siting, and partnerships that established a permanent home for symphony, ballet, opera and touring productions, significantly raising the area's cultural profile.

Beyond real estate and the performing arts, Segerstrom supported education, medical institutions, and community projects through philanthropy and board service. His contributions emphasized building local capacity — venues, endowments, and institutions designed to provide sustained benefit to residents and visitors.