LOS ANGELES, CA.- The Petersen Automotive Museum welcomed Michael Armand Hammer to its Board of Directors. The announcement comes during the final stages of a 13-month total transformation that will convert the Los Angeles institution into one of the world’s most technologically advanced museums when it re-opens in December 2015.

“Most people know Michael Hammer as Chairman and CEO of the Armand Hammer Foundation, a successful businessman, and a passionate philanthropist,” said Terry L. Karges, Executive Director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. “Michael is also a serious car enthusiast and collector. He is an excellent addition to our board.”

Michael Hammer commented, “As a long-time member of the Petersen’s Checkered Flag 200 group, I am honored to be elected to the Petersen’s Board of Directors. I am also proud to help facilitate the Armand Hammer Foundation Gallery in the new Petersen. This will be an unprecedented way to connect fine art and automotive creativity.” (The Armand Hammer Foundation Gallery will feature iconic BMW Art Cars when the museum re-opens in December 2015.)

Michael Hammer has been the driving force behind his family’s work in non-profits in Los Angeles and around the world. He currently serves on the board of STOP CANCER and the Dream Center in Los Angeles.

In the area of education, Michael Hammer sits on the board of Pepperdine University and is also a member of the Investment Committee and Board of Reference for Oral Roberts University. Additionally, he served as Director of The Armand Hammer United World College of the American West in Montezuma, Mexico. The university, a principle charity of England’s Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, provides cost-free scholarships for students from around the world, training them to be heads of states, ambassadors, and workers for peace in their respective countries.

Michael Hammer is also a founder of Grace Christian Academy, a not-for-profit, non-denominational Christian Elementary School in the Cayman Islands, and served as Director of Christian Communications Association, a not-for-profit, non-denominational Christian radio station that he founded, also located in the Cayman Islands.

Michael’s additional activities as a businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist include serving as Chairman and CEO of The Armand Hammer Foundation, Chairman and President of 8-31 Holdings, Inc., and owner of Hammer Galleries in New York City. He is also a co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center in Los Angeles.

In addition to his love of art, Michael Hammer is also an avid automobile enthusiast. He showed his pristine Cunningham C-3 Vignale Coupe at the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and also owns an impressive collection of hot rods, customs, classics, and race cars.