Our Mission
THE GEORGE E. RICHMOND FOUNDATION IS A PRIVATELY FUNDED NOT-FOR-PROFIT FOCUSED ON ADVANCING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ORAL AND OVERALL HEALTH THROUGH SCIENCE, ECONOMICS AND POLICY.
About Us
The George E. Richmond Foundation was established in 2006.
GEORGE E. RICHMOND was an entrepreneur and leader in the dental industry. Throughout his life, George was dedicated to promoting oral health as an essential component of overall health.
In 1901 in St. Louis, MO, Young Dental was founded and began manufacturing products for the dental market. In 1961, George purchased Young Dental from his mother after his father passed away. The Company introduced the Triple Seal prophy angle, a tool that dental hygienists use to clean and polish teeth. The Triple Seal became the gold standard for quality and reliability amongst dentists and hygienists. As concerns about cross infection in the dental office emerged in the 1980’s, George developed a single-use version of the prophy angle that quickly became the market leader.
With the help of Alfred Brennan and Arthur Herbst, the company went public in 1997 and began acquiring other dental products manufacturing and distribution businesses. George remained actively involved in the Company, supporting and encouraging new managers as the business rapidly expanded.
George served as the Treasurer and member of the executive committee of the Board of Oral Health America, and was a strong advocate for its Smiles Across America program that provided oral health for underserved populations. He served as the manufacturing section chair for the American Dental Trade Association and was an active member of several dental organizations. In 2001, Ernst & Young in St. Louis, MO named George Entrepreneur of the Year.
Alfred E. Brennan, Jr.
Co-President
Alfred Brennan serves as Co-President and a member of the Board of Directors of the George E. Richmond Foundation. Mr. Brennan previously served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Young Innovations, Inc. (Nasdaq:YDNT). Mr. Brennan joined the company as an executive beginning with its initial public offering in 1997 through its sale in January of 2013. Before joining Young, he has served in a variety of leadership positions for American Hospital Supply Corporation, Sybron, Gendex and DENTSPLY in operations, sales and marketing, organizational development, corporate strategy and international marketing roles. Mr. Brennan is also currently a Managing Director of Shoreline Partners, an advisory firm.
Mr. Brennan holds an A.B from the University of Illinois.
Arthur L. Herbst, Jr.
Co-President
Arthur Herbst serves as Co-President and a member of the Board of Directors of the George E. Richmond Foundation. Mr. Herbst previously served as President of Young Innovations, Inc. (Nasdaq:YDNT) from 2004 to 2013 when the Company was sold to a private equity firm. Young is a leading manufacturer and marketer of dental supplies and equipment sold to dental professionals. Mr. Herbst joined Young as a Director in 1997, the year in which the Company completed its Initial Public Offering, and as an employee shortly thereafter as Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning. During his tenure with Young, Mr. Herbst held positions of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer ultimately become President. Mr. Herbst is currently a Managing Director of Shoreline Partners, an advisory firm, and serves on a variety of corporate boards
Mr. Herbst holds a B.A in Economics and Political Science from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) and an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
The George E. Richmond Foundation
325 W. Huron Street
Suite 601
Chicago, IL 60654