UNITE-LA Statement on the Passing of Rob Reiner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 15, 2025

UNITE-LA STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF ROB REINER

Los Angeles, CA (December 2025) — UNITE-LA issues the following statement from Board Member and founding leader David Rattray in remembrance of Rob Reiner, who passed away on Dec. 14, 2025. Reiner was a nationally recognized advocate for early care and education and a pivotal partner during UNITE-LA's early history, when the organization operated within the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. His leadership and advocacy helped shape the Chamber's—and UNITE-LA's—commitment to expanding access to high-quality early learning, critical for California's progress toward universal pre-K and expanded child care.

"Rob Reiner was a tireless and courageous champion for young children and working families. At a time when early care and education was often overlooked, Rob brought passion, persistence and moral clarity to the conversation. I remember vividly when he met with me and our colleagues at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce—when UNITE-LA served as the Education and Workforce Development division of the Chamber—to make the case for investing in early learning. His advocacy helped persuade the Chamber to support a ballot measure to fund universal pre-K. While that proposition did not pass, Rob never saw it as a loss. He understood it as laying the groundwork for change," Rattray noted.

"Rob believed deeply that access to high-quality early care and education is essential to economic mobility, equity and a thriving society. His leadership helped shift public will and set in motion the progress California has since made toward universal pre-K and expanded child care. His vision, determination and unwavering commitment to children will continue to shape this movement for generations. We are profoundly grateful for his partnership and mourn the passing of him and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, with deep respect," concluded Rattray.

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About UNITE-LA 
Over the past 27 years, UNITE-LA has been a trusted business intermediary, dedicated to supporting the development of an effective local public education system, so that all children and youth succeed in college, career and beyond. Through the intersection of programming, policy and systems change efforts, UNITE-LA works to increase access to high-quality early childhood education, develop career pathways in high-growth industries, improve college access and success, and ensure workforce readiness, especially for individuals with high barriers into the workforce. Visit www.unitela.com.