Mori Hosseini
Mori Hosseini | |
|---|---|
| Born | Morteza Hosseini 1955 (age 70–71) Mashhad, Iran |
| Education | Chelsea College Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (BS, MBA) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Founder of ICI Homes |
| Spouse | Forough Hosseini |
| Children | 3 |
Morteza "Mori" Hosseini (born 1955) is an Iranian-born American businessman, political adviser, and higher education leader. He is the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of ICI Homes, a Florida-based homebuilding company established in 1980.[1][2] Hosseini has served as chairman of the University of Florida Board of Trustees and chairman of the Board of Trustees of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.[3][4] He has been described as one of the most powerful unelected person in Florida.[1][2]
Early life and education
Hosseini was born in Mashhad, Iran, in 1955.[1][2] His father, Ali Hosseini, owned a General Motors automobile dealership.[2] As a child, Hosseini attended classes through the American-Iranian Society and developed an interest in the United States and Western education.[2]
At age 15, he moved to England, where he studied aeronautical engineering at Chelsea College in London.[2][4] He later immigrated to the United States and attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Studies and a Master of Business Administration.[1][3][4]
Business career
While attending college, Hosseini began investing in residential real estate by purchasing and renovating apartment properties.[2] In 1980, he founded ICI Homes.[1][2]
Under Hosseini's leadership, ICI Homes expanded throughout Florida and became one of the state's largest privately held homebuilding companies.[1] The company has developed residential communities throughout Florida and has been ranked among the nation's largest homebuilders by Builder magazine.[5][2]
In 2022, ICI Homes reported revenue of approximately $595 million and had constructed more than 10,000 homes.[1]
He has received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Construction and Real Estate category.[2]
Higher education leadership
In 2010, he was appointed to the Florida Board of Governors, the governing body of the State University System of Florida.[2] He later served as chairman of the board and was involved in advocating for performance-based funding for Florida's public universities.[2]
In 2016, Governor Rick Scott appointed Hosseini to the University of Florida Board of Trustees.[4] He was elected chairman of the board in 2018 and has served multiple terms in that role.[4][2] The university's faculty union has criticized him for his lack of support for academic freedom.[2]
Hosseini has also served on the Board of Trustees of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University since 1999.[3] In 2014, he became the first alumnus appointed chairman of the university's board.[1][3]
Political activities
As of 2024, Hosseini and his corporations have donated $3.5 million to conservative causes, and is considered a close ally of Florida governor Ron DeSantis, advising him on policy matters[2] and in 2023 lending him a $27,500 golf simulator.[6]
Former House Speaker Will Weatherford said of him, “I call Mori for advice [...] For a guy who’s not in politics, he understands people very well."[2]
Philanthropy
The couple have contributed to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona State College, and community initiatives in Volusia County.[1][2] Several university facilities have been named in recognition of their support, including the Mori Hosseini Student Union at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the Mori Hosseini Center at Daytona State College.[1][2]
The Hosseinis have also supported Food Brings Hope, a nonprofit organization founded by Forough Hosseini that addresses food insecurity and educational needs among children in Volusia County.[2]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Schweers, Jeffrey (July 5, 2023). "Volusia developer Hosseini carries great weight with DeSantis". Orlando Sentinel.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Wyatt, Dustin (December 13, 2014). "At the center of it all: Mori Hosseini's influence stretches far, high". The Daytona Beach News-Journal.
- 1 2 3 4 "Mori Hosseini". Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Morteza "Mori" Hosseini". University of Florida Board of Trustees.
- ↑ "Builder 100 List 2026". Builder.
- ↑ Arnsdorf, Isaac; Dawsey, Josh; Jones, Nate; Scherer, Michael; Crites, Alice (2023-06-21). "DeSantis donor supplied golf simulator for 'Governor's Cabana' and private flights". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2026-07-28.