PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA, May 21, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Marquis Who's Who, the world's premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Brian K. Higa with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Mr. Higa celebrates many years' experience in his professional network and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Higa has distinguished himself as a leader in both music education and museum administration, demonstrating expertise as a band director and museum director throughout his multifaceted career. Since 2013, he has served as the president, co-founder and museum director of the California Museum of Fine Art. In this capacity, Mr. Higa has overseen the growth and curation of an internationally recognized art collection, assembled in partnership with his wife. Their efforts have resulted in a significant expansion of the museum's holdings, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when unique market conditions enabled the acquisition of rare works from estates and auctions. Under Mr. Higa's leadership, the museum relocated from its original location in Torrance, California, to a historic 20,000-square-foot building in San Pedro, California, following extensive renovations completed in 2020.

In addition to his directorial responsibilities, Mr. Higa has served as the fine art manager at the California Museum of Fine Art since 2012. He has played a pivotal role in developing the museum's operational framework and public outreach initiatives.

Before his work in museum administration, Mr. Higa retired as a band director at Rancho Dominguez High School (now Rancho Dominguez Preparatory School), where he taught from 2012 to 2015. During this period, he continued to mentor young musicians and contribute to school arts programming.

Mr. Higa's most enduring legacy in music education was established during his tenure as band director at Belmont High School between 1988 and 2012. Over nearly a quarter-century, he led the school's marching band to three city championship titles in 1988, 1989 and 1997. Mr. Higa's leadership extended to directing a choir selected to represent Los Angeles at a championship performance at the Greek Theatre in 1993 and guiding Belmont High's jazz band to three consecutive competition victories from 2005 to 2008.

Highly educated to support his career, Mr. Higa earned a bachelor's degree in music history from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1983, where he also pursued coursework in art history. He furthered his studies by completing coursework in theology and biblical studies through a Bible correspondence course at Ambassador College in 1988 before earning a master's degree in commercial music from California State University, Los Angeles, in 1995. Mr. Higa's credentials include a California state secondary clear single-subject teaching credential in instrumental music and social studies, awarded by the United Latino Students Association in 2014.

Throughout his career, Mr. Higa has maintained an active membership in industry organizations, including the American Alliance of Museums. He has also been affiliated with several civic organizations throughout his career, including coaching high school basketball and participating in various fundraising events. Moreover, Mr. Higa has been involved with the Worldwide Church of God (now United Church of God) and has performed with the LA Film Orchestra at museum events.

Mr. Higa's creative output included projects such as co-contributing to Belmont Band videos on YouTube from 1988 to 2012 and "Painting Poetry" in 2014, which was on display at the California Museum of Fine Arts. As a musician, he released "Sarajevo," a smooth jazz album featuring 11 original tracks in 1992. More recently, he updated the work as "Return to Sarajevo," now available on major streaming platforms.

Among Mr. Higa's proudest achievements are those rooted in music education, including winning multiple city championships with Belmont High School's marching band, and philanthropy through founding the California Museum of Fine Art alongside his wife. The couple's collection encompasses paintings, sculptures and diverse works acquired under exceptional circumstances between 2020 and 2025. Notably, Mr. Higa's wife is an accomplished artist recognized by organizations such as the Oil Painters of America and the California Arts Club. Together, they have curated an art collection that began with her own works and expanded significantly during periods when market conditions favored acquisitions.

Mr. Higa and his wife emphasize quality over profit within their collection, preserving works that might otherwise be lost or dispersed, and share select pieces through invitation-only viewings while leveraging social media platforms like YouTube ("Dali Higa Art"), Instagram and Facebook to educate audiences globally about artistic excellence. Guided by faith shared with his wife, a principle inherited from her father, who founded a university in China based on intellectual engagement with biblical texts, Mr. Higa strives to leave a legacy defined by integrity, service and stewardship rather than financial gain. As he looks toward the future, he continues to focus on curating meaningful collections while raising awareness about art stewardship through digital outreach, endeavors aimed at creating something enduring for future generations rather than pursuing transient financial success.

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