Robert C. Davidson, Jr. was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Surface Protection Industries, a paint and specialty coatings manufacturing company he founded in 1978. Under Davidson’s leadership, the company grew to become the largest African- American-owned manufacturing company in California. Previously, Davidson co-founded and served as Vice President of Urban National Corporation.

Davidson has numerous civic involvements including serving as Chairman on the Board of Morehouse College and Chairman of the Art Center College of Design. Additionally, Davidson is on the Boards of Cedars- Sinai Medical Center and The Smithsonian American Art Museum. Davidson also contributes his time to Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles Urban League and the Planning Commission for the City of Pasadena.