Thomas H Nielsen

U.S. Trust Co. of California, a private banking firm based in Los Angeles, has opened its first Orange County office and appointed Tom Nielsen, formerly of the Irvine Co., as managing director. U.S. Trust has $4 billion in assets and manages more than $30 billion for individuals, families and institutions in California. Nielsen was formerly president and vice chairman of the Irvine Co., where he is still a member of the board of directors and the executive committee.

Thomas H. Nielsen said Friday he is retiring as a vice chairman of the Irvine Co. and may seek a job in incoming Gov. Pete Wilson's Administration. Nielsen, 60, will remain on the company's board of directors and its powerful executive committee. He said he is leaving voluntarily and remains on good terms with Chairman Donald L. Bren. Bren said in a memo to employees Friday that "in the history of the Irvine Co., few people have made more major contributions" than Nielsen.

The incoming board chairman of the Orange County Performing Arts Center has refused to confirm or deny charges that the center is exerting financial and other pressures to force a merger between the Orange County Philharmonic Society and the Pacific Symphony. "I don't have any comment on it," chairman-designate Thomas Nielsen said late Wednesday.

The incoming board chairman of the Orange County Performing Arts Center has refused to confirm or deny charges that the center is exerting financial and other pressures to force a merger between the Orange County Philharmonic Society and the Pacific Symphony. "I don't have any comment on it," chairman-designate Thomas Nielsen said late Wednesday.

U.S. Trust Co. of California, a private banking firm based in Los Angeles, has opened its first Orange County office and appointed Tom Nielsen, formerly of the Irvine Co., as managing director. U.S. Trust has $4 billion in assets and manages more than $30 billion for individuals, families and institutions in California. Nielsen was formerly president and vice chairman of the Irvine Co., where he is still a member of the board of directors and the executive committee.

Thomas H. Nielsen said Friday he is retiring as a vice chairman of the Irvine Co. and may seek a job in incoming Gov. Pete Wilson's Administration. Nielsen, 60, will remain on the company's board of directors and its powerful executive committee. He said he is leaving voluntarily and remains on good terms with Chairman Donald L. Bren. Bren said in a memo to employees Friday that "in the history of the Irvine Co., few people have made more major contributions" than Nielsen.

Scholarship Awards Boosted:Funding for the 1985 Orange County Leadership Awards, sponsored by the Irvine Co. for outstanding high school students, will be increased to $55,000, a boost of $30,000. Company President Thomas H. Nielsen said the additional money will provide $500 for each of the 60 students nominated for the top five scholarships. The five finalists will receive $3,000 awards, and 10 semifinalists each will receive $1,000.

The Orange County Council on Aging will present its first Golden Age Award to L. C. (Bob) Albertson, president of Presley of Southern California, Irvine, at 7 p.m. Friday at the Irvine Hilton. Albertson is being honored for his "significant contribution to the senior community" and for enhancing the life style of older people, according to Thomas E. Blum and Thomas H. Nielsen, co-chairman of the council.