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Dear Reader:
In our third annual issue of the L.A. Times B2B Publishing's C-Suite: Trends, Updates and CFO Leadership Awards magazine, we revisit the role of today’s officers who are leading their companies through the unknown that is the current business environment.

C-Suiters at Biotech Companies Face Complex Path Forward
Limited Capital Availability and Need For New, Innovative Revenue Solutions Are Among the Challenges Facing Many Biotechs

CEO Priorities and Attitudes Shift in 2023
Battling Inflation and Talent Retention Remain Top Priorities After Years Of Volatility; Technology – and Its Impact – Are Becoming Increasingly Important

Vast Majority of CFOs Plan to Fund Organic Growth at Same Level or Greater Level Than Last Year
CFOs Are Most Concerned With Profitable Growth and Their Balance Sheet Health in 2023

Most CIOs Expect to Grow Their IT Team in 2023
Large Enterprise CIOs Are Using Several Tactics To Execute Their Talent Strategy and Meet Critical Skills Demands in 2023

Tips for Tackling Your Insurance Program in 2023
When it comes to renewing your organization’s business insurance program, there are many things to consider: Do you have the right products in place?

CFOs Report on Efficiencies, Spending, AI, and Tech as a Solution to Workforce Challenges
Over 80% of C-Suiters Also Predict Positive Outlook on 2023 Revenues, Bolstered by Improving U.S. Economy

A Growing Number of Supply Chain C-Suite Roles are Now Filled by Women
Opportunities for Women Improve Overall, but Frontline Roles Continue to Lag in Recruitment and Retention

TOP 30 ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS ADVISORY FIRMS
L.A. Times B2B Publishing is proud to present the inaugural “Top 30 Accounting and Business Advisory Firms,” a list of the 30 leading firms in Los Angeles County.

CFO LEADERSHIP AWARDS
CFO LEADERSHIP AWARDS

CFO LEADERSHIP AWARDS
The CFO Awards was held at the Beverly Hilton on the evening of June 13. The L.A.

How CFOs are Scaling and Transforming Businesses
Prior to the CFO Leadership Awards presentation, guests were treated to a spirited discussion with visionary thought leaders in the executive finance sphere.

SHARED INSIGHTS from the EVENT
WHAT SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES ARE NOW ESSENTIAL FOR CFOS TO EFFECTIVELY NAVIGATE THE INTEGRATION OF AI TECHNOLOGIES, AND HOW CAN THEY ACQUIRE OR DEVELOP THESE SKILLS?.

Private Company: Small
An experienced chief financial officer with a demonstrated history of working in the internet industry, Jang Lee is skilled in business planning, sales, management, business development, and analytics.

Private Company: Midsize
For the last 25 years, Kevin Trosian has been a finance leader in technology, operations, and financial infrastructure and transactions, and an active member of the community in the Greater Los Angeles area.

Private Company: Large
Kapil Mehta is a highly accomplished, dedicated global CFO professional community member, with an impressive career spanning over 25 years in diverse industries and geographies.

Private Company: Enterprise
Ed Barrera is a financial executive with experience providing fiscal, strategic, and operational leadership at multinational corporations. He has experience in many industries including aerospace and retail products, and managed several public and private companies through growth, acquisition, and restructuring.

Public Company: Small and Midsize
Kyle Beilman is the chief financial officer at Dave, one of the leading U.S. neobanks and a pioneer in financial services, overseeing the strategic finance, accounting, investor relations, corporate development, accounting, business operations, and member success functions.

Public Company: Large
Leigh Vosseller began her career in public accounting at Deloitte and has continued to develop her financial skills and expertise over the last 20 years at various companies in biotech and life sciences in the San Diego area.

Rising Star
As the executive in charge of finance and people operations at a wealth management firm consistently ranked among industry leaders in growth, client satisfaction and culture, Chief Financial Officer Christopher Toumajian is an integral member of EP Wealth Advisors’ executive team.

Education / Nonprofit
Lucia Kung immigrated from Taiwan, first living in Toronto before moving to Los Angeles in 2002. Prior to her move to Canada, Kung spoke no English but went to ESL class every day.

Matt Dunaj
Matt Dunaj, CFO and COO of Fly By Jing, an Asian food company, has been instrumental in the company’s success. After graduating from UC Santa Barbara with degrees in accounting and psychology, he gained experience in public accounting before transitioning to corporate finance.

Howard R. Krauss
Dr. Howard R. Krauss, one of the four founding physicians at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI) in Santa Monica, California, holds several key positions within the organization.

Kameel David Farag
Kameel D. Farag is a highly accomplished CFO with a diverse background in business and finance. With a degree in business economics from UC Santa Barbara, his career began with humanitarian work abroad before joining Amgen, Inc. Over a decade he played a pivotal role in expanding the business in established and emerging markets.

Anthony Domenici, CFA
Anthony Domenici, CFA, has nearly 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, and treasury and is a CFA charterholder. He began his career working in private equity in Los Angeles but has spent a majority of it in various finance roles in multiple billion-dollar companies.

David Lich
David Lich, CFO of Dynamic Real Estate Partners, possesses over 30 years of financial expertise in the real estate sector. With a bachelor of science degree in business administration and a juris doctor degree, he has held CFO positions at four real estate companies, overseeing financial operations and strategies.

Scott Arnold
Scott Arnold, with a diverse background in accounting, operations, customer care, and IT, has held leadership positions at prominent companies such as General Dynamics, Gateway Computers, and Intuit. From 2005 to 2011, he led a global services business at Invitrogen/Life Technologies.

Kelly Russell
After college Kelly Russell went to work in finance at Gold Mountain Media, an Encino-based media buying agency, where he wrote software from scratch to manage the company’s cash flow while juggling ad budgets to clients with pass through costs.

Renee Marie Gaeta
As the current CFO of Eko Health, Inc., Renee Marie Gaeta has successfully transformed and optimized the company’s support operations, implementing cost-effective scaling strategies. Under her guidance, financial reporting capabilities were revamped, enabling completed audits and the establishment of financial planning and analysis expertise.

Ali Firoozi
Throughout his 27-year career in finance, Ali Firoozi has consistently demonstrated impactful leadership. Starting at Washington Mutual (WaMu), he rose to the position of VP and initiated training programs for senior managers, emphasizing leadership development.

Tom Minichiello
Tom Minichiello is the Chief Financial Officer at Emcore. With his strong leadership, he has guided Emcore through difficult cash management periods, facilitated equity and debt financing transactions, managed real estate matters, and executed multiple acquisitions that have enhanced the company’s prospects for profitable growth.

Samuel Leiaghat
Samuel Leiaghat, co-founder of Pom Pom at Home, skillfully merges his Belgian and American roots. Engaged in his community from a young age, he actively participated in high school clubs and ran for neighborhood council positions in Los Feliz and Hollywood Dell.

Mara Garcia
Mara Garcia, the CFO of Phonexa, drives the financial growth and future expansion of the all-in-one marketing platform. She leads Phonexa’s tax, accounting, and finance teams, contributing to the company’s ongoing success.

Jake Howard Schreiber
Jake Schreiber is a seasoned finance professional and the CFO of Johnson-Peltier Inc. With over a decade of experience at the company and four years as CFO, he is known for his people-first leadership style and dedication to operational improvement and efficiency.

Charly Kevers
Charly Kevers is the CFO at Carta, leading finance, accounting, treasury, risk, and investor relations teams. During his five-year tenure, he played a pivotal role in growing Carta from a Series C to a Series G company with a valuation of $7.4 billion. He also spearheaded the initial transactions on CartaX, the company’s private market listing venue.

Scott Lai
Scott Lai is a dynamic CFO with expertise in building great teams, finding creative solutions, and working effectively in multicultural environments. With experience spanning large OEM manufacturing, aerospace, hospitality technology, start-ups, and e-commerce CPG, he has a diverse background in finance and strategy.

Dan Durn
Dan Durn was appointed as Adobe’s CFO and executive vice president in October 2021. He leads the finance, technology services, and operations organization, leveraging his extensive expertise in technology, finance, and global strategy.

Bonnie Forssell
Bonnie Forssell is a highly experienced CFO with a diverse background in finance and accounting. She has worked at KPMG, led finance teams for global organizations and healthcare tech start-ups, and established her own CFO services firm.

Ezra Bolds, Jr.
Ezra Bolds, Jr. is an accomplished CFO at Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO), a Santa Ana-based nonprofit developer specializing in high quality affordable housing. Since 2015, he has implemented advanced financial systems, improved audits, and provided clear financial information to the board and staff.

Mark Partin
Mark Partin has led the development of cloud-based solutions that revolutionize accounting and finance operations for global mid-market and enterprise organizations.

Ronald H. Dykhuizen
As CFO he oversees these three distinct entities founded by Norton Simon, focusing on their financial management, asset stewardship, and operational success. His tenure has witnessed significant transformations, including major architectural renovations and expanded community outreach efforts.

Chris Allen
Chris Allen, interim CFO for Keck Medicine of USC since February 2023, oversees financial operations for the entire health system, including strategic investments, revenue cycle management, and board reporting.

Shelley Athena Rose Mallchok
Shelley Mallchok is the vice president of Finance/CFO at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) who oversees financial strategy, performance, reporting, investments, and retirement plans. With 15+ years of for-profit experience, she transitioned to the nonprofit sector for social impact.

Nancy Hejran
Nancy Hejran, the CFO & COO of Clipper Corporation, has made significant contributions to the company’s growth and culture. Recruited by the founder and CEO, Lina Hu, Nancy quickly established a strong partnership with her.

Danielle Nagao
Danielle Nagao is an exceptional chief financial officer with a background in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors. Previously at Deloitte she joined Project Access, a nationwide organization supporting vulnerable communities, where she has served as CFO for over three years.

Dale Brockmeyer
Dale Brockmeyer is an experienced, strategic finance executive with a track record of driving performance and growth in dynamic environments. He has achieved success in roles of increasing responsibility at a leading food & beverage company and a global ice cream joint venture.

Matt Howard Mishalow
Matt Howard Mishalow, a Henderson, NV native, has made significant contributions throughout his career. Graduating from the University of Oregon with a major in economics and accounting, he gained leadership skills as a camp counselor at Catalina Sea Camp.

Andrew Guarni
Andrew Guarni, as the CFO of Hoag, the leading hospital in Orange County, played a pivotal role in supporting healthcare workers and managing the hospital’s complex supply chain during the pandemic. His leadership ensured the safety and protection of Hoag’s employees and enabled the hospital to effectively serve patients.

Mona Andrews
Mona Andrews, Esq., is the founder and CEO of Stay in the Game, which provides work opportunities for caregivers, and Executive Financial Enterprises, Inc., an international business process outsourcer named in the “Top 500 Women-Owned Businesses” by Diversity Business.

CEO VISIONARIES
The role of the CEO is ever-shifting and ever-evolving, but one thing is constant: The role is demanding, encompassing and takes a kind of moxie only a few have

Brateil Aghasi
As CEO of WISEPlace, Brateil Aghasi has brought extensive experience in strategic operations and management to the organization during a critical period of financial losses. Her resilient leadership, shaped by an immigrant background and overcoming poverty, guided WISEPlace towards stability.

Anuj Bhalla
Anuj Bhalla is an accomplished entrepreneur, data scientist, and consultant with a strong background in customer service. With over 15 years of experience, he has made significant contributions through his expertise in analytics and data practices.

Chris Angelo
Chris Angelo became CEO of Stay Green in 2009, driving the company's expansion into new regional markets. Stay Green strives to be a leading landscape industry player prioritizing quality, service, and sustainability. Their recognition as a top provider, ranking no.

Adam Bass
Adam Bass is the president and CEO of Buchalter, a leading law firm. Under his leadership, the company has achieved significant growth, tripling in size with over 400 lawyers and opening seven new office locations.

Dr. Michael J. Beals
As president of Vanguard University, Dr. Michael Beals has led unprecedented strategic growth since 2014. His growth-focused approach has resulted in record undergraduate enrollment, even amidst the challenging COVID-19 pandemic.

Barry Arbuckle, Ph.D.
Barry Arbuckle, Ph.D., is the president and CEO of MemorialCare, a prominent nonprofit-integrated healthcare system in Southern California. Under his leadership, MemorialCare has achieved remarkable growth and financial success, pioneering innovative partnerships to deliver exceptional medical care and improve community health.

Sunny Bhatia
Dr. Sunny Bhatia, CEO of Prime Healthcare Region I and Corporate Chief Medical Officer, is a quadruple board-certified interventional cardiologist. He has received recognition from prestigious organizations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives, American College of Cardiology, and the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions.

Tom Buttgenbach, Ph.D.
Tom Buttgenbach, Ph.D., is a physicist, former McKinsey consultant, and cleantech founder known for developing the first solar plant to outperform fossil fuel prices in 2016.

Girisha Chandraraj
Girisha Chandraraj is the CEO of Careismatic Brands, a leading medical apparel and footwear company headquartered in Santa Monica, CA. In his role, he oversees a diverse portfolio of brands and drives growth strategies across distribution, marketing, and organizational excellence.

LaVal Brewer
LaVal Brewer is the president & CEO of South County Outreach, an Irvine-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing hunger and homelessness. With over 30 years of nonprofit management experience, he has a strong background in executive and development roles.

Zac Brandenberg
Zac Brandenberg is a serial entrepreneur driving digital disruption in industries lacking innovative technology solutions. In 2003 he founded Hydra, a multichannel digital ad platform that achieved remarkable success and ranked in the Top 10 of the INC 500.

Tim Britt
Tim Britt, the founder and CEO of Synoptek, is an entrepreneur at heart who grew up in Wyoming, cherishing a childhood filled with outdoor activities. His early entrepreneurial ventures, including paper routes and a lawn-mowing business, revealed his passion for building companies.

Sean Breuner
Sean Breuner is a visionary entrepreneur and CEO of AvantStay, a leading next-generation hospitality company revolutionizing the travel experience. With a deep passion for travel and hospitality, he founded AvantStay in 2017, bridging the gap between hotels and vacation rentals with curated, technology-driven properties.

Cindy Couyoumjian
Cindy Couyoumjian is a pioneering figure in the financial services industry, known for her unique brand and identity. She questioned the traditional investment portfolio, sounding the alarm on the 60/40 investment model ahead of large banks. Her innovative REALM multi-asset investment model showcases her brilliance as a financial innovator.

Courtney Cowan
Founder Courtney Cowan's hobby of baking turned into a successful national business known as Milk Jar Cookies. Starting in 2013, Milk Jar Cookies quickly became L.A.'s favorite cookie and now ships to all 50 states. Quality has always remained a priority with millions of cookies produced from their tiny shop.

Malcolm Davies
Malcolm Davies brings over 25 years of experience as an award-winning capital advisor and developer, having played a vital role in capitalizing over $15B worth of commercial real estate ventures.

Mark Delp
Mark Delp, founder of Impact Wealth Management, is dedicated to making a positive impact on his employees, clients, and community, and his work has earned recognition from esteemed publications. As one of the few Hispanic wealth management practice owners, he manages over $1.

Jacky Dilfer
Jacky Dilfer is an accomplished commercial and SBA lending expert with over two decades of experience in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California. As the executive director of Business Finance Capital (BFC), she has led the organization to rapid growth and consistently high rankings in SBA loan volume.

Steve De Forest
Steve De Forest, CEO of Green Gorilla, brings a wealth of experience to his role. Beginning his career with Whitehall Laboratories, a Fortune 500 company, he successfully launched Advil into the Western United States.

Skyler Ditchfield
Skyler Ditchfield is the co-founder and CEO of GeoLinks, a leading enterprise telecommunications company focused on closing the U.S. digital divide. Under his leadership, GeoLinks has acquired over $300 million in government funding for rural broadband expansion.

George DeVries
George DeVries co-founded American Specialty Health (ASH) in 1987 with a mission to integrate specialty healthcare programs into traditional medical plans, improving care quality and reducing costs.

Steven B. Dunn
Steven B. Dunn is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Munchkin, a renowned company known for its innovative and creative products for parents. With over 30 years of experience, he has established Munchkin as a household name, offering more than 350 beautifully designed products that make parenting easier.

Paul Edalat
Paul Edalat, as the CEO, chairman, and founding partner of Vivera Pharmaceuticals, is a visionary leader dedicated to revolutionizing healthcare for the benefit of patients and consumers. His mission is to challenge and improve the outdated healthcare industry, ensuring equal access to quality care for all individuals, regardless of social factors.

Susan Dwyer
Susan Dwyer, co-CEO and managing principal at Hendy, is a dynamic leader overseeing day-to-day operations and guiding a team of architects, designers, and collaborators. With over 20 years of experience, she has an impressive portfolio of creating immersive and client-defined spaces for modern workplaces.

Alison Edwards
Alison Edwards, CEO of OC Human Relations, leads with a focus on creating a better Orange County for all individuals. The organization's programs promote empowerment, conflict resolution, and diverse leadership development, addressing prejudice and discrimination through inclusive efforts.

NJ Falk
NJ Falk is an award-winning creative, journalist, and serial entrepreneur specializing in emerging luxury, fashion, and lifestyle brands.

Eric Ellingsen
As CEO, Eric Ellingsen envisions growth for CB&T while investing in its people, serving clients, and making a positive impact in the community. Corporate social responsibility is a fundamental aspect of CB&T's mission to support the people and businesses shaping California.

Lisa Elkan
Lisa Elkan is a marketing and public relations professional with a focus on legal marketing. Her specialties include marketing, public relations, advertising, social media marketing, business development, and brand management. After recognizing the demand for her skills, she started her own PR firm, Lisa PR, in 2012.

Dr. Apollo Emeka
Dr. Apollo Emeka is an executive leadership coach and strategic consultant focused on helping clients achieve their full potential. Through his start-up, Apollo Strategy Group, he provides leadership coaching and enterprise consulting services. Dr.

Robert Ellin
Robert Ellin is the founder, CEO, and chairman of LiveOne, Inc., a renowned music, entertainment, and technology platform. LiveOne has achieved remarkable success and recently announced an exclusive content distribution deal with OTT Studio, expanding its reach to an additional 47 million connected TVs in North America.

Dr. Vitka Eisen
Dr. Vitka Eisen, president and CEO of HealthRIGHT 360, has a personal understanding of homelessness and addiction, having experienced it herself in the past. Under her leadership, HealthRIGHT 360 has become a statewide health justice organization, providing integrated healthcare to low-income residents in 11 California counties.

Marissa Goldberg
Marissa Goldberg, CEO of Doheny Eye Institute, has left an indelible mark on vision care in the Los Angeles area. With over 30 years of experience, she has held various roles before assuming the position of CEO.

Liam K. Griffin
Liam K. Griffin is the chairman, CEO, and president of Skyworks Solutions, Inc. He has held various leadership positions within the company since joining in 2001, including EVP and General Manager of High-Performance Analog and SVP of Sales and Marketing.

Lloyd Greif
Lloyd Greif, a 41-year veteran of investment banking, founded Greif & Co. in 1992. Known as the "Head Owl," he excels in engineering high-value M&A transactions and financings for middle-market growth companies.

Marc Friedant
Marc Friedant, the chief financial officer-turned-CEO of Robbins Brothers, has demonstrated remarkable leadership and resilience throughout his tenure. Despite joining the company in 2018 he quickly faced unprecedented challenges, including a global pandemic and a management buyout.

Jonathan Fitzgarrald
Jonathan Fitzgarrald is a seasoned advisor who helps undervalued professionals unlock their potential and achieve growth in revenue, market visibility, and their practices.

David Alan Faye
David Faye is an accomplished entrepreneur and CEO of Faye Business Systems Group (Faye) with extensive experience in leveraging information technology to build and grow businesses.

Danielle Gronich
Danielle Gronich, known as The Acne Guru™, is the CEO and formulator of CLEARSTEM Skincare, a premium non-toxic skincare line focused on correcting acne, acne scars, DNA damage, and melasma.

Alex Grizinski
Alex Grizinski, a visionary entrepreneur, founded the Pink Shark empire driven by her passions for film, writing, and entrepreneurship. With a chemical engineering degree from the University of Dayton, she initially established a successful makeup start-up before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue her storytelling aspirations.

Rebecca Ann Hall
Rebecca Hall, APR, is a respected entrepreneur and thought leader in public relations, branding, and marketing. As the founder of Idea Hall in 2003, she has diversified the agency's client base to include top organizations in various industries, tackling critical issues like COVID-19, diversity, equity, inclusion, and mental health.

Maki Hsieh
Maki Hsieh is the president & CEO of the Asian Hall of Fame as well as the CEO of the Robert Chinn Foundation. Under her leadership, the organization has gained worldwide recognition for its digital equity programs, diversity workforce development, and live events, garnering significant media attention and partnerships with prominent companies.

Jessica Ann Hubbard
Jessica Hubbard, CEO of Casa Youth Shelter, has overcome challenging circumstances to dedicate her life to empowering youth. Growing up in poverty with an unstable home, she earned a full scholarship to the University of Florida and became a teacher, receiving accolades for her impact.

Les Hiscoe
Les Hiscoe's career in construction management has been marked by impressive achievements, ascending from project manager to CEO. Under his leadership, he has experienced remarkable growth, increasing revenue from $558 million to $1.3 billion and expanding to 11 offices nationwide.

Madelynn Hirneise
Madelynn Hirneise is the CEO of Families Forward, an Irvine-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting families facing housing crises. Families Forward excels in family housing navigation and safety-net services for at-risk and homeless families.

Lew Horne
Lew Horne, president of advisory services at CBRE, brings over 30 years of experience, exceptional business expertise, and community involvement to the commercial real estate industry. He oversees various divisions within CBRE, leading a collaborative approach to deliver strategic solutions for clients.

Laurie Holcomb
Laurie Holcomb is an accomplished CEO and founder with a strong track record in commercial real estate and the cannabis industry. She possesses expertise in executive management, sales, distressed asset management, and mergers & acquisitions. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish start-up companies in both real estate and cannabis.

Steve Isakowitz
Steve Isakowitz, CEO of The Aerospace Corporation, has successfully stepped into his role following in the footsteps of his predecessor. Known for his impressive background and charismatic nature, he fosters a friendly, approachable atmosphere within the company.

Ronnetta Johnson
Ronnetta Johnson is an esteemed nonprofit professional with over 35 years of experience in leadership roles. Since becoming CEO of Waymakers in 2015, she has driven the agency's mission to support vulnerable children, individuals, and families facing challenging circumstances.

Gloria Jetter Crockett
Gloria Jetter Crockett is the president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, leading the local chapter in creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Manna Kadar
Manna Kadar is the visionary entrepreneur behind the rapidly growing Manna Kadar Beauty family of brands, encompassing cosmetics, skincare, pet products, and more. With her award-winning "7 Minute Face" system, she simplifies beauty routines for busy moms.

Claudia Bonilla Keller
Claudia Bonilla Keller is the CEO of Second Harvest, a leading food bank in Orange County. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, she oversees outreach efforts to donors, community partners, and volunteers to address food insecurity.

Danielle Judd
After a life-threatening illness during pregnancy, Danielle Judd's perspective on life shifted dramatically. Determined to make a positive impact, she founded the nonprofit Farmhouse Rescue. Overcoming memory loss and depression, she adopted an off-the-track racehorse named Lovey, who inspired her to help others.

Adrienne Kessler
Adrienne Kessler is an exceptional leader who has transformed the Speech and Language Development Center into a leading provider of innovative education and therapies for individuals with disabilities and special needs.

John Keisler
John Keisler is the CEO and managing partner of Sunstone Management Inc., a diversified private capital firm in Southern California. Sunstone invests in early-stage technology startups and fosters economic growth through public-private partnerships across government, education, and private sectors.

John Kao
John Kao, an experienced leader in the healthcare industry, founded Alignment Health in 2013 to address the challenges he witnessed firsthand while helping his mother recover from a heart attack.

Isaac Larian
Isaac Larian, founder, president, and CEO of MGA Entertainment, Inc., is a remarkable example of an immigrant who rose from humble beginnings to become a billionaire and the driving force behind a leading global toy and entertainment company. With a meager $753 upon arriving in the U.

Chad Lefteris
Chad Lefteris, as CEO of UCI Health, demonstrates exceptional leadership in advancing clinical care and spearheading transformative initiatives. He has led Orange County's sole academic medical center, which provides advanced healthcare services, clinical trials, and plans for a second medical center to enhance specialty services.

Bobby Kotick
Bobby Kotick has been the CEO of Activision Blizzard since 1991, leading the company to become the largest and most profitable interactive entertainment software publisher globally. With notable franchises such as Candy Crush, Overwatch, and Call of Duty, Activision Blizzard holds leading market positions in the rapidly growing industry.

Celine Martin
Celine Martin, a Johnson & Johnson veteran, played a pivotal role in accelerating the global adoption of minimally invasive surgery during her tenure at Ethicon.

Christiane Maertens
Christiane Maertens is founder and CEO of Do-Goodery and Valor Bebidas. The consulting agency partners with brands committed to creating positive change, developing initiatives that enhance lives, and addressing inequality through empathy, collaboration, and research.

Nicole Mather
Nicole Mather is the CEO and founder of House of Sillage, an haute parfumerie redefining luxury in the fragrance industry. With a blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, House of Sillage creates extraordinary fragrances showcased in breathtaking bottles that embody her creative expression and innovation.

Steven Malony
Steven Malony, CEO of Belkin International, has excelled during his nearly 20-year tenure, starting as a sales representative and ascending to the role of global leader. His unwavering commitment to customers and tireless drive align with Belkin's core values.

Precious Velvet Mayes
Precious Mayes has been instrumental in the success of sustaining operations for Pacifica Hospital of the Valley (PHV). She has been able to develop and maintain positive relations with local and state legislators, who now support any efforts by the hospital due to her coordination and communication to meet standards and expectations.

Andreas Lips
Andreas Lips is an esteemed entrepreneur and leading executive in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. As the driving force behind Shell Recharge Solutions, he has created over 200 green and skilled jobs in the EV sector.

Pardis Nasseri
Pardis Nasseri is the founder and driving force behind Palm Tree LLC, a leading modern M&A advisor offering integrated investment banking and financial services. With a successful career spanning M&A deals, business operations, and investments exceeding $30 billion, he has a proven track record of success.

Steve O'Connell
Steve O'Connell is the accomplished president and CEO of California Credit Union, overseeing its impressive growth and member service enhancements. Under his guidance, the credit union achieved exceptional financial performance, increasing assets by $140 million to reach $4.

Andy Mooney
Andy Mooney is a seasoned executive with nearly 40 years of experience in driving growth and transformation in prominent companies. He played a pivotal role in Nike's success, serving as CFO, CMO, and leading key divisions.

Cristol Barrett O'Loughlin
Cristol Barrett O'Loughlin, founder and CEO of ANGEL AID CARES, is dedicated to providing relief for families affected by rare genetic diseases. ANGEL AID funds rare disease research and offers mental health support to caregivers, patients, and professionals.

Lindsay Ann Oglesby
Lindsay Ann Oglesby's career journey is marked by her exceptional rise in the education and tax industries. With a solid foundation in operations and sales, she joined TRA in 2019, playing a pivotal role in its transformation as chief operating officer.

Perkins Miller
Perkins Miller is the CEO of Fandom, the world's largest fan platform with 350 million monthly unique visitors, 250,000 fan-powered communities, and 45 million pages of content generating 30 billion annual page views. With a background in digital, sports, and entertainment sectors, he has positioned Fandom as a leader in consumer entertainment.

Susan B. Parks
Susan B. Parks is the president and CEO of Orange County United Way, leading the organization's efforts to improve lives and strengthen the community. She is dedicated to achieving the United Way mission by delivering long-term solutions in education, financial stability, health, and housing.

Stephen Owen
Stephen Owen is the president and CEO of First Entertainment Credit Union, a financial institution with over 50 years of serving the entertainment industry. With three decades of experience, he leads the credit union to be the preferred financial partner for entertainment creators.

Ash Patel
Ash Patel, chairman, president, and CEO of Commercial Bank of California (CBC), brings over 30 years of banking industry experience. He leads CBC by inspiring his team and clients to achieve their goals, emphasizing relationships, and cutting-edge technology.

Angie Rowe
Angie Rowe is a seasoned nonprofit executive with 25+ years of experience driving growth and excellence. As President and CEO of Beyond Blindness, she expands the organization's impact while championing revenue growth, community participation, and programmatic excellence.

Sachin Patel
Sachin Patel is the chief executive officer of Apixio with broad experience in both healthcare and technology, spanning a variety of leadership roles including operations, finance, and development. He joined Apixio in 2017 as CFO and later served as both president and CFO before assuming his current role.

Daniel Rosen
Daniel Rosen is the founder and CEO of Credit Repair Cloud, a fintech software platform that empowers entrepreneurs to build successful credit repair businesses. Starting from a personal experience with a bank error, he revolutionized the credit repair industry by simplifying the process and creating Credit Repair Cloud.

Vince Rodriguez
Dr. Vince Rodriguez, president of Coastline College, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his role. With a doctorate in educational leadership, he has been a member of the Coast Community College District since 1998, serving in various capacities.

Lucy Santana
Under Lucy Santana's leadership, Girls Inc. of Orange County has become one of the strongest chapters nationwide, impacting over 4,500 girls annually.

Bonni Pomush
Bonni Pomush is the second-ever CEO of Working Wardrobes, assuming the role in 2021. She is a dedicated and engaging leader with a passion for serving the community. She excels in facilitating groups, making strategic decisions, and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Albert Shirakian
Albert Shirakian, a Los Angeles native with deep roots in the city, is a respected leader in the healthcare industry. He began his career with Blue Shield Promise Health Plan and later joined RVAMG, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become the chief executive officer.

Sir Steven J. Saxton
Sir Steven Saxton, founder and CEO of Hollywood Studios, is venturing into the tech space with the launch of GorillaPayTM. This payment portal incorporates advanced technology like Blockchain-encrypted A.I., enhanced Ledger Enterprise Software XAiLES™, and a Green Stable Coin™ tied to the U.

Lara Schmoisman
Lara Schmoisman, a native of Buenos Aires, is the founder and CEO of The Darl, a prominent full-service marketing and advertising agency headquartered in Los Angeles. With a blend of Jewish and Latina heritage, she possesses an assertive and determined nature, accompanied by a compelling accent that leaves a lasting impression.

Don Singer
Don Singer, a finance graduate with a passion for sales and achieving results, has built a respected reputation in the payments industry. Throughout his career at leading payments processing companies, he focused on business growth and team development.

John Shen
John Shen, a Chinese native who came to the U.S. as a foreign student, is an accomplished entrepreneur and the CEO of American Lending Center (ALC). Under his leadership, ALC has become one of the country's most successful non-bank small business lending institutions.

Chris Simonsen
Finance professional Chris Simonsen transitioned to become the CFO of Orangewood Foundation, a Santa Ana nonprofit serving teens and young adults in need of housing, employment, education and wellness support. CEO since 2013, he led the creation of Samueli Academy, a public charter high school, completing its campus and a $72 million capital campaign in January 2022.

Mercy Tolentino Steenwyk
In 1990, Mercy Tolentino Steenwyk faced unemployment but saw an opportunity to revolutionize the expert witness industry. Despite skepticism, she founded ForensisGroup, connecting attorneys with knowledgeable experts from diverse disciplines.

Heather Tierney
Heather Tierney, founder and creative director of The Butcher's Daughter and Wanderlust Design Studio, is a passionate designer with a love for healthy food and juice. She draws inspiration from local farmer's markets and her cocktail bars to create unique restaurant and bar designs.

Mike Peter Spagnola
Mike Spagnola, an automotive enthusiast, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as president and CEO of SEMA. With a background in owning and managing successful automotive businesses, he understands the industry from various perspectives.

Craig Turner
Craig Turner, CEO of Guided Discoveries, has played a significant role in the organization's growth and success. With a background rooted in summer camp experiences, he has a deep understanding of the industry. His expertise in research and development has enhanced the camp's programs, incorporating technology and captivating displays.

Erica Solis
Erica Solis is an accomplished CEO with expertise in growing and scaling companies. With a passion for holistic health, she founded Poppy Life Care to provide accessible and affordable resources to individuals and families facing health challenges.

Anastasia Soare
Anastasia Soare, born in Romania, faced the hardships of a restrictive communist regime before immigrating to Los Angeles in 1989. Despite the language barrier, she believed in the American dream and the potential for success through hard work.

Paul S. Viviano
Paul S. Viviano is a highly respected leader in the healthcare industry and a strong advocate for children's health. With over three decades of experience, he has successfully led academic health systems, community healthcare organizations, and for-profit healthcare service providers.

James (Jim) K. Wallace
Jim Wallace, CEO of BPM LLP, has positioned the firm as a top 40 accounting and advisory firm nationwide through his 40 years of experience. Under his leadership, BPM has achieved high rankings and significant growth. His ambitious growth strategy and people-centered firm culture have been instrumental to this success.

Steven Weinstein
Steven Weinstein is an experienced leader with expertise in capital markets, financing, private equity, venture capital, and real estate. Currently as the CEO and chair of the board of directors at Seismic Capital Company, he aims to democratize venture capital investing and support disruptive early-stage and growth companies.

Daniel K. Walker
Daniel K. Walker, the current leader of Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach, embodies the values of hard work and service instilled in him by his family's legacy. Taking the helm in 2002, he steered the bank through the tumultuous Great Recession, relying on tradition and experience to guide them to unprecedented growth.

Larry Weng
Larry Weng is a serial entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience in media, hospitality, technology, logistics and e-commerce.

Carolina Weidler
As co-CEO and managing principal at Hendy, Carolina Weidler brings innovative leadership to unify people, culture and projects.