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OC VISIONARIES
Chief Strategy & Revenue Officer and Chief of Staff to Executive Chairman anna.magzanyan@latimes.com.

Dear Reader:
I am pleased to present our second annual edition of Orange County Visionaries – Trends, Updates & Visionaries. Here, we take an in-depth look at the current business climate in Orange County.

Irvine Company Leased More Than 10 MILLION Square Feet In CALIFORNIA Last Year
New projects Spectrum Terrace and Innovation Office Park attract global brands, including Sega of America and Coca-Cola

UC IRVINE RECEIVES RECORD $653 MILLION IN RESEARCH FUNDING FOR FISCAL 2022-23
12.7% more than last year, the amount reflects strong support for campus mission

405 Express Lanes Policy Gets OCTA Green Light
The 405 Express Lanes are part of the I-405 Improvement Project to speed up travel times for all drivers between Costa Mesa and Los Angeles County

HOAG BREAKS GROUND ON IRVINE EXPANSION
In a celebration of innovation and community support, more than 300 Hoag executives, community leaders, donors and staff broke ground in late July on Hoag’s Irvine expansion

Orange County’s Credit Union Welcomes Kathy Jumper As New CEO
Industry veteran Kathy Jumper named to lead the Southern California financial institution with more than $2.5 billion in assets

The City of Anaheim and Jamboree Housing Announce the Grand Opening of Finamore Place
This summer, Jamboree Housing Corporation (Jamboree) and the city of Anaheim along with stakeholders – including U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, the Orange County Housing Trust and Disneyland Resort – announced the grand opening of Finamore Place at 915 E. Orangewood Avenue in Anaheim

SUSAN M. NATLAND of Knobbe Martens Appointed Co-Chair of INTA 2023 PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE
Irvine-headquartered Knobbe Martens recently announced that partner Susan Natland has been named co-chair of the International Trademark Association’s (INTA) 2023 Presidential Task Force

Dr. William Adelman Named Medical Director of CHOC Primary Care Network
Dr. Adelman will oversee operations at CHOC's care system, which aids children and families across four counties

Computer Engineering Grads DESIGN ASSISTIVE GLASSES for People with VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS
To help people with visual impairments gain more independence, Cal State Fullerton computer engineering students developed assistive glasses, a hands-free wearable technology device

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Recognized as One of the ‘Most Engaged Workplaces’ of 2023
LEADING OC-HEADQUARTERED FINANCIAL INSTITUTION HONORED FOR “FORWARD-THINKING COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT”

United to END HOMELESSNESS Has Provided HOMES FOR 900 OC NEIGHBORS Since 2019
Program now counts 132 property providers across Orange County in the network

Orange County Crops Yield $86.4 Million
The Orange County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office released its 2022 Crop Report, which highlights an agricultural industry production value of $86,378,000 throughout the county

DALFEN INDUSTRIAL ACQUIRES ANAHEIM INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY ‘THE MART’
Dalfen Industrial has acquired a two-building, 182,800-square-foot industrial park in Orange County – one of the nation’s top-performing industrial markets

Prominent Physician Executive Returns to MemorialCare as CEO of its Expanding Ambulatory Enterprise
David Kim, M.D., an accomplished and respected physician leader, has been named to serve as CEO of MemorialCare Medical Foundation, MemorialCare Medical Group, and Greater Newport Physicians, and as Executive Vice President of MemorialCare Health System’s parent entity, effective August 21

Katie Bowles
Katie Bowles is a leading figure at Deloitte’s Orange County tax practice, specializing in strategic tax planning for private firms and high-net-worth individuals.

VISIONARIES BANKING AND FINANCE
The looming possibility of a recession, rising interest rates and pervasive inflation have made navigating the banking and finance field a challenge.

Letitia Berbaum
Letitia Berbaum, partner and COO of The Zandbergen Group, is a pioneering female wealth advisor. She specializes in “True Wealth” strategies, high-net-worth asset transfers, multi-generational family wealth management, and comprehensive business owner planning, from start-ups to exit strategies.

Alexander Bhathal
Alexander Bhathal is the founder, executive chairman, and managing partner of Revitate, an investment firm that focuses on opportunity zone development, workforce housing and sports-anchored real estate.

Filipp Chebotarev
Filipp Chebotarev, COO and managing partner of Cambridge Companies SPG, leads daily operations, fosters strategic partnerships, and drives organizational growth.

Greg Custer
Greg Custer specializes in high-net-worth client administration, focusing on estate planning, gifting, real estate, and concierge services. His extensive expertise includes team management and providing counsel on real estate, aviation, lending, and major purchases.

Jimmy Joseph Cusimano
Jimmy Cusimano merged his practice with DJM Wealth Management and Insurance Services, part of Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group, in August 2022.

Tom Calahan
Tom Calahan, senior vice president and client advisor at Partners Bank of California, has had a significant impact on the bank’s regional expansion.

Michael Chambers
Michael Chambers, the executive vice president and chief banking officer at Partners Bank of California, has been instrumental in the bank’s growth to over $500 million in assets. He manages a $300 million client portfolio while overseeing seven other advisors.

David Dahl
David Dahl boasts an impressive 25-year tenure overseeing the comprehensive spectrum of services within Whittier Trust. His purview encompasses wealth management, including investment and real estate management as well as fiduciary, philanthropic, and family office services.

Rick Keller, CFP
Rick Keller, co-founder of First Foundation Bank and chairman of First Foundation Advisors, has been a visionary in the financial industry for over 30 years.

Jason Gwin
Jason Gwin is the senior vice president and manager of City National’s original commercial banking office in Orange County. With over 25 years of experience, he took charge of the Irvine office in July 2019, making it one of CNB’s largest among 26 offices.

John Keisler
John Keisler is CEO and managing partner at Sunstone Management Inc., a Southern California-based private capital firm investing in tech start-ups.

Shannon F. Eusey
Shannon F. Eusey is the chief executive officer of Beacon Pointe Advisors, the largest female-led Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm in the country serving private clients, foundations, and retirement plans.

Rhonda Ducote
Rhonda Ducote, Apriem’s first female president, stands out in the financial advice industry, notably as a woman in leadership. Her design background fuels her unique creative approach to two key passions: helping people achieve financial dreams and fostering team development.

Douglas Ireland
Douglas Ireland is a highly respected market manager overseeing Wedbush Securities’ offices in Newport Beach, San Diego, Scottsdale, and Honolulu.

Newth Morris
Newth Morris is the co-founder and managing director at Ankona Capital, a growth-stage venture capital firm in Newport Beach. His career began as an electronic systems designer at Electronic Design Associates, working on early technologies like audio encoding and GPS.

Joshua Yan Lun Lee
Joshua Yan Lun Lee, a former Ernst & Young executive with over 13 years of experience and a background in venture capital, has made significant contributions to the start-up community.

Keith Kobata
Keith Kobata currently serves as the regional executive for Wells Fargo’s Orange County Region, overseeing a team of over 1,000 members and managing 100 branches across Orange County, Long Beach, and South Los Angeles.

Timothy Michael Mulroy
Timothy Mulroy, a seasoned wealth management advisor and co-founder of Wealth Coast Wealth Management & Insurance Solutions, boasts over two decades of industry expertise. He has consistently excelled in various leadership roles, earning regional and national accolades.

Robbin Preciado
Robbin Preciado, executive VP and retail banking director at Mechanics Bank, leads the bank’s retail operations with over 600 employees and 100 branches serving various clients across California.

Rick Nogueira
Rick Nogueira serves as the region manager for Chase's Middle Market Banking group, overseeing Orange County and the Inland Empire. With over three decades of experience in the Southern California banking sector, he has dedicated more than 20 years to catering to middle-market clients in these regions.

Chad Alan Shaw
Chad Shaw, founding partner at MST Financial in Newport Beach, is a distinguished private wealth advisor with over two decades of industry experience. His mission is to help high-achieving individuals and businesses optimize their financial strategies.

John Shen
John Shen, a Chinese native, came to the U.S. in 1993 as a foreign student, earning his degrees from prestigious institutions–Peking University and Duke University.

Ivo A. Tjan
Ivo A. Tjan serves as chairman, president, and CEO of CommerceWest Bank, a California-based commercial bank exclusively focused on the business community. He founded the bank and took it public in 2001.

Kevin M. Tiber
Kevin M. Tiber holds key roles at Farmers and Merchants Trust Company and Farmers & Merchants Bank, serving as their EVP and COO, and EVP and investment officer, respectively.

Chikako Tyler
Chikako Tyler, CFO of California Bank & Trust (CB&T), leads financial and strategic planning for the bank. She’s a dedicated community advocate, serving on the boards of organizations such as United Way of Orange County, Accessity, Teen Entrepreneur Academy, and Junior Achievement of Orange County.

Joe Yurosek
Joe Yurosek is the Regional President of Fifth Third Bank, National Association, overseeing middle market expansion in California and Texas.

Rob Barber
Rob Barber is an industry titan with over 30 years of experience in the real estate information services sector. As the CEO of ATTOM, he has been the driving force behind the company’s remarkable success.

Mike Bouma
Mike Bouma, a 31-year veteran at Voit Real Estate Services, is a highly regarded senior vice president and partner known for his expertise in industrial, office, and investment property sales and leasing.

Matt Berres
Matt Berres is a distinguished professional serving as the vice chairman of Newmark’s Net Lease Capital Markets group, specializing in net leased properties.

Carlos Amato
Carlos Amato is a distinguished expert in healthcare planning and design. As one of CannonDesign’s California Health Principals, his expertise lies in seamlessly integrating design, planning, and technology within the healthcare sector, setting him apart as a visionary leader.

VISIONARIES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commercial real estate sector in Orange County is slowly but assuredly rebounding.

Katie Carpenter
As one of the first female executives at Matthews Real Estate Investment Services ™ , Katie Carpenter manages commission payouts, payroll for a 600+ workforce, and corporate financial strategy.

Julian Freeman
Julian Freeman, a partner at Cox Castle & Nicholson, is a preeminent transactional attorney specializing in commercial real estate. Renowned for orchestrating intricate lease transactions, he handles numerous major deals annually, averaging 200 transactions and over four million square feet.

John Drachman
As co-founder and head of capital markets at Waterford, John Drachman has a distinguished career marked by significant achievements.

Seth Davenport
Seth Davenport is an accomplished EVP at Voit Real Estate, leading in Orange County property sales, innovation, and philanthropy. He spearheads the Zehner Davenport Industrial Group, excelling in industrial and investment property transactions.

Jeffrey Cole
With over 35 years of commercial real estate expertise, Jeffrey Cole is a distinguished professional who has navigated complex transactions across office and industrial sectors.

Susan Dwyer
Susan Dwyer, co-CEO & managing principal at Hendy, leads a creative powerhouse transforming spaces into extraordinary human experiences. With 20+ years of experience, she oversees business operations and interior architecture at Hendy’s Corporate Studio.

Andy McCulloch
Andy McCulloch is the global head of data and analytics at Green Street, boasting an impressive 18-year tenure with the firm. He steers the company’s strategic direction in market analytics, data science and forecasting.

John Ho
John Ho has been Landsea Homes’ chief executive officer and director since 2013. Before founding Landsea Homes, he dedicated a decade to real estate investment and development at Colliers International and Jones Lang LaSalle.

Sean Matsler
Sean Matsler, a partner at Cox, Castle & Nicholson, stands as a prominent land use and natural resources attorney with a primary focus on real estate. With a specialization in obtaining entitlements for intricate and contentious development projects, he expertly guides clients through the approval process.

David Hunt
David Hunt, principal and health practice leader at CannonDesign, is an advocate for advancing healthcare facilities. With a commitment to integrated design and construction processes, he shapes CannonDesign’s SoCal healthcare studio into a hub for innovative campus plans, renovations and care facilities.

Michael A. Hefner
Michael A. Hefner, an executive vice president and partner at Voit Real Estate Services, boasts 39 years of industry experience. Leading the Hefner Vernick Team, he specializes in investment sales, build-to-suit, and development transactions in Orange County.

Paul Jones
Paul Jones, vice chairman at Newmark, brings over 15 years of expertise in the acquisition and disposition of office, industrial, land, and mixed-use properties. Serving institutional and high-net-worth private clients, he is a driving force behind the Newport Beach office.

Carolina Weidler
Carolina Weidler, co-CEO & managing principal at Hendy, is an accomplished architect with 16+ years of global experience. As a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and LEED AP professional, she excels in crafting process-driven environments.

Christie Porter
Christie Porter defied humble beginnings by becoming the first in her family to graduate from university, specializing in interior and architectural design at Cal State Long Beach.

Jay Nugent
Jay Nugent, executive managing director at Newmark’s Irvine office, excels in landlord and tenant representation. With 20+ years of experience, he’s a top negotiator for leading institutional real estate owners.

Wilbur H. Smith III
Wilbur H. Smith III is the founder, CEO, and president of Greenlaw, a prominent California-based real estate development and management company established in March 2003.

Barry Saywitz
Barry Saywitz is a distinguished figure in the commercial real estate industry. With a bachelor’s degree in economics from UCLA, he navigated Orange County’s real estate crash of 1989 to become a partner at Howard Ecker & Company.

Grace D. Winters
Grace D. Winters, a partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, is a renowned authority in real estate with an expansive clientele, ranging from investment fund managers to housing developers.

Brateil Aghasi
Brateil Aghasi is a visionary leader with a passion for serving women and children. As the CEO of WISEPlace, she is leading the path towards a new $30 million housing development project to build 48 units of affordable housing to end homelessness for seniors and vulnerable populations.

VISIONARIES EDUCATION AND NONPROFIT
Orange County’s education and nonprofit sectors did not escape the profound negative effects of the pandemic.

Errol Arkilic
Errol Arkilic, chief innovation officer at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), and executive director of Beall Applied Innovation, is a distinguished figure in academic-initiated technology commercialization.

Nadia Babayi
As the executive director of Laguna Beach Seniors, Nadia Babayi brings impressive credentials to the post with 45 years of experience spanning corporate, nonprofit, and government jobs.

April Barnes
A seasoned nonprofit executive, career exploration champion, and workforce leader, April Barnes has channeled her passion for giving back into a career supporting those most in need.

Dr. Pooja Bhalla
Dr. Pooja Bhalla is the chief executive officer of Illumination Foundation, an organization whose mission is to disrupt the cycle of homelessness. Under her leadership, the foundation has become a recognized and innovative leader in healthcare services for those experiencing homelessness.

Joseph Baldo
After a successful career in corporate communications, Joe Baldo went in search of a service that would impact those in need. Several different volunteer roles led him to a three-year experience with youth in juvenile hall in Orange.

Beverly Berryman
Beverly Berryman is the community engagement director for Crittenton Services for Children and Families who has been responsible for the volunteer department for the last nine years.

Dr. Michael J. Beals
As president of Vanguard University, Orange County’s first four-year university, Dr. Michael Beals has brought something entirely new to the university in the form of unprecedented strategic growth.

Ali Borowsky
After surviving multiple suicide attempts, Ali Borowsky turned her pain into action, creating Find Your Anchor, a suicide prevention nonprofit utilizing little blue boxes (“mental health first aid kits”) to help individuals in OC and around the world.

Monique Davis
After 20+ years of experience in operations leadership within several significant industries and organizations, Monique Davis has a proven track record in high-growth, fast-paced companies and in the not-for-profit sector.

LaVal Brewer
LaVal Brewer is the president & CEO of South County Outreach in Irvine, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent hunger and homelessness by helping people help themselves.

Jennifer Friend
Jennifer Friend is chief executive officer of Project Hope Alliance (PHA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the cycle of homelessness using a long-term, site-based model of providing whole-person care for children and youth experiencing homelessness.

Cat Decker
Cat Decker developed her skills from previous positions at Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, SeaWorld, and her director’s position with one of the largest animal rescue nonprofits in Southern California.

Heather Falcone
Heather Falcone is a business leader on a philanthropic mission as a member of the Chrysalis Board of Directors and chair of the organization’s Orange County Advisory Council.

Alison Edwards
Alison Edwards serves as chief executive officer of Groundswell, formerly the OC Human Relations Council, a Santa Ana-based nonprofit dedicated to making Orange County a better place for all people to live, work, go to schoolt and do business.

Jeffery A. Goad (Pharm.D., MPH, APh)
Dr. Jeff Goad, a tenured professor and associate dean at Chapman University School of Pharmacy, boasts an impressive career in pharmacy and public health. His qualifications include a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from USC and a Master of Public Health from the USC Keck School of Medicine.

Sue Grant
Sue Grant founded The Literacy Project, an organization that has served 10,500 underserved students from low-income families. Under her leadership, she has helped raise over $4.8 million to provide a reading program at “no cost” to both the child and school within four states.

Scott Robert Hays
Founded and led by Scott Robert Hays, OC World is an innovative nonprofit multimedia organization that broadcasts on KLCS PBS in Los Angeles to an estimated 15.5 million households from Santa Barbara to San Diego.

Jessica Ann Hubbard
After growing up in an environment of poverty and abuse, and working to become an educator, attorney, and advocate, Jessica Hubbard this year took on her latest impactful challenge in a role that has her continuing to leverage her lived experience,...

Claudia Bonilla Keller
Claudia Bonilla Keller joined Second Harvest as chief mission officer in February 2020 and was named to the role of CEO in January 2022. She leads outreach to donors, community partners, volunteers, and the public to ensure Second Harvest’s focus of ensuring that all in Orange County are well-fed is heard and acted upon.

Ronnetta Johnson
Under Johnson’s leadership, the agency provides interventions that can lead to happier and healthier lives for vulnerable children, individuals, and families by working with those impacted by difficult community or family circumstances, mental health concerns, or the criminal actions of others.

Nithin Jilla
Nithin Jilla is the founder and executive director of Dreams for Schools, an Orange County-based nonprofit providing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) education to underserved K-12 students.

Adrienne Kessler
Adrienne Kessler’s work at the Speech and Language Development Center has transformed the organization into a leading provider of innovative education and therapies for individuals with disabilities and special needs at every stage of life.

Madelynn Hirneise
Madelynn Hirneise serves as chief executive officer of Families Forward, an Irvine-based nonprofit committed to helping families who are facing a housing crisis.

Kapil Mathur
Kapil Mathur is an education advocate who serves as the executive director of the Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts (OCASA). OCASA operates two public charter schools serving students from kindergarten to 12th grade.

James E. Littlejohn
Littlejohn’s professional career with the Clubs began after college in 1987 in San Francisco, where he realized he had a heart and kindred spirit for youth in need of guidance. He knew he could make a difference in lives by being a positive mentor and role model.

Lee Ann Kline
Lee Ann Kline began her career as a programmer at IBM. As a mathematics and computer science major and first-generation college student, she was keenly aware of the lack of women in her field and the need for role models and mentors.

Kate Marr
Kate Marr has devoted her entire 23-year career to working in legal services. She started as a staff attorney working primarily with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

Maureen “Mo” Langley
Maureen “Mo” Langley is the founder and executive director of Sandy Feet Initiative. While working with organizations that introduce surfing to children with special needs, she noticed that the participants’ siblings were left on the sidelines; literally, left on the sand to watch while their siblings participated in water activities.

Dr. Anthony M. Lee
Dr. Anthony M. Lee, president of Westcliff University in Irvine, California, has an illustrious career marked by significant achievements. Under his leadership, Westcliff University has grown rapidly from fewer than a few hundred students to over 3,000 in the last decade.

Randy Moraitis
Randy Moraitis founded CarePossible in 2013 after years of working in the mental health and addiction fields and observing how so many people, desperate for help, were unable to receive the help they needed simply due to a lack of funds or resources.

Debra Miller
Debra Miller, founder and CEO of CureDuchenne, was heartbroken when her only son, Hawken, was diagnosed with Duchenne in 2002 when he was just five years old.

Paul McNeff
In 1997, classically trained professional singer Paul McNeff launched the KidSingers after-school youth chorus. Comprised of under-resourced youth between the ages of 8 to 18, KidSingers has now thrilled thousands of concertgoers with its uplifting and inspiring musical performances.

Taryn Palumbo
A strategic business leader, community relations expert, and public policy advocate, Taryn Palumbo has dedicated the last seven years to steering a funder collaborative committed to advancing social impact by supporting, strengthening, and building adaptive leadership in the nonprofit sector.

Susan Roseli
Susan Roseli, MPH, LVN, CPHRM, is currently the vice president of quality assurance at Crittenton Services for Children and Families. She leads with integrity, is hardworking, dedicated, and committed to the children and families that the organization serves.

Maricela Rios-Faust
Maricela Rios-Faust is a leader in preventing and ending relationship violence through her work as CEO of nonprofit Human Options, one of the most comprehensive relationship violence service providers in Orange County, and her leadership on partnerships and collaboratives aimed at ending the cycle of violence.

Bonni Pomush
Bonni Pomush serves as the second-ever chief executive officer of Working Wardrobes, stepping into the role in 2021 following the retirement of its founder and former CEO of 31 years.

Oánh Nguyên
Oánh Nguyên has been serving as Chance Theater’s founding artistic director since 1999. He is a recipient of TCG’s New Generations Grant and the TCG Nathan Cummings Young Leaders of Color Fellowship.

Katharyn O. Muniz
Katharyn Muniz is CEO of the Orange County Conservation Corps (OCCC), one of the 14 state-certified corps dedicated to Orange County.

Sona Shah
Six years into a flourishing law career and a few months after the birth of her first child, Sona Shah decided it was time to invest her energy into something more meaningful to her.

Chris Simonsen
Chris Simonsen’s background is in finance and his career progressed to the point where he became the CFO of the Automobile Club of Southern California in 2005.

Angie Rowe
Angie Rowe is a dedicated and accomplished nonprofit executive with over 25 years of experience driving growth and excellence across a wide range of organizations.

Lucy Santana
Under Lucy Santana’s more than 20 years of leadership, Girls Inc. of Orange County has grown into one of the strongest chapters of Girls Inc. nationally.

Melanie Marie Schlotterbeck
Melanie Marie Schlotterbeck has served on the Brea Planning Commission for over six years, advocating for sustainable development and natural resource protection. She led the commission through multiple contentious residential and mixed-use projects to approve or recommend approval on all projects.

Carla Therese Sramek
Carla Sramek is “the C in CMR” as the founder and driving force of CMR-Carla’s Movie Restaurant, the nonprofit organization that provides community-based environments for artists of all abilities to present their work to the public, and for the community to engage with and support emerging artists.

Nicole Suydam
Nicole Suydam has more than 20 years of management and leadership experience working with local and national nonprofits dedicated to meeting human service needs.

Tammy Tumbling
As the first executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), Tammy Tumbling brings over two decades of experience in corporate citizenship, utility operations, and customer service to the position.

Debbie Stroman
Debbie Stroman is a highly accomplished executive who has dedicated her career to making a significant impact in the lives of breast cancer patients and their families.

Patty Turrell
Patty Turrell and her team have made a significant impact on the lives of at-risk girls by focusing on building self-esteem and addressing the crisis of depression and suicide among young girls.

Daniele C. Struppa
Daniele C. Struppa is the 13th president of Chapman University, Orange. He initially joined as provost and chief academic officer in 2006, later becoming chancellor in 2007, and finally taking on the role of president in 2016. Originally from Milan, Italy, Struppa moved to the U.

Christopher Ticknor
Christopher Ticknor is the chief transformation officer for Orange County United Way, where he leads the overall strategy for the nonprofit’s marketing, business development, and technology efforts.

Michelle Wulfestieg
Michelle Wulfestieg suffered a stroke at the age of 11 and then again at age 25, which almost killed her. After recovering, she vowed to dedicate the rest of her life to bringing comfort to those at the end of their lives.

Elizabeth May Zarkos
Elizabeth Zarkos is an award-winning teacher who has spent much of her educational career working with alternative education students. She currently works at Canyon High School as an advocate for ELL students in addition to teaching 9th and 11th grades.

Patricia Wenskunas
Patricia Wenskunas was the victim of an attempted murder. She turned this traumatic situation into action as an advocate for victims of violent crime.

Marcia Willett
For more than 30 years, Marcia Willett has volunteered her time and talent to benefit communities in California.

Debora Wondercheck
As a dedicated corporate leader with a profound commitment to social justice and equality and with over two decades of experience in program implementation and a passion for the arts, the CEO of the Arts & Learning Conservatory, Debora Wondercheck,...

VISIONARIES HEALTHCARE
Orange County is home to numerous health-related institutions, encompassing healthcare, biotech and life sciences, to name a few.

Jasmina Brooks
Jasmina Brooks, known as Jass, is a luminary in the MedTech industry with a remarkable 25-year career focused on cardiovascular health.

Chuck T. Le
Dr. Chuck T. Le, owner & CEO of 7 Day Dental, is an esteemed dentistry leader known for his unwavering commitment to patient care, community service, and philanthropy. A USC School of Dentistry graduate, he founded 7 Day Dental with a vision to provide exceptional care for all.

Paul Edalat
Paul Edalat is a visionary leader and the chairman, founder, and CEO of Vivera Pharmaceuticals. Dedication to transforming the healthcare industry, he prioritizes patients over profits.

Kelly Bruno-Nelson
With an impactful career spanning 25 years in healthcare leadership, Kelly Bruno-Nelson is a dedicated advocate for the underserved and spearheads CalOptima Health’s transformative initiatives that prioritize prevention and whole-person care for Orange County’s low-income residents.

Dr. Brian Reagan
Dr. Brian Reagan, a board-certified plastic surgeon, boasts over two decades of industry expertise. His proficiency spans body, breast and facial procedures, focusing on innovative “rapid recovery” techniques. A revered member of the CosmetiCare team, his skillset enriches each procedure with unparalleled knowledge.

James V. Mazzo
James (Jim) V. Mazzo, a trailblazer in the ophthalmic industry, stands as executive chairman of Neurotech, showcasing his mastery of retinal implants. His esteemed advisory roles with Zeiss, Bain, Avellino, and CVC Private Equity reflect his influence on strategic decisions.

Annette M. Walker
Annette M. Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County, stands as a visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to transforming healthcare. Recognized twice by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential Leaders in U.S. Healthcare and lauded as a Top Women Leader Luminary, her impact has been profound.

Susan Rueb
Susan Rueb, founder and CEO of the Brain Rehabilitation and Injury Network (B.R.A.I.N.), embarked on a mission to create a supportive haven for brain injury survivors after facing the challenges of finding help for her own daughter. Fueled by personal experience, she established B.

Linda Rank
Linda Rank, a distinguished pioneer in the aesthetic field, boasts an illustrious journey spanning over two decades. As the founder of soul&beautyMEDx, she has spearheaded a revolutionary wave of excellence within the med spa realm.

Laurie Sicaeros
Laurie Sicaeros, chief strategy officer at MemorialCare, has been an integral force for over two decades, driving transformative change in the healthcare landscape. Her journey began with aligning services to community needs and orchestrating the development of MemorialCare’s pioneering EMR through Epic Systems.

Rick Arvielo
Rick Arvielo is an accomplished entrepreneur and mortgage industry leader, currently serving as the CEO and cofounder of New American Funding. Under his guidance, New American Funding has become the largest privately-owned and Latino-owned mortgage company in the nation, earning him numerous awards.

Clifton W. Albright
As president & founding partner at Albright, Yee & Schmit, APC, Clifton W. Albright is a distinguished attorney specializing in labor and employment law. A Loyola Law School graduate, he made history by winning the first lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for its Public Health Service Training Program.

Sayan Aboudi
Sayan Aboudi is a dedicated attorney at Lionsgate Law Group, APC, renowned for his expertise in personal injury cases. Driven by a commitment to justice, his passion for advocacy took root when he witnessed his own family’s forced exile by the Iranian government.

VISIONARIES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Businesses operating in Orange County face specific challenges and requirements. Attorneys, accountants and other specialty advisors provide indispensable services that enable them to thrive in the region.

Deborah E. Arbabi
Deborah E. Arbabi is a seasoned litigator renowned for her expertise in antitrust and competition law. With a focus on overcharge allegations, she has recovered over $1 billion through litigation, negotiations, and claims pursuit.

Bryan S. Gadol
Bryan S. Gadol serves as the head of the California corporate, M&A, and private equity practice and is a partner in Holland & Knight’s Newport Beach and Century City offices.

Lynne Bolduc
Lynne Bolduc, a luminary in corporate and securities law for over three decades, thrives as a pillar of excellence at FitzGerald Kreditor Bolduc Risbrough LLP. A West Coast powerhouse, she has orchestrated multibillion-dollar business and financing deals for both domestic and international clients, across diverse industries.

Danielle R. Guerrero
Danielle Guerrero, an esteemed trusts and estates attorney at Saul Ewing LLP, stands as a testament to adaptability, client dedication, and community engagement.

Marc H. Garelick
Marc H. Garelick, partner at Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP, is an esteemed family law attorney renowned for guiding high-asset and high-income clients through intricate family matters.

Seymour (Sy) Everett
Seymour (Sy) Everett, III, a trailblazing litigator, stands at the helm of Everett Dorey, LLP – Orange County’s thriving law firm. A stalwart defender of businesses and municipalities in intricate litigation, he boasts California’s elite trial attorney status.

Jonathan E. Frank
Jonathan E. Frank, a partner at Snell & Wilmer, brings over 20 years of expertise to sophisticated real estate transactions. His adept counsel covers acquisitions, dispositions, real estate development, and commercial leasing.

Cary Hyden
Cary Hyden, a prominent boardroom advisor, has nearly four decades of experience guiding public companies in strategic, transactional, and governance matters. He was a corporate partner at Latham & Watkins from 1994 to 2022, overseeing 200+ M&A transactions and 75+ public offerings for over 100 public firms.

Peggy Hosking
Peggy Hosking, a distinguished shareholder at Buchalter, excels as a trusted advisor in real estate law across the Los Angeles and Orange County offices. Her prowess extends to commercial real estate transactions, where she represents owners, developers, lenders, and investors.

Lisa R. Hsiao
Lisa R. Hsiao, a partner at Musick Peeler & Garrett LLP, is an accomplished trial attorney. Her practice focuses on transportation, product and premises liability, real estate, and employment law.

Jennifer L. Keller
Keller gained fame for her last-minute lead counsel role in the 2011 Mattel v. MGA retrial, securing a victory that made headlines. She also achieved California’s largest business jury verdict in 2009 with $350 million awarded in Auerbach v. Daily.

Meghan Medlin
Meghan Medlin is a visionary leader who founded Medlin Workforce & Reentry Solutions (MWRS) in 2019, and the nonprofit Hub for Integration, Reentry & Employment (H.I.R.E.) in 2020.

Praful Kulkarni
Praful Kulkarni is a trailblazer in revolutionizing the architecture and construction sectors through innovative project design and implementation. Based in Orange County, he has led transformative initiatives, redefined traditional practices, and driven efficiency and creativity.

Eric Kennedy
Eric Kennedy is a seasoned shareholder at Buchalter, with an extensive legal career spanning two decades. Operating from the Orange County and Los Angeles offices, he adeptly serves as outside general counsel, providing comprehensive legal solutions to his clients.

Baraa Kahf
Baraa Kahf is a litigation partner and diversity committee chair at Knobbe Martens, specializing in intellectual property law. With over 15 years of experience, he has passionately represented clients in federal courts, the U.S. International Trade Commission and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.

Anita Kantak
Dr. Anita Kantak boasts a remarkable three-decade career in market research, specializing in advanced statistical techniques like attitudinal segmentation and conjoint analyses. She’s adept at primary and secondary research, market trend analysis, predictive modeling and questionnaire design, showcasing her wide-ranging skills in the field.

Salvador B. Sarabosing, Jr.
Sal Sarabosing, a partner and risk advisory services leader at Blythe Global Advisors (BGA), is a visionary leader empowering start-ups and established entities across major Orange County industries to thrive by navigating and mitigating present and future risks.

Julian Movsesian
Julian Movsesian is the president and founder of Capital Management Strategies, Inc. and CEO of Succession Capital Alliance™ (SCA). His impressive insurance career began with Connecticut Mutual Life in 1985, where he quickly became a top producer.

Wayne R. Pinnell
Wayne R. Pinnell, a seasoned leader with a career spanning over 20 years, serves as the managing partner of Haskell & White LLP headquartered in Orange County. He has demonstrated outstanding leadership by steering the strategic direction and daily operations of the firm, while continuing to contribute as an audit partner.

Stacey A. Olson
Stacey A. Olson, a dynamic professional with an impressive 20-year career journey, has seamlessly transitioned from interior design to becoming a visionary global wellness leader. As the director of sustainability at Gensler, she is driving transformational impact by infusing sustainable practices and wellness strategies.

Michael B. Reynolds
Michael B. Reynolds is an esteemed bankruptcy partner at Snell & Wilmer, a renowned business law firm renowned for its global footprint. With extensive prowess in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, corporate reorganizations, and intricate litigation, he thrives in state and federal courts, both at trial and appellate levels.

Steven J. Nataupsky
Steven J. Nataupsky, managing partner of Knobbe Martens, leads one of the country’s largest intellectual property firms with approximately 300 lawyers and scientists. His extensive expertise covers all facets of intellectual property, encompassing patents, trademarks, copyrights, domain names, and trade secrets.

John F. Simonis
John F. Simonis is an eminent figure in Southern California’s legal landscape, renowned for his 37-year career as a leading real estate lawyer. As managing partner of Reed Smith LLP’s Orange County office, his impact spans complex transactions, development, and community engagement.

Jack Selman
Jack Selman’s architectural journey began in 1974 when he founded Architects Orange (AO). Starting with retrofitting a condemned building in Old Town Orange, his innate talent flourished.

Jaimelynn Banaban Shah
Jaimelynn Banaban Shah is a dynamic force, embodying multiple roles within the firm and industry, including as a studio director, design director and leader for the Southwest region. Her design acumen and trusted counsel elevate Gensler’s global clients, including Irvine Company, Hyundai Capital, Manulife, and PIMCO.

James J. Scheinkman
James J. Scheinkman is a distinguished corporate and securities partner at Snell & Wilmer, a premier business law firm with a national and international presence.

Megan Yoo Schneider
Megan Yoo Schneider, a transformative force in client account leadership at Accenture, is recognized for her remarkable contributions to diverse industries. A visionary strategist, she empowers clients within the utilities, energy, natural resources, and automotive sectors, crafting innovative solutions to navigate dynamic landscapes.

Daniel A. Sasse
Serving on the firm’s management board, co-chairing the finance committee, and contributing to the Crowell Racial Equity Task Force, Daniel Sasse brings multi-faceted leadership to the legal arena.

Brenda Springer
Brenda Springer, founder of Reveille, Inc., began her impactful journey in communications by connecting the Los Angeles Mission with young Hollywood to address homelessness.

Chahira Solh
Chahira Solh heads Crowell & Moring LLP’s executive committee as its pioneering diverse female chair. Her influence resonates beyond championing diversity and reshaping the legal landscape. A fixture in Crowell & Moring’s management board and antitrust group, she excels as a sought-after antitrust lawyer.

Ardelle Catherine St. George
Ardelle Catherine St. George, as managing partner of St. George & Carnegie and Nautilus Global Solutions, LLC, drives business evolution in the future economy.

Paula Steurer
With a legacy spanning 15 years, Paula Steurer is the driving force behind Sterling Public Relations. Her brainchild, founded in 2008, blazes new trails in publicity, branding, and marketing, raising brands to prominence.

Trevor Tait
Trevor Tait holds the position of managing director and managing partner at Tait & Associates, Inc. and Affiliated Companies.

Bruce C. Stuart
Bruce C. Stuart, a founding partner at Stuart Kane LLP, boasts a remarkable four-decade career in transactional real estate law. His extensive expertise spans various areas, including acquisition, development, financing, joint ventures, leasing and dispositions.

Darrell Peter White
Darrell White is a tenacious business trial lawyer revered for his prowess in navigating intricate commercial disputes. Throughout his career, he has never shied away from court battles, securing over $30 million in settlements and verdicts.

Sarah M. Ulibarri
Sarah M. Ulibarri stands as a paragon of estate planning excellence at Saul Ewing LLP. Specializing in advanced estate planning, probate, and trust administration, she offers meticulous expertise, forging unwavering client partnerships.

Sheila Swaroop
As the first woman of color to co-chair Knobbe Martens’ renowned litigation practice, Sheila Swaroop is an embodiment of leadership and advocacy. For over two decades, she’s championed complex technology cases, securing victories for global companies.