Renee Loignon Dion

COO & CFO

Marquee Staffing

Renee Loignon Dion joined Marquee Staffing in 1994 as the company controller. Over the years, she has excelled in her role by taking on every aspect of managing a staffing company. Overseeing accounting and finance, HR and information technology, she is deeply involved with the day-to-day operations. Dion has also been instrumental in negotiating credit lines and banking relationships. She is a seasoned risk manager credited with a very successful workers’ compensation program, in turn qualifying Marquee to enter TSIL, a prestigious self-insured group. Dion enjoys bringing people together to find solutions to yield success and to get things done. She believes in sustaining long-term relationships with employees, clients and corporate partners. She has earned the respect of her team by engaging them, providing direction and supporting each and every team member in their individual roles. She is passionate about her work and loves what she does.

Overall, Dion is a seasoned chief operating officer and chief financial officer with a unique ability to relate to companies’ latest challenges. She is experienced in overseeing accounting and finance, HR, IT, risk management, banking & credit facilities, and is an expert in hiring, building and managing accounting teams. She has a unique ability to understand the skills and requirements to be successful in accounting and finance positions.

Dion is well-connected with many CPAs, CFOs, CFPs, controllers, accountants and banking professionals and helps companies fill their open positions with the upmost sense of urgency. She takes the time to understand what candidates are looking for and engages them with positions that will take their career to the next level. Under her fiscal and operational stewardship, Marquee has become one of the leading professional staffing agencies in Orange County, San Diego and Los Angeles. Marquee specializes in connecting employers with skilled professionals and assisting job seekers in finding suitable positions, and aims to streamline the hiring process for both parties. Their expertise span various industries, offering tailored solutions to meet specific workforce needs. Dion is also an enrolled agent certified to practice before the IRS and a certified management accountant.

EXECUTIVE: SMALL COMPANY FINALISTS

Morgan Gallagher

Partner

Cox, Castle & Nicholson

Morgan Gallagher, an experienced real estate and land use attorney at Cox Castle, specializes in transactional and litigation matters involving land use, zoning, entitlements and environmental permitting for complex projects. With a focus on California’s intricate land use processes, her strategic guidance and expertise spans the California Environmental Quality Act, Subdivision Map Act and Coastal Act, advising clients from due diligence to project approval. Gallagher has a successful track record representing clients in various real estate sectors, including residential, renewable energy, office and mixed-use developments. Notable achievements include entitlements for controversial residential and retail projects, permitting for a $500 million hospital improvement project, and defending against CEQA litigation. Committed to community service, Gallagher actively engages with organizations like The Salvation Army Orange County and the Tustin Community Foundation.

Sharon R. Klein

Partner

Blank Rome LLP

Sharon R. Klein, a partner at Blank Rome, is a leading authority in privacy and data security law. With over 40 years of experience, she chairs the firm’s Privacy, Security & Data Protection practice and manages its Orange County office. Klein advises clients on navigating complex regulatory landscapes and protecting against cyber threats. She has led initiatives to address cybersecurity risks, including serving on the Health Sector Coordinating Council Task Force. Her extensive background includes leadership roles at Siemens Medical Solutions USA, where she focused on operationalizing healthcare regulations. Klein is also committed to community service, having served on the board of the Girl Scouts of Orange County for six years and championing STEM education for girls. Her contributions have been recognized by organizations such as Comerica Bank, Los Angeles Times B2B Publishing and Corporate Counsel’s Women Influence & Power in Law Awards.

Lisa R. Hsiao

Partner

Musick Peeler

Lisa R. Hsiao, a partner in the Orange County and Los Angeles offices, specializes in transportation, product liability, premises liability, real estate and employment law. She represents a range of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to individuals, in tort-based litigation, emphasizing product liability, business litigation and transportation law. Hsiao leads the firm’s 24-hour Accident Investigation Team, ensuring clients receive immediate representation and evidence preservation after accidents. She possesses exceptional research, writing and bankruptcy skills with notable achievements, including successfully resolving a wrongful death lawsuit and defending against multi-million-dollar class actions and wrongful termination suits. Hsiao volunteers as a judge for ABA Mediation Competition, coaches Special Olympics and speaks at webinars. Recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star since 2019, she actively participates in professional associations and chairs the firm’s Business Litigation Insurance Defense Group.

Susan Rounds

Senior Managing Director

BKM Capital Partners

Susan Rounds, managing director of operations at BKM Capital Partners, leads pivotal committees and drives operational excellence. With over 24 years of experience, she oversees HR initiatives, cultivates a robust company culture and provides strategic guidance across various departments. Rounds has mentored over 40 individuals and championed workplace diversity. As chair of the ESG Committee, she reduced turnover by 19% and enhanced diversity to 72%, with 55% female and 40% BIPOC representation. She also spearheaded BKM’s parental leave program, which allows parents to take up to 10 weeks of paid leave and up to two years of a hybrid schedule. Rounds’ advocacy resulted in equitable pay policies, parental leave benefits and the establishment of a supportive Women’s Network Group. Her unwavering commitment to employee development and operational enhancement underscores her dedication to fostering a thriving workplace environment at BKM.