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Dear Reader:
Orange County continues to be a beacon of economic growth, innovation and opportunity. Looking back on a remarkable year, it's clear that strategic investments are continuing to drive this region forward.

UC Irvine Raises $343 Million in Record-Breaking Fiscal Year
Brilliant Future Philanthropic Campaign Now Totals $1.9 Billion

Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County Logs Record Year
It has been a banner fiscal year for the Santa Ana-headquartered Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County

Related Bristol Project in Santa Ana Receives Unanimous Planning Approval
The visionary Related Bristol mixed-use redevelopment project in south Santa Ana has taken a significant step forward, as it was unanimously recommended for approval by the City’s Planning Commission in a 7-0 vote after a public hearing in August

SBDC-OC’s First Climate Tech Deal Rides a Wave Into the Future
Earlier this year, the Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County (SBDC-OC) got the good news it had been waiting for – the science behind an ocean-powered innovation was state-verified, giving the development corporation surety in backing financing for the new technology’s startup, Seatrec

Edwards Lifesciences Completes Sale of Critical Care
Company announces $1-billion share repurchase

JLM Real Estate Expands to Orange County
Headquartered in San Diego, JLM Real Estate, a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm, has launched a new office near the Irvine Spectrum Center at 101 Pacifica

First American Financial Appoints Deborah L. Wahl to Board
Santa Ana-headquartered First American Financial Corporation is a premier provider of title, settlement and risk solutions for real estate transactions and a leader in the digital transformation of its industry

Great Park Live is Orange County’s Next Major Concert Venue
The City of Irvine recently provided media and civic leaders with an exclusive look at Great Park Live, the temporary amphitheater that officially opened in Irvine this past June

Hoag Names New Foundation President Amid Major Expansion in Orange County
Newport Beach-based Hoag has named Caroline Pereira president of the Hoag Hospital Foundation, the health system’s philanthropic arm

Knobbe Martens Advises Paragonix Technologies in Definitive Agreement to be Acquired by Getinge
A team from Irvine-headquartered law firm Knobbe Martens served as IP counsel to Paragonix in the deal

Banking on BUSINESS
For longtime banker Jeffrey Redeker, challenges in the financial sector created a unique opportunity

Ronald S. Rochon Appointed President of Cal State Fullerton
Rochon currently serves as president of the University of Southern Indiana

Orange County’s Fastest-Growing Public Companies Are Up 27%
OC grows in real estate, automotive, medical tech and more

ORANGE COUNTY'S FASTEST GROWING COMPANIES
L.A.Times B2B Publishing presents the fastest growing public companies headquartered in Orange County. Companies needed to have at least $20 million in revenue for 2023 to qualify and were ranked by revenue growth from 2022 to 2023.

Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach to Undergo Management Shift to Marriott International
Iconic OC Luxury Destination to Transition Brand Identity to St. Regis

Jeff CARRICK
Jeff Carrick, partner at BPM LLP, is redefining leadership in the accounting industry with a focus on work-life balance, community impact and modern professional practices.

VISIONARIES BANKING AND FINANCE
Banking and finance visionaries have revolutionized the industry with their innovative strategies and forward-thinking leadership.

Richard CABRERA
Based in Irvine, California, Richard Cabrera serves as executive vice president and head of commercial banking at Umpqua Bank, one of the top 30 publicly traded banks in the U.S.

Randall ALLEN
Randy Allen, senior wealth advisor at Kayne Anderson Rudnick Wealth Advisors, embarked on his finance career in 1998. His journey began with a scholarship check turned brokerage account at Dean Witter, catalyzing a successful career.

Brett BISSELL
Brett Bissell co-founded Luminate Wealth Management with Robert Grimm, drawing on over 27 years of experience in wealth management. Luminate, which manages assets exceeding $1.2 billion, specializes in retirement planning, tax strategies and estate planning.

Jimmy CUSIMANO
Jimmy Cusimano, a wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual - Orange County, brings over 16 years of experience guiding business owners, physicians and professionals toward financial security and growth.

Chad SHAW
Chad Shaw is a private wealth advisor and founding partner of MST Financial, a prominent wealth management and insurance services practice based in Irvine, California. He is recognized for his innovation and dedication to continuous learning.

Kathy JUMPER
As CEO and president of Orange County's Credit Union, Kathy Jumper brings over 30 years of financial industry experience, marked by her exceptional leadership and impact. At Orange County’s Credit Union, she leads a team serving over 135,000 members and managing assets exceeding $2.

Henry W. SLADEK
Henry W. Sladek is a private wealth advisor and founding partner of MST Financial, located in Irvine, California. With over 100 years of collective experience, MST Financial manages $350 million in assets and is known for its deeply relational approach to wealth management.

Barb KROL
Barb Krol, chief associate experience officer at Orange County Credit Union, is a seasoned human resource executive and coach with a track record of leading strategic HR initiatives in dynamic, high-growth environments.

Tom MILLER
Tom Miller is a wealth management advisor and founding partner at MST Financial, a leading practice based in Irvine, California. With over 100 years of combined experience, MST Financial manages $350 million in assets, guiding clients toward achieving their financial goals with a team of 10 professionals.

Rich WOO
Rich Woo is a wealth management advisor and partner at Catalyst Planning, a national wealth management and insurance services practice. Catalyst Planning specializes in managing the financial lives of busy entrepreneurs and those nearing retirement, emphasizing the creation of enduring relationships and strategic, purpose-driven plans.

Timothy MULROY
Timothy Mulroy is a distinguished private wealth advisor and co-founder of Wealth Coast Wealth Management & Insurance Solutions. With over 20 years in the financial services industry, he has built a notable career marked by visionary leadership and transformative impact.

Jeffrey INGHAM
As the markets lead for the JLL Orange County office, Jeffrey Ingham plays a pivotal role in facilitating real estate transactions for clients in Southern California and beyond.

Matt BERRES
As vice chairman and a top producer nationally, Matt Berres and his team have closed over 500 transactions, totaling nearly $5 billion in sales throughout his career.

John HUNDLEY
John Hundley is an executive managing director at Newmark, based in the firm’s San Diego, California office. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in multi-market landlord and tenant advisory within the life science and technology industries.

Seth GELLIS
For the past 12 years, Seth Gellis, president of Community Preservation Partners (CPP), has driven the organization’s mission to provide quality, affordable housing.

Vicky HAMMOND
Vicky Hammond, managing principal at Coreland Companies, leads one of California’s top commercial real estate service firms, overseeing the leasing and management of over 12 million square feet of retail properties.

Anthony Joseph DAMON
Anthony Damon, a 23-year architect and designer, serves as the higher education core market leader for DPR Construction’s San Diego unit, driving strategy and business development.

VISIONARIES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
Commercial real estate visionaries are driving transformative growth, shaping cities and reimagining the future of urban development.

Brian MALLIET
Brian K. Malliet is the founder, CEO and chief investment officer of BKM Capital Partners, leading its investment committee since 2013. Under his leadership, BKM has grown into one of the premier owners and operators of multitenant light industrial properties in the western United States with a portfolio of 60 assets valued at over $2.

Justin MCMAHON
Justin McMahon, senior vice president at JLL, brings 15 years of retail broker-age experience to his role. Since joining JLL in 2019, he has excelled in marketing and leasing high-quality shopping centers, focusing on power and neighborhood centers across Orange County and Southern California.

Jeremy LASTER
Jeremy Laster is the president of Rancho Mission Viejo, overseeing the 23,000-acre family-owned enterprise in South Orange County, California. He manages the development of masterplanned communities, ranching, farming, commercial properties and the preservation of The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo.

Matthew MOUSAVI
Matthew Mousavi is the senior managing principal and co-head of national net lease at SRS Real Estate Partners' Capital Markets, a leading firm dedicated to retail real estate. He is also a member of the board of directors for SRS.

Mike MYERS
Mike Myers, chief executive officer for McCarthy’s Southern Pacific Region since 2024, leads a $2-billion operation with around 1,500 partners across Southern California and Nevada.

Danielle L. KNUDSON
Danielle Knudson, executive vice president and principal at DAUM Commercial Real Estate Services, specializes in tenant representation from the Orange County office. With over $500 million in career transaction volume, she has cultivated expertise in both local and national markets.

Paul JONES
Paul Jones, vice chairman at Newmark's capital markets team, has extensive expertise in the acquisition and disposition of office, industrial, land and mixed-use properties across Southern California and Arizona.

Belinda OAKES
Belinda Oakes is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with over 20 years of experience. She began her career in public accounting and transitioned to sales tax consulting before joining NovoGradac & Company LLP, where she discovered her passion for affordable housing.

J.A. Charles WRIGHT
Charles Wright is the market leader for Matthews™ Orange County office, where he has significantly impacted the company since his promotion in 2022. Under his leadership, the office's agent count increased by 50% and ranked among the top three Matthews™ locations nationwide in 2023.

Sally ZESUT
Sally Zesut, vice president at Avison Young, a commercial real estate professional with over 26 years of experience, is celebrated for her commitment to client service, mentorship and industry leadership.

Kurt STRASMANN
Kurt Strasmann is the executive managing director of CBRE in Orange County, leading a team of 400 employees and overseeing $7.6 billion in transactional value and 30 million square feet of property. His leadership has positioned CBRE's Orange County office as one of the firm's largest operations in the Americas.

Amanda SPANGLER
Amanda Spangler is managing director of brokerage for Colliers in the Orange County and Inland Empire markets, where she leads over 70 brokerage professionals. Her role encompasses business development, enhancing service delivery and attracting top industry talent.

Bud PHARRIS
Bud Pharris is the senior managing director, West Region at Link Logistics, where he oversees the operational performance of approximately 143 million square feet of logistics real estate, encompassing leasing, property operations, and construction management.

Grace D. WINTERS
Grace D. Winters, a partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, is a highly skilled attorney at the forefront of real estate law.

Royce SHARF
Royce Sharf is vice chairman and branch manager at Savills North America, having founded the Orange County office in 1987. In 2023, despite industry challenges, the office achieved record revenue, reflecting his leadership and the strong culture he has cultivated among his team of over 30 professionals.

Jenn L. QUADER
Jenn Quader is the president & CEO of The Smart Agency, where she drives innovative PR, content and marketing strategies for major commercial real estate and finance companies across the U.S. Under her leadership, the agency has grown by about 50% in the past year, even amid a challenging industry climate.

VISIONARIES EDUCATION AND NONPROFIT
Visionaries in the education and nonprofit sectors are pioneering transformative change by expanding access to learning and empowering underserved communities.

April BARNES
As president of Vital Link, April Barnes is a distinguished nonprofit executive with over two decades of experience dedicated to serving those in need. Her career spans healthcare, youth development and workforce development, where she has excelled in strategic planning, branding, marketing, fundraising and logistics.

Dr. Pooja BHALLA
Dr. Pooja Bhalla, DNP, RN, is the CEO of Illumination Foundation, a leading Orange County-based nonprofit committed to disrupting the cycle of homelessness in Southern California. Since joining in 2017, she has significantly expanded the organization's impact, focusing on housing and healthcare services for underserved populations.

Claudia BONILLA KELLER
CEO Claudia Bonilla Keller has transformed Second Harvest Food Bank and its impact on the Orange County community. Under her leadership, Second Harvest became the world’s first food bank to achieve TRUE zero-waste certification, reducing plastic waste to 5%.

Melissa BECK
Inspired by her rock-and-roll upbringing in Marin County, Melissa Beck, president of Anonymous Philanthropy, transitioned from a successful accounting career to become a transformative leader in philanthropy.

Dr. Michael J. BEALS
Dr. Michael J. Beals, celebrating his 10th anniversary as president of Vanguard University (VU), has led the institution to remarkable growth and transformation.

Bryan CRAIN
Bryan Crain serves as the president of Orange County Rescue Mission, a faith-based nonprofit providing comprehensive services to help homeless men, women, veterans and children achieve self-sufficiency.

LaVal BREWER
LaVal Brewer, president & CEO of South County Outreach (SCO), has dedicated his 30+ year nonprofit career to solving systemic issues of hunger and homelessness. Under his leadership, SCO has navigated record demand, expanding services by 20%. In 2023, SCO distributed over 700,000 pounds of food, serving nearly 2,000 children and over 650 seniors.

Alison EDWARDS
For over 25 years, CEO Alison Edwards has been dedicated to Groundswell, formerly the OC Human Relations Council. Appointed as the CEO in 2017, she revitalized the nonprofit’s identity, leading a successful rebranding that expanded its reach beyond Orange County.

Holly HAGLER
Holly Hagler has been the president and CEO of Meals on Wheels Orange County for over 13 years, leading the 56-year-old nonprofit in advancing senior health initiatives and strategic priorities.

Becks HEYHOE
Becks Heyhoe is the executive director of United to End Homelessness, an initiative launched by Orange County United Way in 2018 to end homelessness through collaboration with business, philanthropic and faith-based leaders.

Manuel Noriz GÓMEZ
Manuel N. Gómez, Ph.D. is the founder and producer of OC World, Orange County’s only public affairs program on KLCS-PBS. In just four years, OC World has won multiple Emmys and reached 15.5 million households, focusing on stories of diversity and marginalized communities.

Shukry CATTAN
Shukry Cattan, executive director of Tiyya in Orange County, leads the organization’s growth, programming and strategic partnerships with a focus on inclusivity and innovation.

Sue GRANT
Sue Grant is a trailblazer in literacy advocacy, founding The Literacy Project in 2009 to tackle illiteracy among underserved youth. Her leadership has empowered over 10,500 children in four states through a transformative 30-hour reading program, achieving average skill improvements of 76% to 129%.

Jessica Ann HUBBARD
Jessica Hubbard is the chief executive officer of Casa Youth Shelter, where she draws on her personal and professional experiences to support and empower youth in crisis. Since joining Casa Youth Shelter in January 2020, she has significantly enhanced the organization’s programs.

Madelynn HIRNEISE
Madelynn Hirneise is the chief executive officer of Families Forward, a leading organization dedicated to addressing family homelessness in Orange County.

Ronnetta JOHNSON
Ronnetta Johnson has served as the CEO of Waymakers since 2015, having been with the organization since 1995. With over 35 years in nonprofit leadership, she has driven significant growth and impact at Waymakers, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals and families in Orange County.

Adrienne KESSLER
As CEO of Speech and Language Development Center (SLDC) since 2016, Adrienne Kessler has transformed the organization into a leading provider of innovative education and therapies for individuals with special needs. Her strategic vision led to a 181% increase in clinical services and a 63% rise in student count for adult day services.

Lee Ann KLINE
Lee Ann Kline is the founder of STEM Advantage, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing equity in STEM fields. With a background in programming and consulting, she established STEM Advantage in 2012 to address gender and racial disparities in STEM careers.

Sloane R. KEANE
Sloane Keane has led Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) as CEO for the past 11 years, focusing on transforming lives through one-to-one mentoring. Her leadership has driven BBBS to become the second-largest agency in a national network of over 250 affiliates.

Lorry LEIGH BELHUMEUR
Dr. Lorry Leigh Belhumeur is the chief executive officer of Western Youth Services (WYS) in Orange County. With two decades of leadership at WYS, she has made significant strides in mental health, drawing from her own experiences. Dr.

April JOSEPHSON
April Josephson founded The Pet Adoption Center of Orange County (PACOC) in 2017 to provide a community-based adoption facility and support OC Animal Care. PAC-OC has rescued and adopted over 600 dogs and facilitated hundreds of other adoptions through community partnerships and events.

Farah Delance LINOT
Farah Delance Linot is the dynamic president of the Farah Delance Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization based in New York dedicated to women’s empowerment through girls’ education, combating violence against women and advocating for gender equality and equity.

Gianna MULKAY
Gianna Dahlia Mulkay, the executive director of Foster Love, embodies hope and transformation within the foster care system.

Taryn PALUMBO
Taryn Palumbo is the executive director of Orange County Grantmakers (OCG), where she has driven remarkable growth and impact since 2018. Under her leadership, OCG has expanded its membership and budget, increased events from five to over 70 annually and launched the OC Equity Profile.

Debra MILLER
Debra Miller, founder and CEO of CureDuchenne, has been a transformative force in the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Following her son Hawken’s diagnosis in 2002, she launched CureDuchenne in 2003, turning personal heartbreak into a global mission.

Danny MENDOZA
As founder, CEO and board chair of Foster Love, Danny Mendoza has spent over 15 years leading an organization that supports over 155,000 foster youth annually. His journey began after discovering his young cousin living in a car due to systemic issues in the foster care system, which ignited his passion for creating lasting change.

Antoinette NADDOUR
Antoinette Naddour is the executive director and co-founder of the Veterans Legal Institute® (VLI), where she manages the organization’s overall operations, including business development, outreach, public relations, marketing and strategic planning.

Kelsey Rae MORGAN
As co-founder and CEO of EverFree, Kelsey Morgan brings over 14 years of experience in the antitrafficking field to her leadership role at the Orange County-based nonprofit. Under her guidance, EverFree is dedicated to eradicating human trafficking worldwide through innovative, survivor-centered approaches.

Erika MAYSHAR
Erika Mayshar is a distinguished shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, where she chairs the tax-exempt organizations & philanthropy practice. In this role, she provides expert legal and tax guidance to sophisticated nonprofits and ultra-high-net-worth individuals navigating complex charitable giving and tax implications.

Maricela RIOS-FAUST
Maricela Rios-Faust, CEO of Human Options since 2006, has transformed the organization into Orange County's leading domestic violence service provider, doubling its budget and expanding survivor access.

Sona SHAH
Sona Shah, founder of My Private Professor (MPP), transformed her expertise in business litigation into a philanthropic endeavor dedicated to enhancing educational access. MPP provides high-quality tutoring to students from all backgrounds, ensuring equitable support.

Debora WONDERCHECK
In 2004, Debora Wondercheck founded the Arts & Learning Conservatory (ALC), an award-winning nonprofit that provides equitable performing arts education to students of all ages and backgrounds. Her personal journey began when her mother fled an abusive relationship, taking only their instruments.

Gregory C. SCOTT
Gregory C. Scott, president & CEO of Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC), brings a unique perspective from his own experiences growing up in poverty.

Angie ROWE
Angie Rowe, president and CEO of Beyond Blindness, has driven significant growth and impact since joining the organization nearly five years ago. Under her leadership, Beyond Blindness has experienced record-breaking milestones, including a complete rebranding, the expansion of its board and the launch of innovative programs.

Bonni POMUSH
Bonni Pomush, the chief executive officer of Working Wardrobes, has brought transformative leadership to the organization since stepping into the role.

Patricia WENSKUNAS
Founder & CEO of the Crime Survivors Resource Center, Patricia Wenskunas is a survivor of an attempted murder in 2002 and was able to transform her trauma into a powerful force for victims of violent crime.

Lucy SANTANA
In 2024, Lucy Santana celebrated 25 years as CEO of Girls Inc. of Orange County (GIOC), where her visionary leadership significantly expanded the organization’s impact. Under her guidance, GIOC grew from serving 1,500 girls in 2001 to 9,000 in 2024, increasing services by nearly 15%.

Michelle WULFESTIEG
Michelle Wulfestieg, executive director of the Southern California Hospice Foundation, has significantly impacted end-of-life care in Orange County. Her visionary leadership culminated in the establishment of the Heavenly Home, O.C.’s first nonprofit hospice care home, following a successful $2-million endowment fund campaign.

VISIONARIES HEALTHCARE
Visionary individuals in the healthcare sector are pushing the boundaries of medical innovation, revolutionizing patient care and advancing life-saving treatments.

Karin KOCH
Karin Koch is shaping Orange County's future as a premier life sciences hub through her leadership as executive director of University Lab Partners (ULP), the first nonprofit life sciences wet lab incubator in the region.

Brian A. FRANCIS
Brian A. Francis, MD, FACS holds the Rupert and Gertrude Steiger Vision Research chair at Doheny Eye Centers - UCLA and is a leading expert in glaucoma treatment and diagnostics.

Boris GOLDSTEIN
Boris Goldstein, CEO of BrainBit Inc., is an accomplished inventor, entrepreneur and venture capital expert with a profound impact on the technology and healthcare sectors. With a rich academic foundation in applied mathematics, AI and ML, he has been a pioneer in neural network research and high-tech innovation.

Hugo Y. HSU
Hugo Hsu, M.D., is a leading ophthalmologist and scientist at Doheny Eye Center UCLA, specializing in cornea and external diseases. With over 20 years of experience, he has been repeatedly recognized as one of Southern California's top doctors by Super Doctors and Los Angeles Magazine.

Dr. Benjamin B. BERT
Dr. Benjamin B. Bert is an accomplished ophthalmologist and assistant professor in the cornea division at Doheny Eye Center UCLA. He has significantly contributed to vision health through his expertise in treating complex eye diseases, including dry eye, external ocular diseases, LASIK/PRK and advanced cataract surgery.

Clifton W. ALBRIGHT
Clifton Albright, president of Albright, Yee & Schmit, is a prominent labor and employment law attorney based in Downtown Los Angeles. He made headlines as the first attorney to win a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services regarding its Public Health Service Training Program in the case of United States of America v.

Letitia BERBAUM
A dedicated entrepreneur, board member and champion for the community, Letitia (Tish) Berbaum co-founded The Zandbergen Group in 2020 and serves a dynamic array of entrepreneurs, multi-generational families, divorcees and widows.

VISIONARIES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Visionaries in professional services are invaluable to multiple business sectors, offering strategic insights, innovative solutions and expert guidance that drive growth and efficiency.

Sayan ABOUDI
Attorney Sayan Aboudi, Esq. is the managing partner and founder of LionsGate Law Group, APC, a highly respected personal injury firm in the San Fernando Valley. Driven by a deep personal commitment to advocacy, his passion for helping those in need was inspired by his family's forced exile by the Iranian government.

Alicia COX
Alicia Cox, founder and CEO of Prjkt Restaurant Group, is celebrated as one of the Los Angeles Times Orange County Visionaries for her transformative impact on beachfront dining along California’s coast.

Jeff GREENBERG
Jeff Greenberg is the founder and CEO of FUGU Corporation, a leading force in digital education through its flagship platform, SkillTrain. This platform supports a range of popular online universities and boasts over 500,000 students, offering millions of hours of immersive education, testing and certification.

Marc H. GARELICK
Marc H. Garelick, a partner at Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP, in Irvine, California, is a highly respected family law attorney known for his compassionate and dedicated representation of high-asset and high-income clients throughout the state. In addition to his legal practice, he contributes to various community and professional organizations.

Kristin DAHER
Kristin Daher, the founder and CEO of Powerhouse+Co., has made an impressive mark on the communications industry by successfully acquiring and transforming an established agency. Since purchasing Powerhouse Communications in 2015, she has revitalized the company by expanding its client base and capabilities and rebranding it as Powerhouse+Co.

Stephan ERKELENS
Stephan Erkelens, president, CEO and co-founder of RevHubOC, brings over 40 years of entrepreneurial expertise to the forefront.

Deborah A. GUBERNICK
Deborah A. Gubernick, a partner in her firm's intellectual property and commercial litigation groups, excels in protecting and defending brands and businesses both in the U.S. and abroad.

Tyler Benjamin DOCKINS
Tyler Dockins is a partner at Cox Castle and a prominent construction attorney with extensive expertise in representing owners, developers and contractors.

Seymour B. EVERETT, III
Seymour “Sy” Everett, III is the founding partner of Everett Dorey, LLP, which is recognized as Orange County’s fastestgrowing law firm.

Eric S. PEZOLD
Eric Pezold, , P.C. is the managing partner at Snell & Wilmer's Orange County office and a key member of the bankruptcy, insolvency and business reorganization group.

Susan L. HELLER
Susan L. Heller is a pivotal figure at Greenberg Traurig, leading both the Orange County office and the global trademark & brand management group.

Stephanie LESLIE
Stephanie Leslie co-founded Regal Court Reporting in 2007, driven by her passion to elevate the standards of the court reporting field. With over 20 years of experience in depositions, arbitrations, court hearings and trials, she has transformed the perception of court reporting from an antiquated profession to a modern and essential service.

Cathy Tran MOSES
Cathy Tran Moses is a partner at Cox Castle, specializing in complex business and real estate litigation. With a strong track record in partnership disputes, breach of contract, business torts and real estate issues, she has achieved notable successes for clients in high-stakes matters.

Manuel J. RAMIREZ
Manuel J. Ramirez is chairman of the board/partner in charge at RJI CPAs with over 40 years of experience in finance, accounting and business consulting. His career began in public accounting in 1981, and he has since held key roles at Price Waterhouse and RJI CPAs, where he served as president and CEO until 2013 and then as chairman of the board.

Sharon R. KLEIN
As co-chair of her firm’s national privacy, security & data protection practice, managing partner of the Orange County office and a member of the executive committee, Sharon Klein has established herself as a prominent expert in combating data breaches and protecting valuable brand assets.

Sean David MUNTZ
Sean D. Muntz is the managing partner at RMO LLP, a leading national probate and trust estate litigation firm. With extensive experience in probate trial and appellate law, he handles a diverse range of cases including banking, commercial, employment and environmental disputes.

Serge V. PAVLUK
Serge V. Pavluk is a seasoned corporate and securities attorney at Snell & Wilmer, specializing in complex mergers, acquisitions and various corporate transactions across diverse industries, including real estate, technology and finance.

Megan Yoo SCHNEIDER
Megan Yoo Schneider, currently serving as client account leadership at Accenture, drives industry transformation for clients in the utilities, energy, natural resources and automotive sectors.

David ROBINSON
David Robinson, the executive partner of Holland & Knight’s Newport Beach office, exemplifies a commitment to both legal excellence and community service in Orange County. His leadership has driven significant growth in the office and integrated practice offerings across the firm’s western locations.

John F. SIMONIS
John Simonis is the managing partner of the Orange County office of Reed Smith, a global law firm with over 1,700 attorneys. Recognized as one of Southern California’s leading real estate lawyers, he has a distinguished 38-year career specializing in complex real estate transactions, development and construction.

Brandon REILLY
Brandon Reilly is a nationally recognized leader in privacy and data security law, serving as a partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP.

Kimberly WRIGHT
Kimberly Wright is the founder and managing partner of Revolve Law Group, specializing in real estate litigation with over 15 years of experience. Known for her strategic approach in mediation, Wright helps clients avoid court battles while achieving favorable outcomes.

Paula STEURER
A trusted authority among entrepreneurs and executives, Paula Steurer founded Sterling Public Relations in 2008, where she leveraged her innovative vision and strategic approach to propel brands into the spotlight for nearly 17 years.

Ardelle Catherine ST. GEORGE
As managing partner of St.George & Carnegie and president & CEO of Nautilus Global Solutions, Ardelle St.George leads transformative initiatives to propel clients into the future economy.

Joshua STOWELL
Joshua Stowell is a leading litigator and partner at Knobbe Martens, Orange County’s largest intellectual property law firm, where he serves as co-chair of the medical device litigation practice.