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Hello readers
For 2025, we’ve updated and upgraded this publication, drawing from the most important need-to-know insights in Southern California and beyond, to create an encompassing and fascinating look at how businesses of all kinds shape themselves and our everyday lives.

BUSINESS - RAUL ANAYA
Director, Client Services and Systems Advertising.

M&A Roundup
This month’s top deals from around Southern California

Revolve Group, Inc. Reports Strong Fourth Quarter
The fashion retailer showed strong YoY growth, plans retail location in The Grove in 2025

Predictions Point to a Gangbuster Year for M&A Deals – Attorneys Say It’s More Complicated Than That
Surging private equity capital and easing interest rates point to strong M&A activity in 2025, but warn that dealmakers face a complex mix of regulatory changes

Topgolf Callaway Brands Delivers Strong Q4 2024 Performance
The sporting/entertainment company outpaced expectations, with a 27% surge

Social Media Now Leads as the Top Purchase Motivator at 43%
DISQO's latest Consumer Trends Report reveals how consumers are thinking about purchases, advertising and the world in 2025

LA Times Studios Launches The Stream
A daily video stream, the first in the paper’s history, brings readers more options to engage with the news and their communities

A Look Into the Future
The intersection of technology and humanity meet at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show

BANKING ON SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S RECOVERY
For Bank of America’s Raul Anaya, wildfire relief efforts are now a full-time job

How the California Tax Relief Plan Affects L.A. Businesses and Residents, Post-Wildfire Devastation
In response to the recent wildfires, the state extended the January 31 sales and use tax filing deadline for L.A. County taxpayers until April 30, 2025

Experts Weigh in on How Los Angeles Can Rebuild
In the wake of the recent devastating fires, Los Angeles faces the immense challenge of rebuilding homes, businesses and communities.

Serving Dinks and Drinks in the South Bay
A new pickleball social club is set to open in El Segundo, part of the city’s myriad options for its residents and returning workforce

ImmunityBio Receives FDA RMAT Designation to Achieve Reversal of Lymphopenia in Pancreatic Cancer Patients
ImmunityBio and its founder Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong developed a vision over the past decades that activation and proliferation of these key lymphocytes was necessary to win the war against cancer and indeed even prevent cancer in subjects at high risk.

Anduril Teams with Microsoft to Advance IVAS Program for U.S. Army
The partnership will bring traditional systems into the 21st century and help protect soldiers

Health Mystery Solved: New Study Reveals the Role DNA Plays in Huntington's Disease
UCLA Health researchers say findings uncover novel disease mechanisms and pave new ways to develop treatments

MapQuest Vows to Protect Privacy with its New Mapping App
The simple-to-use app features anonymous analytics, only-on-device preferences

Southern California Industrial Poised to Rebound in 2025
Higher import volume, new laws could create a large uptick in leasing

SoCal’s Top Banks and Credit Unions Focus on Community in Wake of Wildfires
Millions pour into relief for affected communities from Southern California financial institutions

TOP 50 BANKS in Southern California
LA Times Studios presents the 50 largest banks headquartered in Southern California ranked by assets as of Dec. 31, 2024.

TOP CREDIT UNIONS in Southern California
LA Times Studios presents the 25 largest credit unions headquartered in Southern California ranked by assets as of Dec. 31, 2024. The list includes credit unions headquartered in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties.

BANKING AND FINANCE VISIONARIES
Here are the dynamic individuals named Banking and Finance Visionaries for 2025. These advisors, financial experts, bankers and deal brokers represent the best of Southern California money experts.

Raul Anaya
Raul A. Anaya is president and co-head of business banking at Bank of America and a member of its executive management team. He leads a nationwide team serving 11 million business owners and 3.4 million businesses with revenues up to $50 million.

Michael Baker
Mike Baker, CFP®, is an investment advisor representative and management team member at Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management, where he oversees and trains junior advisors. He co-founded and leads the firm’s aerospace and defense group, analyzing emerging investment opportunities.

Trever
Trever Acers is the founder and managing director of Objective, Investment Banking & Valuation, leading its technology practice. With over 20 years of experience in investment banking, acquisitions and strategy, he has closed over 25 sell-side transactions in the past five years.

Lauren T. Attard
Lauren Attard focuses on bankruptcy, restructuring and creditors’ rights, with expertise in mass torts, damages and claims. She previously served as assistant general counsel at the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) and as legislative counsel to Congressman Brad Sherman on financial services and tax issues.

Darnel J. Bentz
Darnel Bentz, senior wealth advisor at Kayne Anderson Rudnick (KAR), was inspired to pursue finance after helping his widowed mother navigate financial decisions in college.

Keith Patrick Banner
Keith Patrick Banner, a partner at Greenberg Glusker, specializes in bankruptcy, reorganization and corporate restructuring across industries including retail, technology, real estate and manufacturing.

Greg Banner
Greg Banner, CFP®, brings over 30 years of experience to Asset Preservation Strategies, specializing in financial planning for high-networth individuals, entrepreneurs and business owners.

Rick Bechtel
Rick Bechtel, executive vice president and head of U.S. mortgage at City National Bank, brings over 30 years of experience in residential lending. Based in Los Angeles, he leads CNB’s mortgage strategy, overseeing sales, operations, capital markets and servicing.

Pippa Bond
Pippa Bond is a leading Capital Markets attorney with expertise in corporate finance, securities and restructuring. She serves as primary outside counsel for Ares Management (NYSE: ARES; $378B AUM) and Blue Owl Capital (NYSE: OWL; $166B AUM), advising on IPOs, capital markets transactions and governance.

Richard Cabrera
Richard Cabrera is executive vice president and head of commercial banking at Umpqua Bank, leading banking services for mid-sized companies across eight states. Since joining in 2016, he has grown the division from 30 to over 350 bankers, expanding into key sectors like wine, healthcare and ESOP finance.

Nanaz Benyamini
Nanaz Benyamini is a partner at SingerLewak with 29 years of experience in tax and accounting, including over 14 years as a tax-exempt specialist. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science in accounting.

Letitia Berbaum
Letitia Berbaum founded Blue Sands Wealth to provide a focused, trustworthy approach to wealth management. She specializes in asset transfer strategies for high-net-worth individuals, strategic planning for business owners and financial planning for women.

Tom Calahan
Tom Calahan is senior vice president and director of business development at Partners Bank of California, leading a team of six client advisors.

Michael Chambers
Michael Chambers is the president and chief banking officer of Partners Bank of California and was appointed to its board of directors in 2023. An original investor and employee, he helped establish the bank in 2007, focusing on full-service banking for entrepreneurs in Orange and Los Angeles counties.

Kitty Ma Chen
Kitty Chen, senior managing director and head of retail and business banking at East West Bank, has been instrumental in the bank’s growth, overseeing a team of more than one-third of its associates

Henray Cohen
Henray Cohen is senior vice president and regional senior investment officer at Northern Trust, overseeing investment practices in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and Santa Barbara.

Jonathan Dale
Jonathan Dale is executive vice president and regional director for California commercial & middle market banking at Umpqua Bank, overseeing commercial banking across the state.

Sherry Cefali
Sherry Cefali is a managing director in the Duff & Phelps opinions practice of Kroll, LLC, and a member of the Fairness and Solvency Opinion Senior Review Committee.

Nicholas Cameron
Nicholas Cameron is a commercial real estate attorney on Cox Castle’s capital markets team, specializing in real estate finance transactions for lenders and borrowers. He advises on deals involving raw land, retail, industrial, office, multifamily, hospitality and medical office properties.

Anthony R. Callobre
Anthony “Tony” R. Callobre, a partner at Blank Rome LLP’s Los Angeles office, is a leading banking and finance attorney specializing in asset-based lending and fund finance. He represents lenders and borrowers in complex commercial loan transactions, including syndicated and cross-border deals.

Sean Devine
Sean Devine, a banking professional with over 26 years of experience, is the U.S. head of TPS sales for the emerging middle market segment at BMO. Since July 2024, he has led efforts to build and expand the national TPS sales team.

Christopher Jorge Del Moral-Niles
Christopher J. Del Moral-Niles was appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer of East West Bancorp and East West Bank in October 2023. Previously, he served as CFO of Associated Banc-Corp for a decade and held leadership roles at First American and Union Bank, serving as senior vice president and director of liability management.

Danijella Dragas
Danijella Dragas earned a B.S. in economics and international trade finance from the University of London. She spent 18 years at Bear Stearns, specializing in asset management and capital markets and played a key role in introducing Bear Stearns mortgages to the residential wholesale market.

Tyrone Dinneen
Tyrone Dinneen is a financial advisor dedicated to helping professionals, families and business owners build long-term wealth. With expertise in tax efficiency, employer benefits and wealth preservation, he and his team provide strategic financial planning solutions.

Jacky Dilfer
Jacky Dilfer, executive director of Business Finance Capital (BFC), is a commercial and SBA lending expert with over two decades of experience. Under her leadership, BFC has funded over 1,000 commercial real estate transactions and arranged more than $5 billion in SBA and commercial loans.

Daniel Dubelman
Daniel Dubelman is a leading transactional attorney specializing in private equity, M&A and corporate governance.

James F. Davidson
James Davidson is the founder, president and managing director of Avant Advisory Group, specializing in financial restructuring, M&A advisory, forensic accounting and corporate investigations. He has served in executive roles, including CEO, CFO and CRO, across public and private companies.

Brian L. Davidoff
Brian Davidoff, chair of Greenberg Glusker’s bankruptcy, reorganization and capital recovery group, is a trusted advisor to middle-market companies facing financial challenges. He specializes in restructuring, distressed asset sales and maximizing recoveries for creditors.

Arash Farin
Arash Farin is the CEO and cofounder of Centerstone Capital, a merchant bank specializing in the consumer, business services, technology, sports/media/entertainment and healthcare sectors. With 25 years of industry experience, including 1.

Francine Flores
Francine Flores, vice president and district manager at U.S. Bank, has over 35 years of financial industry experience, including 22 years at U.S. Bank. A multiple award-winning leader, she is passionate about mentorship, fostering growth and advancing employees into senior leadership roles.

Mark Flewelling
Mark Flewelling is a partner at Lagerlof, LLP, specializing in litigation and appellate law. With over 40 years of experience, he represents financial institutions, businesses and entrepreneurs in disputes involving real estate, investment fraud, banking and commercial lending.

Kayo M. Elkner
Kayo M. Elkner is a principal in the accounting and tax departments at Prager Metis, with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in accounting and tax services for individuals and closely held businesses, including international clients, particularly Japanese companies in Hawaii and California.

Robert Fox
Robert Fox is the managing director of private equity at McGuireWoods, leading business development and fostering connections between emerging managers, limited partners (LPs) and key stakeholders.

Andrew Dunst
Andrew Dunst is a leader in his firm’s e-commerce practice, advising disruptive DTC brands across industries like footwear, apparel, beauty and home goods. With deep expertise in M&A, capital raises and private equity recapitalizations, he has guided top consumer brands through key financial transactions.

Corey Eric Fischer
Corey Fischer is the managing partner at Weinberg & Company, specializing in IPOs, M&A, debt restructuring and SEC reporting. With decades of experience, he has led over 200 equity and debt transactions across industries, including investment banking, technology and clean energy.

Gene Dunford
Gene Dunford, managing director at Umpqua Bank, leads commercial banking in Greater Los Angeles, overseeing a growing team of nearly 20 bankers. A 29-year industry veteran, he has significantly expanded Umpqua’s presence, driving asset growth and new banking relationships.

Shari Freidenrich
Shari Freidenrich serves as the Orange County treasurer, overseeing asset and investment management for the County of Orange. First elected in 2010 and re-elected multiple times, she has gained recognition for her leadership, including receiving the highest countywide votes in 2018 and 2022.

Reggie Gooden
Reggie Gooden is the managing partner of 360 Business Management, specializing in serving entertainers and athletes. Following stints at a family office and a boutique business management firm, he co-founded 360 Business Management in 2022 with his partner, Josh Martin.

Dustin Gale
Dustin Gale is a senior wealth advisor at Kayne Anderson Rudnick Wealth Advisors, where he specializes in holistic planning and investment management. His career began at Bank of America, advancing from a teller to banker, before moving to Wells Fargo Private Bank and eventually joining Kayne Anderson Rudnick.

Lloyd Greif
Lloyd Greif is the president, founder and CEO of Greif & Co., an investment bank that specializes in M&A transactions for entrepreneurially owned middle-market companies. After rising to vice chairman and head of investment banking at Sutro & Co., he founded Greif & Co.

Gregory Hebner
Gregory Hebner is the managing director and majority owner of Arixa Capital, a leading private lender specializing in residential development and construction. Since joining Arixa in 2012, he has significantly accelerated the company’s growth, positioning it as one of the top 10 private lenders nationally and top five in California.

Kaytlin Hall
As a wealth advisor and co-director of the Women of Wealth Program at Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management, Kaytlin Hall specializes in providing financial planning services for professional women and families. With over a decade of experience, she is committed to empowering working mothers, including doctors, lawyers and executives.

Brandy Han
Brandy Han is the executive vice president of capital markets at City National Bank, where she oversees loan syndications, interest rate risk management sales, foreign exchange sales, global markets trading and risk and international banking and trade finance.

Channing Hamlet
Channing Hamlet is the co-founder and managing director of Objective, Investment Banking & Valuation, where he leads both the business services practice for investment banking and the valuation advisory services group.

Jeremy Holland
As a managing partner at The Riverside Company, Jeremy Holland leads the origination team for various funds and strategies across North America. With 27 years of experience in private equity, he is known for his commitment to helping others succeed, bringing enthusiasm, candor and hard work to every opportunity.

Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez is the senior vice president and business banking market leader for U.S. Bank in the Greater Los Angeles Area, overseeing a team of over 40 employees and focusing on businesses with revenues up to $50 million. With more than 15 years of experience in banking and financial services, he has held various roles at U.

Michele Havens
Michele Havens serves as the head of U.S. wealth management at BMO Financial Group, where she oversees the company’s U.S. private wealth business, including family office, investment management, trust, estate and private and business banking services. Under her leadership, BMO’s U.

Alex Grigorians
As a partner at Hanson Bridgett, LLP, Alex Grigorians specializes in real estate finance and commercial real estate transactions.

Aaron Houpis
Aaron Houpis is the executive vice president and managing director of Banc of California’s specialty deposits group, where he leads the development and execution of sales initiatives and oversees a nationwide team of relationship managers.

Carolyn Hunt
Carolyn Hunt is a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where she cochairs the firm’s debt finance practice group. Specializing in structuring and negotiating complex financial transactions, she has become a trusted advisor to financial institutions and corporate borrowers.

Shadi Jahangir
Shadi Jahangir is a partner at Blank Rome LLP, where she focuses on commercial lending and corporate finance. She has been pivotal in establishing Blank Rome as a leading firm in COVID-relief MSLP financings.

Jarrod Ingle
Jarrod Ingle is the regional president and head of corporate banking for Orange County & Inland Empire at PNC Bank. In this role, he leads business development, client relationships and philanthropic initiatives across the region, overseeing the expansion of PNC’s services in corporate & institutional banking, asset management and retail banking.

Deborah La Franchi
Deborah La Franchi is the chief executive officer and founder of SDS Capital Group, a leader in commercial real estate and impact investing. Since founding the firm in 2001, she has developed a new private equity funding model for permanent supportive housing (PSH) developments, enabling quicker project financing and construction at lower costs.

Anthony Kim
Anthony Kim is the senior executive vice president and chief banking officer at Hanmi Bank, where he leads teams to drive loan production, deposit gathering and the overall performance of 35 branches and two corporate banking centers.

Jamie Kim
Jamie Kim is principal, head of business development at Gallant Capital and responsible for sourcing and assessing investment opportunities, managing relationships with transaction advisors and leading the firm’s marketing strategy. Prior to Gallant, she was the head of corporate development & strategy at Presto (Nasdaq: PRST).

Mollie Kaiser
Mollie Kaiser is a private wealth advisor at Strategic View Advisors, where she provides expert guidance to clients and contributes to the firm’s broader strategy through her work on the financial planning and investment committees.

Carlos Jimenez
Carlos Jimenez is a managing director and global head of media, sports and entertainment at Moelis & Company, where he brings over 20 years of investment banking experience. He specializes in guiding clients through complex M&A transactions, debt and equity financings, IPOs and restructurings within the entertainment, media and adjacent sectors.

Danilo Kawasaki
Danilo Kawasaki is the co-founder, vice president, COO and chief compliance officer of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth & Investment Management. As a key member of the board of directors and the investment selection committee, he has helped steer the firm to become a leader in the wealth management industry.

Andrew Kline
Andrew Kline is the founder and managing partner of Park Lane, a leading sports investment bank, where he has played a pivotal role in high-profile transactions across Major League Soccer (MLS), the National Hockey League (NHL), the NBA and the NFL.

Ravi Kumar
Ravi Kumar is the chief digital officer for First Citizens Bank and head of CIT Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank. Under his leadership, CIT Bank has become one of the top 10 online banks in the U.S., renowned for its digital convenience and competitive interest rates.

Homin Lee
Homin Lee is a global finance shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, where he specializes in advising banks, private equity sponsors, corporate borrowers and alternative lending institutions on complex finance transactions.

Larsen Lee
As the executive vice president and head of consumer lending at Hanmi Bank, Larsen Lee oversees key departments including correspondent, wholesale, retail, warehousing and servicing. With 38 years of banking experience, he played a key role in founding the Consumer Lending Center at Hanmi in 2020.

Marissa Lepor
Marissa Lepor is a partner at The Sage Group, an investment bank specializing in M&A and capital raises for the branded consumer sector, including fashion, retail, beauty, personal care and digitally native brands. She works closely with founder-owned businesses, helping them navigate sales to private equity firms and public companies.

Yoojin Lee
Yoojin Lee is a financial services attorney at Holland & Knight’s Los Angeles office, specializing in asset-based lending. She represents financial institutions in domestic and international secured lending transactions, often involving multiple jurisdictions and currencies.

John M. Meek
John Meek is executive vice president and director of commercial banking for Enterprise Bank & Trust in Los Angeles and Orange counties. He leads relationship management and business development, expanding the bank’s client base and community partnerships.

Alissa Miller
Alissa Miller, a partner at Akin and head of its Los Angeles office, is a top finance lawyer in the entertainment industry. She represents independent film studios and financial institutions in high-profile deals, securing financing for projects with A24, Netflix and ABC.

Andrew Manier
Andrew Manier, wealth management advisor at Sage Capital Wealth Management & Insurance Solutions, offers financial consulting to medical professionals, business owners, affluent families and CPAs. He has more than a decade of experience, starting as an intern in 2011.

Robert Lo
Robert Lo is the executive vice president and head of commercial real estate banking at East West Bank, where he oversees teams managing a portfolio of approximately 4,000 properties with $11 billion in loan commitments and $5 billion in deposits.

Jay Liebowitz
As a managing director at Centerstone Capital, Jay Liebowitz leads the firm’s debt advisory and principal investing teams. With over 20 years of experience, he has been involved in billions of dollars of transactions across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, consumer wellness and animal care.

Marcus Lyu
As a vice president at Palm Tree LLC, Marcus Lyu specializes in strategic finance within the firm's financial consulting service line. He brings extensive expertise in managing transition and integration projects across diverse industries, with a focus on FP&A reporting, operating plans, forecast modeling and working capital optimization.

John G. Mavredakis
John G. Mavredakis serves as chairman of the financial sponsors group at Houlihan Lokey, where he has dedicated 30 years of his 40-year career in the financial services industry. A graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in economics, he also holds an M.

Peter Massumi
Peter Massumi is a leading private equity attorney and co-founder of Massumi + Consoli LLP, a Los Angeles-based law firm specializing in complex transactions for private equity firms and dynamic enterprises. With expertise spanning multiple industries, he provides strategic counsel on acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, mergers and investments.

Sandra Lee Montgomery
Sandra Lee Montgomery, a partner at Proskauer Rose LLP and executive committee member, is a leader in banking & finance, closing over $5.6 billion in transactions in 2024. With 27 years of experience, she specializes in acquisitions, leveraged financings, restructurings and cross-border deals across multiple industries.

Brady C. Money
Brady Money, managing director at Greif & Co., has nearly 23 years of experience in financial services and middle-market investment banking. He specializes in mergers, acquisitions and capital raising across industries like manufacturing, aerospace, consumer products and business services.

Dan Miller
Dan Miller, founding partner of Miller Barondess, LLP, is a top Los Angeles trial and appellate attorney specializing in high-stakes litigation, particularly in banking and private equity. He recently represented Corbel Capital Partners in a dispute with MediaLab, settling confidentially in 2024.

Joel Montminy
Joel Montminy, founder, president & CEO of Montminy & Co., is a leading investment banker with over 25 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions. He has led more than $6 billion in middle-market transactions and $2.8 billion in cross-border deals across 30 countries.

Lilit Nersisyan
Lilit Nersisyan, a principal at Withum’s Los Angeles office, has 13 years of experience in financial services, specializing in GAAP, GAAS and Alternative Investment Audits. Since joining Withum in 2023, she has played a key role in expanding the firm’s financial services practice on the West Coast, connecting regional teams and mentoring new hires.

Hamid Namazie
Hamid Namazie is a financial services attorney and partner at Holland & Knight, specializing in multimillion- and multibillion-dollar secured lending transactions. With over 20 years of experience, he represents banks, institutional lenders and finance companies in complex acquisitions, recapitalizations and cross-border financings.

Chikara "Ricky" Nagano
Chikara “Ricky” Nagano is a partner in the accounting and attest department at Prager Metis and leads the firm’s Japanese global services group. He advises Japanese companies expanding into the U.S. and domestic businesses entering Japan, specializing in accounting, audit, tax and consulting across various industries.

Farzad Mukhi
Farzad Mukhi, a managing director at Kroll, LLC, is a trusted M&A advisor with 20 years of experience. He specializes in sell-side and buy-side transactions, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations and debt and equity financings.

Steve Moon
Steve Moon is a managing director and deputy head of mergers & acquisitions for the Americas at Kroll Securities, where he has worked for 24 years. He also co-leads the firm’s aerospace, defense & government M&A group.

Steve O'Connell
Under Steve O'Connell’s leadership as president & CEO at California Credit Union, the credit union has grown to over $5 billion in assets and 200,000 members, achieving record loan production and a 96.6% member satisfaction score in 2024.

Bruce C. Munster
Bruce C. Munster is the managing director of the Munster Freeman Group at Merrill Private Wealth Management, specializing in M&A-focused wealth advisory.

Grant Moulden
Grant Moulden, founder and president of ICON Benefits and Insurance Services, has 15 years of experience in the commercial insurance sector, specializing in employee benefits and expanding into commercial insurance.

Kevin O'Malley
Kevin O’Malley is a partner at Blank Rome LLP, leading the firm’s finance practice in Los Angeles. With expertise in commercial finance and secured lending, he represents banks, direct lenders and institutional clients in complex transactions, including asset-based lending, recapitalizations and bankruptcy proceedings.

Jim Opdyke
Jim Opdyke is a managing director and market executive at Wells Fargo Commercial Banking, leading the Los Angeles coastal market and entertainment finance group.

Andy Park
Andy Park, Ernst & Young LLP Los Angeles office managing partner and Pacific South growth markets leader, leads a team of 2,500 professionals, driving market expansion and fostering a people-focused culture.

Scott Olmsted
Scott Olmsted leads Bank of America’s national technology industry and green economy group within global commercial banking. Since founding the business in 2013, he has grown it into one of the bank’s fastest-growing divisions, doubling its portfolio in the past four years.

Anant Patel
Anant Patel, a seasoned M&A advisor with over 25 years of experience in the U.S. and U.K., is a partner at GHJ. As global leader – network capabilities for HLB, he facilitates crossborder transactions, leveraging his expertise in financial due diligence, deal structuring and advisory services.

Ash Patel
Ash Patel, chairman, CEO and president of Commercial Bank of California (CBC), has over 30 years of banking experience. Under his leadership, CBC grew from $200 million in assets in 2013 to $2.

David Park
David Park, executive vice president of commercial banking and treasury management at Axos Bank, has over 20 years of banking leadership in Southern California.

Spuds Powell
Spuds Powell, managing director at Kayne Anderson Rudnick (KAR), has over 20 years of experience as a wealth advisor. He leads a six-person team managing over $3 billion in client assets, creating customized investment strategies. Ranked No.

Stephen R. Perry
Stephen R. Perry is the managing director and co-founder of Janes Capital Partners, bringing over 30 years of investment banking experience, particularly in mergers and acquisitions within the aerospace & defense sector. He has completed over 80 M&A transactions valued at approximately $6.

Scott M. Pearson
Scott Pearson, partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, advises on transactions with regulatory oversight and defends clients in investigations by agencies such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Thomas Pastore
Thomas Pastore is the CEO and cofounder of Sanli Pastore & Hill, Inc., with over 30 years of experience in financial consulting. He specializes in intellectual property and intangible asset valuation, damages analyses, mergers and acquisitions, due diligence and litigation consulting.

Ryan Park
Ryan Park is the head of real estate banking at Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, boasting 20 years of industry experience, including three years with the firm. A UCLA graduate with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics/economics, he has successfully established a commercial real estate banking platform that has expanded the portfolio by 10 times in three years.

Zoila Price
Zoila Price is the executive vice president and managing director of Warehouse Lending at Banc of California, overseeing a program that provides $5 million to $150 million credit lines to loan originators nationwide.

Manuel Ramirez
Manuel Ramirez, chairman of the board/partner in charge at RJI CPAs, is a distinguished finance leader with over 40 years of expertise in accounting, taxation and business consulting. In 2023, he was elected president of the DFK USA Executive Committee and named to the DFK International Advisory Board, influencing accounting practices globally.

Michael Rapkine
Michael Rapkine is senior counsel in Lagerlof, LLP’s litigation department, specializing in financial services litigation, business torts and contract disputes. With extensive experience defending lender liability actions, title disputes and bankruptcy matters, he has represented clients including the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Priceline.

Paul Rahimian
Paul Rahimian, CEO and founder of Parkview Financial, has transformed the firm into a premier direct private lender specializing in bridge and construction loans. Since 2009, Parkview has funded over $4 billion in multifamily, retail, industrial and mixed-use developments, with loans ranging from $5 million to $200 million.

Matt Rechner
Matt Rechner is the senior banking director for Northern Trust in Los Angeles, overseeing banking teams in Century City, Pasadena, Santa Barbara and San Diego. With over 25 years of experience, he advises high-networth individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits on capital advisory strategies.

Nathan Rogge
Nathan Rogge has served as president and CEO of First Pacific Bank since December 2021, leading its transformation from Friendly Hills Bank into a dynamic financial institution.

Vanessa Roman
Vanessa Roman, a two-time L.A. Times Banking and Finance Visionary, is a leading entertainment finance attorney and partner at Akin, advising major banks on high-profile film and TV financing. She has represented Comerica Bank, MUFG Bank, East West Bank and Bank of America in financing blockbuster films like Greenland, Plane and Armageddon Time.

Neal S. Robb
Neal Robb, a partner at Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, is a nationally recognized litigator specializing in high-stakes financial services and securities litigation. He defends clients in state and federal courts and private arbitration forums, including FINRA, JAMS and AAA.

Shlomi Ronen
Dekel Capital, founded by Managing Principal Shlomi Ronen, has financed over $10 billion in equity, mezzanine and debt for U.S. investors and developers. Under his leadership, the firm offers tailored capital solutions, leveraging deep market relationships to secure best-in-class financing.

Joseph Rust
Joseph Rust is the chief strategic innovation officer and managing partner for the Western Region at Prager Metis, with over 40 years of accounting experience. He oversees and advises on all aspects of strategic focus, direction and execution and encourages a culture of innovation.

Michael Reeves
Michael Reeves, a partner at Kirkland & Ellis in Los Angeles, is a leading advisor in private equity and asset management M&A, specializing in GP stake sales. With over 30 years of experience, he counsels top private equity firms, including Clearlake Capital, Oaktree Capital and Platinum Equity, on complex transactions.

Paul Rezvani
Paul Rezvani, a debt finance partner at Kirkland & Ellis in Los Angeles, leads complex financing transactions for major private equity firms, including TPG, Thoma Bravo and Accel-KKR. He advises on acquisition financings, recapitalizations, restructurings and loan workouts across industries such as technology, healthcare and industrials.

Martin Sarafa
Martin Sarafa is a founding partner of Century Park Capital Partners, leading leveraged recapitalizations and buyouts since 2000. A member of the investment committee, he sits on the boards of MCCi and NCP Coatings. Previously, Sarafa was a managing director at Houlihan Lokey, managing private equity investments.

Nevin Sanli
Nevin Sanli is the president and founder of Sanli Pastore & Hill, Inc., overseeing client engagements, litigation support and strategic planning. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in business valuation, forensic economics, damage calculations and mergers and acquisitions, having valued over 4,000 businesses.

Trevor M. Saliba
Trevor Saliba is the founder, chairman and CEO of NMS Capital Group LLC, a private equity firm with investments across real estate, financial services, infrastructure, energy, technology and media.

Carlos P. Salas
Carlos P. Salas has served as president of The Change Company CDFI since August 2021, leading its mission to serve underbanked communities. He is also CEO of its mortgage lending subsidiary, Change Lending, and has been a director since 2018.

Numan J. Siddiqi
Numan J. Siddiqi, partner at BakerHostetler, excels in complex corporate transactions, specializing in securities offerings, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions and secured loans.

William Schoenholz
William Schoenholz, shareholder at Buchalter, APC, has extensive experience in complex domestic and international financing transactions, representing banks, finance companies and institutional investors.

Phillip Sarofim
Phillip Sarofim, founder & managing partner of Trousdale Ventures, is known for forward-thinking, sustainable investments across space, mobility, advanced tech, climate technology and wellness.

Kevin A. Shields
Kevin Shields founded Griffin Capital in 1995 and serves as chairman and co-CEO at its El Segundo, CA headquarters. Griffin Capital sponsors Reg. D Private Placements, including the Griffin Capital Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund and Development Partners Fund series, with $1.

Douglas W. Schwartz
Douglas Schwartz, partner at Nossaman, specializes in tax matters, including international, federal, state and local taxation. He advises on individual and compensation planning, business transactions, tax-exempt entities and investments across multiple asset classes.

Daniel N. Shallman
Daniel Shallman, managing partner of Covington & Burling’s Los Angeles office, is a nationally recognized, Chambers-ranked white-collar defense lawyer. A former federal prosecutor, he has defended major financial institutions, senior bank executives and fintech companies since entering private practice in 2007.

Jonathan Shenson
Jonathan Shenson is a partner at Greenberg Glusker LLP, specializing in bankruptcy, restructuring and corporate finance. With over two decades of experience, he advises clients on complex insolvency matters, restructurings, acquisitions and credit transactions.

Dan Shea
Dan Shea is a managing director at Objective, a leading investment banking and valuation firm serving the middle market. He leads the firm’s manufacturing & distribution practice and has nearly 30 years of experience in the sector. A results-driven investment banker, Shea has closed over 100 transactions totaling $3.

Chris Spicer
Chris Spicer, Akin partner and head of the media, entertainment & sports practice, is a leading entertainment finance lawyer, advising on high-profile deals between independent studios and financial institutions for major film, TV and streaming projects.

Spencer Smith
Spencer Smith is the Los Angeles market leader at U.S. Bank, overseeing large cap industrials and business services, as well as their middle market Los Angeles North teams. He joined U.S. Bank through the 2022 Union Bank acquisition, where he was the Los Angeles market president.

Aaron T. Solganick
Aaron Solganick is the founder and CEO of Solganick & Co., a technology-focused investment banking firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions of software and IT services companies since 2009.

Ashley M. Simonsen
Ashley Simonsen is a partner in Covington & Burling’s class action and mass torts practices in Los Angeles, representing clients in financial services, technology and consumer products. She has successfully defended major institutions, including Capital One, JPMorgan Chase, PayPal and Navient, in high-stakes litigation.

Steven A. Sugarman
Steven A. Sugarman is founder of The Change Company, a Community Development Financial Institution expanding access to banking and lending for Black, Latino and low-income communities. Partnering with over 75 financial institutions and 1,000 non-bank lenders, its subsidiaries include Change Home Mortgage, Change Lending and xChange.

Monica Szakos
Monica Szakos is president and senior financial adviser at Asset Preservation Strategies, Inc., guiding individuals and families through complex financial decisions. Known for her calm leadership, she prioritizes client education to ensure informed wealth management choices, especially in volatile markets.

Douglas A. Thompson
Douglas Thompson is a partner at Snell & Wilmer, LLP, specializing in class action defense and regulatory investigations for financial institutions and businesses. He has defended over 250 class actions and is admitted pro hac vice in numerous federal courts.

Zack Stiefler
Zack Stiefler leads investment sourcing, structuring, financing and execution as managing director at Gallant Capital. Previously, he was a principal at Corridor Capital, vice president at Lindsay Goldberg and an analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s global consumer & retail group.

Anna Tang
Anna Tang is co-chair of Nossaman’s corporate group and a leading corporate lawyer known for her strategic approach to complex transactions. She advises companies across industries on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, commercial agreements and business structuring.

Ivo A. Tjan
Ivo A. Tjan is the chairman, president & CEO at CommerceWest Bank and is known for his dedication to employees, clients and the community. He fosters a supportive workplace, empowering his team with mentorship and growth opportunities. His leadership extends beyond business, forming lasting client partnerships built on trust and care.

David Sutton
David Sutton is a partner at GHJ and leads the transaction advisory services and private equity practices. With over 20 years of experience, he advises clients on M&A strategies, financial due diligence and deal execution across industries, handling transactions from $10 million to $1 billion.

Mark Udis
Mark Udis is a partner at Certuity, specializing in wealth management for high-net-worth individuals, including technology entrepreneurs, executives, athletes and professionals. He leads Certuity’s Manhattan Beach office, expanding the firm’s presence in Los Angeles and serving a younger entrepreneurial client base.

Eric Wedel
Eric Wedel, partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, is a top private equity finance lawyer who leads the company’s Los Angeles office and serves as global co-chair of the finance and capital markets group.

Michael A. Waxberg
Michael A. Waxberg is the founder and private wealth advisor of Fortify Capital, a member of the Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional, he has built a nationally recognized investment and financial planning practice over 25 years.

Trisha Vo
Trisha Vo is an executive director and banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, guiding clients in managing and maximizing their wealth.

Chris Van Dusen
Chris Van Dusen is a senior partner at Solyco Capital, a private equity-driven venture capital firm specializing in capital solutions for late-stage startups and growth companies. He leads capitalization and deal generation, leveraging his expertise in scaling businesses to successful acquisitions.

Maz Yafeh
Maz Yafeh is a managing director at Bank of America’s investment banking group, leading BofA Securities’ Los Angeles investment banking office and West Coast Emerging Growth & Regional Coverage (EGRC) group.

Angela Yim-Sullivan
Angela Yim-Sullivan is the market executive for Wells Fargo commercial banking in the Los Angeles Metro Market, leading a team of 125 across Downtown, Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. She helps businesses navigate challenges with innovative solutions and best-in-class services.

Michael Young
Michael Young, partner at Massumi + Consoli, is a seasoned transactional attorney advising private equity firms, portfolio companies and public and private businesses on complex transactions, including acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, mergers and joint ventures.

Todd Wilson
Todd Wilson is the PNC Bank regional president for Greater Los Angeles, overseeing business development, client relationships and local philanthropic initiatives. Since establishing PNC’s regional office in 2021, he has significantly expanded the bank’s presence.

Guy Zaczepinski
Guy Zaczepinski, managing partner at Century Park Capital Partners, has been with the firm since 2005, leading buyout transactions and portfolio management. He serves on the boards of Total Access Elevator, CJ Pony Parts, MCCi and Dominion Care.

Jeff White
Jeff White is a managing director at Skyview Capital, leading M&A efforts since the firm's inception. With decades of experience in private equity, investment banking and executive management, he previously played a key role in Platinum Equity’s global M&A team before establishing and leading Skyview’s business development division.

Bart Zandbergen
Bart Zandbergen, CFP®, is the founder and CEO of The Zandbergen Group, bringing nearly 40 years of wealth management experience. Respected for his “True Wealth” philosophy, he helps clients create purpose-driven financial plans for lasting financial independence.

Yaw-Jiun (Gene) Wu
Yaw-Jiun (Gene) Wu is a partner at Lagerlof, LLP, specializing in business litigation, class actions, bankruptcy adversaries and intellectual property. A licensed patent attorney, he has expertise in federal preemption, lender liability, ADA and FEHA compliance and commercial agreements.

MBA INSIDER
TOP MBA PROGRAMS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Loyola Marymount University
Loyola Marymount University’s redesigned MBA curriculum launches fall 2025. This part-time program is crafted to meet the needs of working professionals, offering evening classes and a flexible, affordable, and customizable pathway to earning an MBA in just two years.

Biola University
MASTER THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS WITH AI-POWERED AGILITY

California State University, Northridge
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University of Redlands
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University of West Los Angeles
The University of West Los Angeles began as a private educational institution with just six students in 1966, when a visionary group of local educators resolved to address the need for educational programs geared toward the working adult.