The 2025 Orange County Executive Forum & Leadership Awards took place on Friday, August 22 at Marriott Irvine Spectrum Hotel, bringing together business professionals from across the region for a day of connection, insight and celebration. The event opened with a networking coffee, giving attendees the chance to reflect on a year punctuated by shifting markets, political changes and new opportunities in Southern California’s business landscape. Guests then gathered for the panel discussion, “Innovating for Growth: Technology, Leadership and Talent in OC’s Next Era,” moderated by LA Times Studios president Anna Magzanyan. Panelists Lisa Lane Cardin, executive director of the Taco Bell Foundation, and Allen Goh, partner at Withum, shared strategies for adapting to change while keeping people and purpose at the center of business.

Following a luncheon in the ballroom, accented with vibrant floral designs from Petals LA, the afternoon’s highlight arrived: the OC Executive Awards. Nine honorees were recognized for their leadership and impact, representing a wide spectrum of industries that make Orange County distinct among California’s business hubs. These award recipients, along with the finalists and nominees, embody the spirit of innovation and resilience that continues to drive the region forward.

1. Isaiah Leslie, Stephanie Leslie

2. Lauren Becker, Bruan Sheridan

3. Valida Souvanlasy, Ikram Guerd

4. Vince Phorn, Michael Ritchie, Blaire Finrow, Anna Cyrier, Breanna Liana, Joe Cover, Allen Goh

5. Fernando Jimenez

6. Christine Doane, Heather Everett

7. Jim Holas, Alex Berg, Marnie Bloom, Elise Millington, Kris Maher, Brett Lawrence, Stephanie Walker, Amaya Genaro

8. Ann Fong, Joe Cover

9. Tish Berbaum

10. Renett Banagas, Dawn Reese

11. Brenna Liana, Marshall Deogracia

12. Gary Tucker, Cherise Tejada, Vicki Cortese, John Emma, Taylor McAllister, Gregory Pierce

13. (standing) Krista Palacio, Tommy Roberts, David Milligan, Leslie Tribble, Andreas Wagner, Tammy Marovich (sitting) Dawn Maroney, Alison Trinidad, Katherine Kao, John Kao

14. Ramona Thomas

15. CJ & Chad Smith

16. (back row) Jordan Abushawish, Kathleen Linder, Michael Hunn (front row) Deanne Thompson, Zeinab Dabbah, Tiffany Kaaiakamanu, Linda Lee, Yunkyung Kim, Blair Contratto, Kelly BrunoNelson, Janis Rizzuto

17. Monica Nunez, Tracey Hill

18. Perla Mendoza, David Drakeford, Gregory Scott, Nahla Kayali

19. Mike Perricone, Sammy Perricone, Paula Steurer

20. (back row) MarcusBhathal, Alex Bhathal, Julia Nguyen, Ryan Loch, Robert Lang (front row) Nicole Bhathal, Raj Bhathal, Marta Bhathal, Lisa Bhathal Merage, Rahul Guggail

21. Ashley Kemp, Tammy Cooper

22. Annie Nguyen, Paul Caliandro, Kelly Nguyen, Tyler DeJong