Dear Reader:
In the 2024 C-Suite Magazine, we present an exclusive look into the talented CEO of Relativity Space, a revolutionary new company headquartered in Long Beach, known for manufacturing rockets using 3-D printing technology with the aim of reaching Mars in the future.

7 Ways Employers Can Enhance Their Competitive Edge for Drawing Talent
New research examines employers' workforce management priorities, business practices and benefit offerings.

CFOs Increase Focus on Tech and M&A
Nearly half of CFOs will also explore new North American markets but are wary of inflation-driven cost increases.

CISOs’ Evolving Cybersecurity Approach
Chief information security officers (CISOs) who elevate response and recovery to equal status with prevention are generating more value than those who adhere to outdated “zero tolerance for failure” mindsets, according to a new Gartner survey.

How to Maximize the ROI on Your Latest Tech Investment
Investing in new technology for your business often involves much more than just the financial cost. There are so many factors that must come together in the right place at the right time to see a return on such a substantial investment.

Countdown to Launch
For SoCal Aerospace Company Relativity Space and CEO Tim Ellis, The Future is Rocketing Skyward.

Focusing on Growth and AI to Round Out 2024
Sixty-two percent of CEOs selected “growth” as their top business priority in 2024.

HOW CEOS VIEW SUSTAINABILITY
A commitment to ESG is a priority in C-Suite decision making, despite recent economic conditions.

The C-Suite Trends Toward Outsourcing
Company leaders are increasingly looking outside of their businesses for critical functions and solutions.

Accounting Firms Utilize New Technology for Growth
Traditional financial service providers have expanded beyond the realm of standard tax and audit roles.

TOP ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS ADVISORY FIRMS IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY
L.A. Times B2B Publishing presents the 30 largest accounting and business advisory firms ranked by the number of CPAs in Los Angeles County offices. Overall, the 30 largest firms employ 3,267 CPAs in Los Angeles County and have more than 12,600 total staff.

TOP ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS ADVISORY FIRMS IN ORANGE COUNTY
L.A. Times B2B Publishing presents the 20 largest accounting and business advisory firms ranked by the number of CPAs in Orange County offices. Overall, the 20 largest firms employ 1,340 CPAs in Orange County and have more than 4,700 total staff..

CFO FORUM & LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Stacy Nikzad, Jenna Pass, Tyler Mally, Michael Cornforth, Dario Sarmiento, Karrie Saydah.

Prioritizing Tech Innovation & Talent Retention
Brian Hegarty is the managing director of the Los Angeles office for Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA). In addition to overseeing the firm’s rapid growth in the Los Angeles market, he specializes in employee benefits programs for mid-size to large companies.

CFO LEADERSHIP AWARDS - Education/Non-Profit
Lyle Honig Mojica grew up in a small town in Kansas and attended Kansas State University, earning his bachelor's degree in business with a concentration in accounting in 1992.

CFO LEADERSHIP AWARDS - Private Company–Small
Avendano currently serves as the CFO for Gen.G Esports, which has a global presence across key markets in Seoul, Shanghai and Los Angeles. Since she joined in 2020, the company has tripled in size, and she led the financial due diligence for the company's latest major round of fundraising.

CFO LEADERSHIP AWARDS - Private Company–Midsize
Tim Weerasiri is the CFO of Ninety.io and has been CFO, COO and head of data analytics for multiple companies in the technology, media and telecommunications space.

CFO LEADERSHIP AWARDS - Private Company–Large
As chief financial officer and president of Relativity Space, Muhammad "Mo" Shahzad is responsible for corporate strategy and growth, leading all commercial, financial, people, legal and risk efforts at the company.

CFO LEADERSHIP AWARDS - Public Company–Midsize
With a background spanning over two decades in biotechnology and healthcare, Michael Swartzburg brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his current the chief financial officer of Dermavant Sciences.

CFO LEADERSHIP AWARDS - Public Company–Large
Evan Masyr has been with Salem Media Group, Inc. for more than 24 years and has served as chief financial officer since July 2007.

CFO LEADERSHIP AWARDS NOMINEES
Steve Aleman serves as Prime's chief financial officer and is a member of the senior executive team. He has more than 23 years of industry experience in healthcare, both on the payor and provider side.

Michael Cornforth
Mike Cornforth serves as the CFO of NKSFB, with a focus on the implementation of key technology solutions and team struction. He began his career in 1990 with the assurance practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers, focusing on health­ care and insurance industries in their Los Angeles and Atlanta offices.

Nancy Huang
As CFO of CalOptima Health, Nancy Huang has led the implementation of $200 million in provider payments post-COVID-19 supported the CalAIM program with $94 million for homelessness, mental health and food insecurity since 2022. She established value-based reimbursement programs, including a $l53.

Andrew Guarni
Andrew Guami, as the executive vice president and chief financial officer at Hoag, directs critical financial operations vital to the hospital's prosperity. With over three decades of expertise in healthcare finance and administration, he brings profound knowledge and skill to his position.

Sean Cunningham
Sean Cunningham is a seasoned CFO with over 30 years of experience in real estate investment, development and property management. As CFO of Integrated Capital Management, he oversees financial functions, fund accounting, investor reporting, compliance, insurance, audit, tax and corporate finance.

Mara Garcia
Mara Garcia holds the role of chief financial officer at Phonexa, where she oversees the company's accounting, finance, man resources and legal/compliance functions, while also supporting Phonexa's Partnership Program. She joined Phonexa in 2020 as VP of finance & accounting, overseeing various financial practices and procedures.

Marc Goldberg
Marc E. Goldberg, Partner's chief financial officer, brings nearly two decades of expertise in finance and strategic management, starting from his tenure at Lehman Brothers as an investment banking analyst.

Jim Jackson
Jim Jackson, CFO of Saviynt, Inc., is an accomplished executive with 15 years of CFO experience post-COVID-19 and in the software and energy sectors. Previously an investment banker at Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley, he has engineered multiple IPOs and PE-backed exits.

Renee Loignon Dion
Renee Dion joined Marquee Staffing in 1994 as the company controller. She has been instrumental in negotiating credit lines and banking relationships, is a seasoned risk manager credited a very successful workers' compensation program and helped Marquee to enter TSIL, a prestigious self-insured group.

Richmond McMurray
Richmond McMurray serves as the CFO at Arosa, where he oversees finance and talent management functions. His leadership has driven strategic initiatives, growth, operational efficiency and risk management. Despite being a first-time CEO and new to the home health industry, McMurray has made a significant impact.

Michael Lynn
Michael Lynn, CFO and co-founder of Pray.com, drives the app's mission to foster faith and community.

Tiffany Law
Born in Hong Kong, Tiffany Law experienced the effects of pollution firsthand, inspiring her career in clean energy. Now CFO at Orange County Power Authority (OCPA) since October 2021, she oversees financial operations for this community choice electricity provider.

Samuel Leiaghat
Samuel Leiaghat serves as the COO and CFO of Pom Pom at Home. In 2008, he cofounded Pom Pom at Home with his mother and subsequently founded Loomstead, a direct-to-consumer bedding company featured in Forbes and Business Insider.

Vidhyashankaran Mahalingam Shivaraman
Vidhyashankaran (Vid) Shivaraman, chief financial officer at PIH Health, oversees a $1.7-billion budget for a nonprofit healthcare network serving three million residents across Los Angeles, Orange County and San Gabriel Valley.

Romolo Santarosa
Romolo "Ron" Santarosa, senior executive vice president and chief financial officer at Hanmi Financial Corporation and Hanmi Bank, has been pivotal in the bank's growth since 2015. Under leadership, Hanmi's assets increased from $4.2 billion to $7.6 billion by 2023.

Jenny Rosales
Jenny Rosales has been the chief financial officer at Northwestern Mutual-Orange County since 2019 and brings a wealth of experience in public accounting and financial planning for various enterprises.

Lorenzo Sebastian Moran
Lorenzo Moran serves as the chief financial officer at 24 Hour Home Care, an in-home caregiving company dedicated to derserved communities. He is known for his strong financial stewardship and operational improvements.

Dave Stephenson
Dave Stephenson, newly appointed chief business officer of Airbnb, served as the company's CFO for the past five His tenure was marked by exceptional leadership, navigating Airbnb through the COVID-19 crisis by raising $2 billion in debt and successfully steering the company's record-breaking 2020 IPO.

James Uli
James Uli, senior vice president and chief financial officer at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, oversees financial operations, including accounting, budgeting and revenue cycle management. With over 20 years in healthcare finance, he previously served as CFO at Keck Medicine of USC and other prestigious institutions.

Chikako Tyler
Chikako Tyler joined California Bank & Trust (CB&T) in 2010, advancing through roles in risk management and corporate credit and finance before becoming CFO in 2018. In 2021, she added treasury agement and enterprise incentive compensation to her responsibilities.

Sinohe Terrero
Sinohe Terrero joined Envoy as chief financial officer in January 2020, expanding his role to chief operations officer in August 2022. He led Envoy through the pandemic, securing a $111-million Series C funding round in 2022.

Bryan Thompson
Bryan Thompson joined Arixa Capital as chief financial officer in 2023, steering the company through strategic growth amidst elevated interest rate environment. He played a pivotal role in launching a $100 million-plus joint venture with Oaktree Capital Management, enhancing Arixa's lending program.

Kehvon Thomas
Kehvon Thomas, chief financial officer at iBorrow, has managed over $2 billion in bridge loan investments, demonstrating keen insights and innovative solutions in commercial real estate finance. He oversees all finance and accounting operations, providing strategic guidance and managing four substantial credit funds.

Christopher Toumajian
Christopher Toumajian, CFO of EP Wealth Advisors, oversees capital planning, financial reporting, human resources, real estate and M&A integration. Under his leadership, the firm has grown to nearly billion in Assets Under Management (AUM).

Seth Wunder
Seth Wunder, CFA, serves as chief investment officer and chief financial officer at Acorns, a leading operations, subscription service in U.S. consumer finance focused on making micro-investing accessible. He oversees investment products, finance and accounting, legal and business operations.

Trever Acers
Trever Acers, founder and CEO of Objective, Investment Banking & Valuation, has over 20 years of experience in investment banking, acquisitions and strategic advice. Leading Objective since 2006, he has driven its growth and innovation, establishing the firm as a middle-mar ket leader.

Melissa Beck
Melissa Beck joined Big County & Inland Empire, ap­ Brothers Big Sisters Orange four-year plying entrepreneurial strategies tripled the nonprofit's size and impact. Her innovative leadership garnered numerous accolades, including Best Entrepreneur of the Year.

Michael J. Beals
Dr. Michael J. Beals has served as president of Vanguard University (VU) for 10 years, guid­ing Orange County's oldest four-year university to significant growth and achievement. Under his leadership, VU has become a leading institution for nia.

Adam Bass
Adam Bass, president and CEO of Buchalter since January 2013, has led the firm to substantial growth, expanding to over lawyers and establishing new offices in Napa Valley, Sacramento, Seattle, San Diego, Portland, Salt Lake City, Denver and Nashville.

Anuj Bhalla
Anuj Bhalla is a distinguished entrepreneur, data scientist and consultant with over 15 years in the customer service industry. He has worked with top companies like Google, Microsoft and Facebook, enhancing their operations through his expertise in analytics.

CEO VISIONARIES
No matter the industry, the buck always stops at the desk of the chief executive officer. Tasked with making vital decisions as they relate to every facet of running a business – from production to marketing to human resources, to name a few – the CEO must possess a multitude of qualities that define a captain of industry.

Patty Arvielo
Patty Arvielo, co-founder and CEO of New American Funding (NAF), has led the company to banking, remarkable success in the mortgage industry. Since its inception in 2003, NAF has thrived under her guidance, ship and generational wealth.

Sunny Bhatia MD, MMM, FACHE, FACC, FSCAI
Dr. Sunny Bhatia, president, CEO of Prime Healthcare Region I and corporate chief medical officer, is a quadruple board-certified interventional cardiologist. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, American College of Cardiology and the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions.

Alicia Cox
Alicia Cox, the founder and CEO a trailblazer in beachfront of Prjkt Restaurant Group, is Taindining along California's coastline, earning recognition for her innovative concepts and community engagement.

Young Chang
Young Chang serves as the renowned for its patented, president of A-Sha Noodles, over century-old noodle recipe from an, Taiwan. Since its inception in a local LA market in 2015, A-Sha Noodles has become the top choice for healthier, nutritious instant noodles.

Sean Breuner
Sean Breuner, founder and CEO of AvantStay, leads a technology-driven hospitality brand board-certified reshaping group travel. With 20 years of experience, he founded AvantSpace, a thriving coworking space, and chaired Generation SF, a nonprofit charity.

Gloria Dioum
Gloria Dioum, founder and CEO of EmpowHer Profits, is a resilient and insightful entrepreneur who embarked transformative journey in 2020 amid a global pandemic.

Cástulo de la Rocha
At the helm of AltaMed Health ident and CEO Castulo de Services Corporation, pres­ overseela Rocha has transformed it from single storefront clinic into California's largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and a top-five national leader.

Emil Davtyan
Emil Davtyan, the founder and CEO of D.Law, deserves recognition for his exceptional leadership and dedication to advocating for California workers' rights.

George DeVries
George DeVries, co-founder of (ASH), started with a vision American Specialty Health from a from his Southern California to improve healthcare quality and reduce costs. Today, ASH is the nation's largest independent administrator of specialty health care programs, covering millions of members for 257 health plan clients.

Lilit Davtyan
As Phonexa's CEO, Lilit Davtyan of an all-in-one performance spearheads the development advomarketing automation suite, overseeing business development, strategic growth, client relationships and operational transformation.

Alison Edwards
Alison Edwards, CEO of Groundswell, formerly known as the OC Human Relations Council, has dedicated over 25 years advancing equity and human-centered approaches in organizations and schools. Leading the organization since 2017, she spearheaded its rebranding to "Groundswell," expanding its reach and services in Orange County.

Rob Ellin
Rob Ellin, founder and CEO of LiveOne, has a track record of entrepreneurial success across digital technology and media. His leadership at Digital Turbine and iWon, among others, showcases his ability to navigate public markets and build successful ventures.

Susan Dwyer
Susan Dwyer is the dynamic co-CEO and managing principal at Hendy, overseeing day-to-day operations and leading a creative powerhouse of architects and designers. With 20-plus years of experience, her innovative approach transforms corporate spaces into extraordinary human experiences.

Apollo Emeka
Dr. Apollo Emeka, executive leadership coach and founder of Apollo Strategy Group, envisions a world where everyone achieves their full potential. His Pasadena-based startup has transformed leadership and business strategies since 2017, generating over $500 million in value for 100+ leaders and businesses across various industries.

Tim Ellis
Tim Ellis, CEO and co-founder of Relativity Space, is a visionary leader driving innovation in aerospace. Under his guidance, Relativity made history by launching the world's first 3-D-printed rocket into space and securing $1.8 billion in launch service agreements.

Eric Ellingsen
Eric Ellingsen, president and CEO of California Bank & Trust (CB&T), is a leader committed to equity, inclusion and community pact. With a global perspective shaped by his upbringing in Norway, Venezuela and Canada, he champions diversity in the workplace and supports minority businesses.

Stephan Jan Erkelens
Stephan Erkelens, president, CEO and co-founder of RevHubOC, brings over four decades of entrepreneurial expertise, particularly in the coffee industry and finance. His journey from executive roles in commodities to philanthropy led him to establish RevHubOC, aiming to solve social and environmental problems through entrepreneurship.

Lorenzo D. Esparza
Lorenzo Esparza, CEO of Manhattan West, founded the firm with an investor-centric approach, providing a wide range of financial services and alternative investments. Raised by Mexican immigrants, his journey instilled in him the value of hard work and financial planning.

EM Garcia
EM V. Garcia, PhD, DNP, DHEd, MSN, MBA, MAEd, BSN, APRN, NP-C, ONOR, CSSM, FACLNC, serves as the chief executive officer of Encino Hospital Medical Center and Sherman Oaks Hospital under Prime Healthcare.

Marissa Goldberg
Marissa Goldberg, CEO of the nonprofit Doheny Eye Institute, has been instrumental officer in advancing vision care in Los Angeles. With over 30 years at Doheny, she has held various roles before becoming UCLA's Stein Eye Institute.

David Faye
David Faye is a seasoned entrepreneur and leader with over 35 years of experience in building businesses and leveraging information technology for growth. As the CEO of Faye Business Systems Group (Faye), he specializes in providing a wide range of IT solutions including accounting, ERR CX and CRM software.

Holly Hagler
Holly Hagler has led Meals on Wheels Orange County for over 13 years, advancing its vision and advocating for senior health. She serves on the Meals on Wheels America board and is a founding board member of Meals on Wheels California, advocating for healthcare integration.

Boris Goldstein
Boris Goldstein, CEO of Brainbit Inc., is a visionary leader known for his expertise in technology and healthcare. With a background applied mathematics and a Ph.D., he has been at the forefront of innovation throughout his career.

Robert Feldman
Robert Feldman, a seasoned insurance professional with 25 years of experience, is the CEO and president of WOWS Insurance Services, specializing in insurance for fire zones and hard-to-insure properties in California. He co-founded WOWS to tackle the state's insurance challenges, particularly for homeowners struggling to secure coverage.

Jonathan Fitzgarrald
Jonathan Fitzgarrald, CEO of Equinox Strategy Partners, has dedicated 27 years to the industry with 10 years at his current organization. A Brigham Young University graduate, he has significantly influenced the professional growth of individuals in law, accounting and business management through client development, service training and coaching.

Pamela Cohen Hirsch
Pamela Hirsch, co-founder of Baby Quest Foundation, has a vast amount of leadership experience. For nearly 20 years she owned The Princeton Review, Peninsula in Northern California, which earned a place on the Inc 500 list of the country's fastest-growing private companies.

Les Hiscoe
Les Hiscoe's career in construction management has been marked by a remarkable ascent from project manager to CEO, driving Shawmut's revenue growth from $558 million to $1.6 billion.

Nima Hakimi
Nima Hakimi co-founded Convoso in 2005 and serves as its CEO, driving the company to become a leading provider of AI-powered contact center software.

Erik Huberman
Erik Huberman, the founder of Hawke Media, began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of six and has since been revolutionizing industries. With Hawke Media, his vision was to disrupt marketing for the better and he's achieved just that.

Kathy Jumper
Kathy Jumper, CEO & founder of FarmHouse Rescue, is a seasoned professional recognized for her expertise and leadership. Recently honored as one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions by American Banker, she brings a wealth of experience to her role as CEO and president of Orange County’s Credit Union.

Sloane Keane
Sloane Keane, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Orange County & The Inland Empire, has been instrumental in driving significant growth and impact in youth mentorship over the past 11 years. She quadrupled annual revenue to over $11.4 million, enabling program expansion and volunteer recruitment efforts.

Michael Hunn
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Michael Hunn started his career as a Catholic priest in the 1980s, focusing on counseling hospital patients before transitioning to health care administration. With three decades of experience, he became CEO of nine hospitals across California, Texas and Missouri.

Danielle Judd
Danielle Judd's journey from personal tragedy to founding a life-changing nonprofit is truly inspirational. In 2016, facing a life-threatening illness while pregnant with her third child, she made a vow to dedicate herself to helping others if she survived.

John Kao
As the founder and CEO of Alignment Health, John Kao has led his team in revolutionizing-senior care over the past decade, focusing on delivering high-quality-care at a lower cost. Serving more than 155,000 seniors across six states, Alignment has achieved remarkable growth and financial success.

Ara Katz
As the co-founder and co-CEO of Seed Health, Ara Katz has led the company to the forefront of microbiome science, pioneering innovations in probiotics and living medicines for human and planetary health.

Ronnetta Johnson
Jonnetta Johnson is a dedicated nonprofit professional with over 35 years of experience in nonprofit leadership. Joining Waymakers in 1995, she rose through the ranks to become CEO in 2015.

Meymuna Hussein-Cattan
Born in an Ethiopian refugee camp, Meymuna Hussein-Cattan-is an award-winning leader,-culturally conscious motivational speaker and a 2022 CNN Top 10 Hero. For 14 years, she's been the founder of Tiyya Foundation, providing economic-and educational opportunities for refugees, immigrants and indigenous communities.

Nathan Kowarsky
Nathan Kowarsky, CEO and founder of Clear Mortgage Capital, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience in navigating one of the most challenging mortgage markets in recent history.

Andrew Kim
Andrew Kim's journey at WaBa Grill has been marked by transformative leadership and a commitment to innovation and growth. Under his leadership, WaBa Grill achieved record-breaking samestore and total system sales with a remarkable 25% increase since 2020.

Ahad Khan
Khad Khan, CEO of Kajabi, has been able to create a rapidly developing environment. His career shift from investor to startup pioneer saw him catapult Kajabi into a leading creator empowerment platform. Under his leadership, Kajabi's revenue surged by 400%, with creators earning over $7 billion.

Adrienne Kessler
Adrienne Kessler has led Speech and Language Development Center to remarkable growth and impact since 2016, establishing it as a premier institution for disability services and education.

Perkins Miller
Perkins Miller, CEO of Fandom, has steered the tech platform through a transformative period, leveraging over 30 years of experience in digital, sports and entertainment sectors. Under his leadership, Fandom has experienced unprecedented growth, expanding to over 350 million monthly unique visitors across 250,000 fan-powered communities.

Jim Metevier
Jim Metevier, CEO of Mountain Mike’s Pizza since 2023, has leveraged over 30 years of restaurant industry experience to propel the brand from regional prominence to national success. Under his leadership, Mountain Mike’s has achieved significant growth, with nearly 300 locations across 11 states and a robust development pipeline.

Brett Lyon
His integrity and market knowledge set him apart. Under Lyon’s leadership, Lyon Stahl has grown significantly, now boasting a large team across multiple offices.

Chuck Le
Dr. Chuck Le, founder of 7 Day Dental, is a distinguished leader in dentistry. Immigrating to the U.S. in the 1970s, he achieved his DDS from the University of Southern California in 1989. Since opening the first 7 Day Dental office in Anaheim in 1990, he has expanded to four Orange County locations.

Edward Mirzabegian
Edward Mirzabegian, MHA, brings over 30 years of healthcare leadership to his role as CEO of Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC). He returned to AVMC in 2019 after prior tenures as COO and CEO, where he transformed financial performance from an $18 million loss to a $24.

Randall S. Leff
Randall S. Leff brings over 30 years of legal expertise to Ervin Cohen & Jessup, a midsize firm that blends the benefits of both large and small firms. His success stems from a personalized approach tailored to client objectives. Committed to continuous learning, he keeps abreast of new laws and pivotal case decisions.

Brian K. Malliet
Brian K. Malliet is the founder and CEO of BKM Capital Partners, guiding its strategic growth since 2013. Under his leadership, BKM has nearly doubled annually, expanding its platform across six U.S. states. With over 36 years of commercial real estate experience, he has acquired over 150 industrial assets worth $3.

Isaac Larian
Isaac Larian, founder, president and CEO of MGA Entertainment, Inc., embodies an inspiring ragsto- riches immigrant story. Arriving in the U.S. in 1971 with $753, he founded MGA Entertainment in 1979, growing it into one of the largest privately held toy and entertainment companies globally.

Anne Nguyen Oliver
Anne Nguyen Oliver is the founder and CEO of House of M Beauty, the Vietnamese-owned skincare brand available at Nordstrom, celebrated for its repeated sell-out success since its launch. Her journey with House of M Beauty is deeply personal, rooted in her battle with postpartum depression following the birth of her first child.

Pardis Nasseri
Pardis Nasseri is the founder of Palm Tree, a leading modern M&A advisor that integrates investment banking and financial consulting services for private equity sponsors, business owners and management teams.

Steve O'Connell
Steve O’Connell leads California Credit Union as president and CEO, achieving robust financial growth with assets nearing $5 billion and serving 200,000 members in 2023.

Joel Montminy
Joel Montminy spearheads Montminy & Co.’s operations and client assignments globally, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, buyouts, equity placements, restructurings, valuations and strategic advisory. Founded in 2009 during the Great Recession, Montminy & Co.

Michael John Plaksin
Michael Plaksin, currently serving as president and CEO of Alchera X, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the forefront of AI SaaS innovation. Under his direction, Alchera X has redefined wildfire detection and mitigation solutions, leveraging groundbreaking FireScout AI technology.

Angie Rowe
Angie Rowe is a seasoned nonprofit leader renowned for her strategic acumen in enhancing organizational performance, community engagement and fundraising. Currently serving as president and executive director of Beyond Blindness for 26 years, she has spearheaded initiatives that significantly boosted revenue and expanded the donor base.

Tommy Oliver
Tommy Oliver is a filmmaker and CEO of Confluential Films, dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in film and television. His leadership at Confluential has secured significant funding to support Black creators, highlighted by a recent $100-150 million production fund with Goldman Sachs.

Ash Patel
Ash Patel, chairman, CEO and president of Commercial Bank of California (CBC), brings over 30 years of banking experience to his role, driving CBC's transformation into a billion-dollar institution.

Regan Phillips
Regan Phillips’ journey advocating for children began in 2001 with CASA-NYC, leading her to champion minors as an investigator at the Law Office of Harold La-Flamme during law school. Graduating in 2005 and joining as an attorney, she represented foster youth at the Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange.

Vera Quinn
Vera Quinn, CEO of Cydcor since 2020, has driven the company to consistent double- digit revenue growth by fostering collaboration and empowering its independently owned offices.

Daniel Rosen
Daniel Rosen, CEO of Credit Repair Cloud (CRC), pioneered the world’s first credit repair software after personal financial hardship. Founded in 2013, CRC has empowered over 20,000 entrepreneurs to build profitable credit repair businesses, processing $200 million in transactions.

Nathan Rogge
Nathan Rogge serves as president and CEO of First Pacific Bank (formerly Friendly Hills Bank), leveraging his 32 years of industry experience to transform and expand the organization.

Sona Shah
Sona Shah founded My Private Professor (MPP) to democratize access to academic resources, leveraging her expertise in business litigation and passion for education. MPP offers top-tier tutoring from university tutors nationwide, aiming to uplift underserved communities by providing equal-quality education to all students, regardless of background.

Prashant Samant
Prashant Samant leads Akido Labs with a passion for social enterprise, transforming healthcare globally. Under his guidance, Akido has evolved from a SaaS startup to a health AI and care delivery company with 700+ employees and a network of 240 doctors.

Anoush M. Sadegh
Anoush Sadegh is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 35 years in AI and technology, notably in the high-end automotive sector. Armed with a B.S. in business and advanced studies in data science from UC San Diego, he has excelled as a general manager and marketing maestro.

Lucy Santana
Lucy Santana has led Girls Inc. of Orange County for over 20 years, transforming it into a leading chapter nationally. Under her stewardship, the organization annually empowers over 4,800 girls through innovative programs fostering strength, intelligence and boldness.

Jamie Viramontes
Jamie Viramontes, founder & CEO of Konnect, brings over 25 years of HR consulting experience to clients and the local business community. With a background in nonprofit and Fortune 500 organizations, he equips leaders to navigate today's evolving economy.

Tim Vanderhook
Tim Vanderhook is a visionary entrepreneur and the driving force behind Viant Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: DSP), a leading advertising technology company he co-founded with his brother Chris. His entrepreneurial journey began nearly 25 years ago and has since transformed Viant into a public company with 11 offices nationwide and over 350 employees.

Sean Tresvant
Sean Tresvant joined Taco Bell in December 2021 as chief brand officer and took on the role of CEO in January 2024, overseeing global growth strategies, franchise operations and overall performance. His leadership at Taco Bell has been marked by strategic initiatives to deepen the brand’s connection with its audience.

Jacques Spitzer
Jacques Spitzer is a distinguished four-time Emmy® Award-winning storyteller, speaker, author and investor. As the leader of Raindrop, an esteemed agency renowned for crafting impactful marketing campaigns, including Super Bowl and YouTube ads, he is celebrated for his innovative storytelling approach and infectious positivity.

Matt Z. Tabatabai
Matt Tabatabai is the CEO and co-founder of Zuum, a prominent technology company based in Southern California's logistics sector. With a solid background in electrical engineering from Purdue University, he has over 15 years of experience driving Zuum’s innovation and efficiency in logistics.

Susan Taylor
Susan Taylor has led Juice It Up! to significant growth and innovation since becoming president and CEO in 2020. Under her stewardship, the brand achieved consecutive years of record-breaking sales, surpassing $43 million in systemwide sales by 2023, marking a 38% increase over five years.

Sasha Strauss
Sasha Strauss is a distinguished brand strategy expert, educator and speaker renowned for his 25-year career shaping brands globally. As the founder and CEO of Innovation Protocol in Los Angeles, he has crafted brand identities for top corporations, philanthropies and academic institutions worldwide, using his proprietary IP methodology.

Mercy Tolentino Steenwyk
Mercy Tolentino Steenwyk, founder, CEO and president of ForensisGroup Inc., and her journey embodies resilience and innovation. As a recent immigrant from the Philippines and a marketing executive in Century City in 1990, she faced sudden unemployment during the holidays.

Mark Whitley
Mark Whitley, president and CEO of Easterseals Southern California (ESSC), has led the organization's remarkable growth from a $1.5-million nonprofit to over $500 million, the largest of Easterseals’ 70 affiliates. His vision aims to make Southern California the most inclusive environment for people with disabilities.

Min Yoo
EVmode, founded by Min Yoo, addresses the reliability issues plaguing electric vehicle (EV) chargers with innovative solutions. Inspired by personal frustrations during a road trip where multiple chargers failed, he identified a critical need for dependable charging infrastructure.

Donna L. Wilson
Donna Wilson, CEO and managing partner at Manatt, stands out in the legal industry as a transformative leader who champions innovation and inclusivity. Since taking the helm in 2019, she has reshaped Manatt into a dynamic professional services firm by integrating legal expertise with strategic consulting.

James K. Wallace
Drawing on 40 years of public accounting experience, James Wallace has positioned BPM LLP as one of the top 35 accounting and advisory firms in the U.S. Since becoming CEO in 2015, he has driven growth, expanded services and reinforced a people-focused culture.

Larry Weng
Larry Weng is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in media, hospitality, technology, logistics and e-commerce. As founder and CEO of Phelps United LLC, a leading e-commerce brand accelerator and IT channel enablement platform, he drives the company’s strategic vision and leadership.

Jeff White
Jeff White is the managing director at Skyview Capital, leading its M&A efforts since its inception. With decades of experience in private equity, investment banking and executive management, he has held key roles at Merrill Lynch and Platinum Equity Holdings.

Paul S. Viviano
Paul Viviano is a prominent healthcare leader and advocate for children's health with over four decades of experience. Since 2015, he has served as president and CEO of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), driving its remarkable expansion and excellence in clinical care, research and medical education.

Carolina Weidler
As co-CEO at Hendy, Carolina Weidler provides innovative leadership that unifies the company’s people, culture and projects.