About this Event
Join California Leaders for the official launch of our highly anticipated Fall Issue 2026, bringing together executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry changemakers for an evening of connection, recognition, and forward-looking conversation.
Centered around the theme "Building California's Future," this special gathering will explore how California's business, civic, and development leaders are shaping economic growth, infrastructure, housing, workforce, and investment across the state.
The evening will feature conversations with our Fall Issue cover leaders from the Orange County Business Council — Jeff Ball, Chief Executive Officer, and Paul Simonds, SVP & Chief Operating Officer — as we examine the policies, projects, and partnerships driving Orange County and California forward.
What to Expect
✔ Exclusive networking with California's top business and community leaders
✔ Insights from influential leaders in economic development, infrastructure, and investment
✔ Celebration of the California Leaders Fall Issue release
✔ Professional photography and media coverage
✔ Meaningful connections with executives, founders, and decision-makers
Featured Speakers
Welcome Remarks
Dr. Michael A. Thomas — President, Concordia University Irvine
Keynote Speaker
Annette M. Walker — President, City of Hope Orange County
Featured Panel 1
Halé Behzadi — Moderator · Vice Chair, California, BMO
Mark Percy — CEO & President, CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County (CLAOC)
Greg Starkman — Founder & CEO, Innersense Organic Beauty
William "Willie" A. Gutierrez — Co-President, Premier Workspaces
Featured Panel 2
Christina L. Byrne, MPA — Moderator · Business Development Director, HNTB
Kome Ajise — Executive Director, Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)
Darrell Johnson — Chief Executive Officer, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
Ryan Chamberlain — Chief Executive Officer, Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) / The Toll Roads
Cover Leaders Fireside Chat
Rick Gibson — Moderator · Editor-in-Chief, California Leaders
Jeff Ball — Chief Executive Officer, Orange County Business Council
Paul Simonds — SVP & Chief Operating Officer, Orange County Business Council
Closing Remarks
Christopher Luna — Publisher & CEO, California Leaders
Event Details
🗓️ November 18, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🏢 Concordia University
📍 Irvine, California
About California Leaders
California Leaders is a premier media platform dedicated to highlighting the individuals, organizations, and ideas driving California's future through compelling stories, impactful events, and meaningful connections.
Real Leaders. Real Stories. Real Impact.
Agenda
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM
Arrival, Check-In & Networking
🕑: 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Programming
🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Cover Reveal Reception & Networking
Event venue & nearby stays
Concordia University, 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.