Working together to build a thriving Orange County for all.

We are a collaborative effort led by purposeful CEOs who believe that contributing to the community is not only a responsibility, but the right thing to do.
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Our Work

A Clear Strategy Guided by Experience

Our initiatives involve C-suite executives from some of our most prominent public and private companies who are committed to leading change. We work strategically to help others succeed through a flywheel strategy that has four focus areas to build synergies for enhanced economic and community well-being:

Education

Creating career pathways for students to the jobs of the future with the skills to land well paying positions, along with creating a local evergreen talent pool.

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Talent

Developing, attracting and retaining talent with a vibrant business community that motivates students and employees to stay in Orange County.

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Branding

Showcasing the dynamic and diverse offerings in Orange County for quality of work and life through our inclusive and opportunity-rich communities.

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Innovation Investment

Expanding our ecosystem of innovation to change the equation for start-ups through venture funding and by connecting entrepreneurs and CEOs.

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Why We Exist

The Power of Purposeful Leadership

Vibrant communities require focused, cross-sector collaboration to create new opportunities and address challenges on the road to excellence. Effective CEO leadership has been shown to be a primary best practice for communities in generating top talent, attractive employment opportunities, and high quality of life for their citizens.

Our Impact

Collaborating To Close Critical Gaps

Education

Career Pathways

Chair: Kimberly Chavalas Cripe, President of CHOC, with a team of educators and other CEOs
Vice Chair: Robin Shanahan, Managing Director, Co-COO and Global Head of Human Resources, PIMCO

  • Initiative for providing training and employment pathways to underrepresented youth

Child Hunger

Chair: Mark Wetterau, CEO of Golden State Foods
Co-Chair: Chris Wing, CEO of SCAN Health Plan

  • Pilot program to provide nutritious meals to K-6 students when school is not in session, in partnership with United Way and OC Department of Education

Talent

Chair: Jim Morris, President & CEO of Pacific Life, with a team of CHROs

  • Collaboration with university deans at UCI, Chapman and CSUF to elevate attractiveness of companies to college graduates, especially in high-value fields
  • Collaboration with Partner Pathways, a program designed to provide job placement

Branding

Chair: Doug Holte, Former President of Irvine Company Office
Vice Chair: Julie Hill, Retired CEO, Costain USA

  • Working team and steering committee to develop and execute plan to market the OC value proposition
  • EnvisionOC.org to demonstrate value proposition with continually refreshed vignettes, job postings, community resources and more

Innovation Investment

Chair: Dick Gochnauer, Retired CEO of Essendant, with a team of collaborators and investors

  • Master Venture Capital Fund aimed at helping solve growth stage and later Series B funding burden
  • Validation and selection of first two established local VC fund managers for $60M Fund 1, targeting $500M in 3-5 funds
  • Connecting key members of the Orange County innovation community to collaborate and advance priorities to increase innovation jobs in the region
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