Orange County Business Council Welcomes New Vice President of Public Affairs

IRVINE, CA (June 9, 2025) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) announced today that Sarah Ghebrial has joined the organization as the new Vice President of Public Affairs.
“We are proud to welcome Sarah to our team,” said Jeffrey Ball, President and CEO of Orange County Business Council. “Her addition represents the work we have done in expanding OCBC’s role in promoting economic development for the region and will help OCBC amplify its role as a dependable resource for local businesses and organizations.”

Orange County Business Council Welcomes New Board Members

IRVINE, CA (May 9, 2025) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) announced today that Christopher Arias, Executive Director of Business Development for MemorialCare, Tyler Holst, PE, Senior Vice President of Infrastructure Engineering for Rancho Mission Viejo (RMV), Jarrod Ingle, Regional President and Head of Corporate Banking – Orange County-Inland Empire for PNC Bank, and Faisal M. Zubairi, Partner and Southern California Office Head of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, have joined OCBC’s Board of Directors.

Orange County Business Council Hosts 2025 Health Care Forum

IRVINE, CA (May 7, 2025) — Executives from Orange County hospital systems and health care providers explored how health care drives economic growth, shapes Orange County’s future and supports a sustainable workforce at Orange County Business Council’s (OCBC) 2025 Health Care Forum, to an audience of nearly 200 local business leaders on May 6 in Huntington Beach.

OCBC Announces California Jobs First Grant Winners

IRVINE, CA (April 14, 2025) — Through the California Jobs First (CJF) initiative, Orange County Business Council (OCBC) is awarding $3 million to initiate local projects that support job creation and workforce development.

Since 2023, OCBC has served as the CJF Regional Convener in Orange County. CJF is part of a statewide initiative established to invest in economic development, community infrastructure and supportive services. As part of that work, OCBC brought together a collaborative of Orange County stakeholders representing businesses from a variety of industries, labor associations, California Native American Tribes, government agencies, academia and others to award these funds.

2025 Orange County Business Council Board of Directors Installed And Turning Red Tape Into Red Carpet Honorees Announced at Annual Dinner

IRVINE, CA (February 28, 2025) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) installed its 2025 Board of Directors at its annual dinner on February 27 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim. Nearly 700 Orange County business and community leaders were on hand to recognize the contributions of outgoing 2024 Board Chair Kevin Haboian of HNTB, welcome incoming 2025 Board Chair Rebecca Hall, APR of Idea Hall, and hear the winners of OCBC’s 14th annual Turning Red Tape into Red Carpet Awards announced. Marking its 30th anniversary this year, OCBC also recognized former board chairs and CEOs.

OCBC Welcomes New Board Members

IRVINE, CA (February 7, 2025) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) announced today that Brian Helleland, Chief Executive at St. Joseph Hospital & Orange County/High Desert for Providence, and Mitra Novin Rogers, Public Policy Lead of Amazon Web Services (AWS), have joined OCBC’s Board of Directors.

Orange County Business Council Welcomes New Chief Operating Officer and Business Initiatives Facilitator

IRVINE, CA (December 9, 2024) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) announced today that Paul Simonds has joined the organization as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Jorge (Jorgie) Sandoval has joined OCBC as the new Business Initiatives Facilitator. Both appointments are effective December 9, 2024.

OCBC Welcomes New Board Member

IRVINE, CA (November 8, 2024) — Orange County Business Council (OCBC) announced today that Dr. Stefan Bean, Orange County Superintendent of Schools for the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE), has joined OCBC’s Board of Directors.

OCBC’s BIZPAC Endorses Reps. Lou Correa, Young Kim and Michelle Steel for Congressional Re-Elections

BIZPAC also announces endorsements of State Senate and Assembly candidates IRVINE, CA (November 4, 2024) — Orange County Business Council’s BIZPAC announced it has endorsed U.S. Representatives Lou Correa (46th District), Young Kim (40th District) and Michelle Steel (45th District) in each of their bids for reelection to Congress. “OCBC’s BIZPAC is proud to endorse leaders who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to Orange County’s economic growth and quality of life,” said Amanda Walsh, Orange County Business Council Vice President of Government Affairs. “Congressman Correa stands out for his bipartisan approach and his understanding of the vital role that economic development, workforce, and infrastructure investments play in sustaining our community. Congresswoman Kim has proven herself as a champion of business growth, helping keep Orange County competitive. Congresswoman Steel remains a dedicated advocate for the business community, consistently supporting both small and large businesses and advocating for taxpayer protections.” “Additionally, OCBC’s BIZPAC has endorsed several state legislative candidates who align with OCBC’s mission of promoting a healthy business climate in California. Their commitment to practical, pro-business policies ensures that Orange County will continue to thrive economically while navigating regulatory and fiscal challenges. In addition to its endorsements of Correa, Kim, and Steel, OCBC’s BIZPAC also announced its support for candidates in various State Senate and Assembly races throughout Orange County.” The candidates who have received BIZPAC’s endorsement include: FEDERAL: Michelle Steel for Congress 2024 Young Kim for Congress 2024 Lou Correa for Congress 2024 Scott Baugh for Congress 2024 STATE: Cottie Petrie-Norris for Assembly 2024 Laurie Davies for Assembly 2024 Diane Dixon for Assembly 2024 Kate Sanchez for Assembly 2024 Tri Ta for Assembly 2024 Josh Newman for Senate 2024 About OCBC’s BIZPAC Orange County Business Council’s Political Action Committee, BIZPAC, was established more than 20 years ago as a means to support candidates and ballot measures which promote and protect the public policy agenda of the Orange County Business Council. Media Contact: Amanda Walsh Vice President, Government Affairs [email protected] 714.292.7080

OCBC’s BIZPAC Endorses Local Candidates for 2024 Orange County Elections

IRVINE, CA (November 4, 2024) — Orange County Business Council’s BIZPAC announced it has endorsed numerous candidates seeking election to local city and county offices in Orange County. “Strong local leadership is essential to achieving Orange County’s economic and quality-of-life objectives, and it’s crucial for the business community to work alongside our government partners,” said Amanda Walsh, Vice President of Government Affairs at Orange County Business Council (OCBC). “OCBC’s BIZPAC is honored to back these dedicated public servants and community leaders in their efforts to serve Orange County.” The candidates who have received BIZPAC’s endorsement include: SUPERVISORIAL:   Janet Nguyen for Supervisor 2024  Don Wagner for Supervisor 2024   LOCAL:   Kristen Maahs for Anaheim City Council 2024, District 5  Carlos Franco for Buena Park City Council 2024, District 2 Stephanie Klopfenstein for Garden Grove Mayor 2024  Mike Carroll for Irvine City Council 2024, District 4 John Park for Irvine City Council 2024, District 1 James Mai for Irvine City Council 2024, District 3 Nicholas Dunlap for Fullerton City Council 2024, District 2 Tanya Doby for Los Alamitos City Council 2024, District 1  Kathy Tavoularis for Orange City Council 2024, District 3 Jon Dumitru for Orange City Council 2024, District 2 Ryan Gallagher for Tustin City Council 2024  Tara Campbell for Yorba Linda City Council 2024  Peggy Huang for Yorba Linda City Council 2024  Anthony Johnson for Yorba Linda City Council 2024  WATER:   Frank Ury for SMWD Board 2024  SCHOOL BOARD:   Timothy Jemal for SOCCCD Board 2024 Teri Rocco for GGUSD School Board 2024 About OCBC’s BIZPAC Orange County Business Council’s Political Action Committee, BIZPAC, was established more than 20 years ago as a means to support candidates and ballot measures which promote and protect the public policy agenda of the Orange County Business Council. Media Contact: Amanda Walsh Vice President, Government Affairs [email protected] 714.292.7080