TOGETHER FOR LA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- CEO
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Regional Vice President, Greater Los Angeles Area
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- Assistant Program Manager, Workforce Development
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- LAEDC 's New Vice President of Business
- Strategic and Visionary Leader
- Strategic Leader at LAEDC
- Vice President of Business and International Trade Development
Allison Clark is a strategic and visionary leader with more than 20 years of business and economic development experience across multiple industry sectors in key international markets. She is currently Vice President for Business and International Trade Development at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and its subsidiary, the World Trade Center of Los Angeles, where she directs business-focused programs and strategies designed to grow an inclusive regional economy.
Prior to joining LAEDC, Allison served as Director, Economic Development and Affordable Housing, with the Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office. Before moving to Los Angeles, she was the Managing Director of Business Development with the Washington State Department of Commerce, overseeing business development, outreach, and international investment initiatives on behalf of communities statewide. She also managed regional economic and workforce development programs throughout the Seattle metro region, first with the King County Executive's Office and later with a community college where she was also an adjunct faculty member.
Before arriving in Los Angeles and Seattle, Allison coordinated rural electrification and energy projects throughout the developing world on behalf of a Washington, DC-based trade association. Allison is a returned Peace Corps volunteer, having served in Thailand for three years. She holds a BA in political science from Pennsylvania State University and an MA in international economics and Southeast Asian studies from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.
In the bustling world of economic development, Allison Clark, LAEDC's new Vice President of Business and International Trade Development, is bringing her expertise and commitment to the Los Angeles region.
Allison's role at LAEDC will oversee two critical pillars of the 5 Pillar Strategy for Economic Development: the business assistance program (BAP) and international trade development (through the World Trade Center Los Angeles). Her primary focus is connecting businesses to resources that will cultivate and grow Los Angeles's industry ecosystems by building robust bus
Allison Clark is a strategic leader at LAEDC and is deeply committed to effective, strategic and collaborative growth. Her role is pivotal in advancing LAEDC's mission, and her insights on leadership, strategy, and communication are invaluable for anyone navigating the complex world of economic development.
Looking ahead, Allison aims to build on the successful business development work of the organization and enhance the World Trade Center's role . Her vision includes a holistic approach that integrates domestic and international business strategies, supporting the regional economy and contributing significantly to LAEDC's growth and success, especiallyin those industries that are expected to grow and provide well-paying wages for our region.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Community and Government Affairs
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- COO / O'Connor Cochran LLP
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Senior Vice President, Market Executive / West LA College
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Government Affairs Representative
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Senior Director
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- Program Coordinator, California Jobs First
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- Research Analyst, California Jobs First
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Dean of Economic and Workforce Education
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- CEO
- Founder
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Co - Managing Shareholder / Hackman Capital Partners
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- Director, Business Assistance
- LAEDC District Director
As the LAEDC district director, Ms. Levine provides strategic consulting to many types of businesses in south LA County, to resolve challenges and problems and keep companies in business. Many of the projects involve retention, energy efficiency, cost of doing business, permitting, city and state incentives, and site selection. She also assists companies with management and workforce development issues. In her downtime, she is an instructor of marketing management courses at some LA area colleges.
Ms. Levine brings about 15 years marketing management experience in both the private and public sectors, as well as both corporate and client relationship experience in manufacturing, creative services, and healthcare organizations. She has a BA in Economics from UCLA and an MBA in Entrepreneurial Organizations from Loyola Marymount University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Economic Development Manager
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Acting City Manager
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- Executive Vice President
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- President / Northrop Grumman
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Principal, Advisory
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Managing Director of Middle Market Banking
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- President / Alaska Airlines
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Los Angeles Office Managing Partner / Occidental College
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Chief Innovation Officer / Nissen Consulting Group
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Assistant Director, Key Accounts Section, Customer Service Division
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice President of Government Relations
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- City Administrator
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- CEO
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
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- Coordinator, Events and Marketing
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- Program Director, California Jobs First
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- SVP, Business Development
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Economic Development Manager
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- Program Manager, Outreach and Engagement, California Jobs First
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- City Manager
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Government & Regional Affairs Representative / Microsoft
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- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director of Community Development
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Community Development Director
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Executive Vice President / ICG Advisors, LLC
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Head of Corporate Banking
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Project Executive / the Boeing Company
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Founder / ACT - 1 Group
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Quantitative Analyst
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- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Founding Partner and Chairman / Verizon
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Partner / Servicon Systems, Inc.
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Economic Development Manager
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- California Public Affairs / Alston & Bird LLP
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Dean, College of Business Administration / Lynwood Unified School District
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Senior Government Affairs Manager
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Partner, Healthcare
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- Economist, Institute for Applied Economics
- New Economist With the Institute for Applied Economics
Dr. Dan Wei is the new Economist with the Institute for Applied Economics at LAEDC. Before joining LAEDC, she has been a research faculty member in the Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California for over 12 years. She brings extensive research experience in economic impact analysis of public policies and regulations in the areas of energy, climate change, and transportation. She is also an expert in the economic consequence analysis of disasters.
Dan received her Ph.D. in Geography from the Pennsylvania State University. She received her M.S. in Public Policy and Management and B.E. in Engineering Physics from Tsinghua University. Dan spends her spare time reading, cooking, and enjoying time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
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- Senior Economist at LAEDC
- Senior Economist, Institute for Applied Economics
Dr. Justin L. Adams is the incoming Senior Economist at LAEDC. He brings over two decades of experience consulting to federal, State and local governments as well as private-sector organizations. Most recently, Justin served as President and Chief Economist of Encina Advisors, an economics research and analysis firm based in the city of Davis. Prior, Justin spent six years as an economist with the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica and worked at Sacramento-based management consulting firms. He has held positions in California state government at the Governor's Office of Planning and Research, the Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Department of Transportation (CalTrans).
Justin received his Ph.D. in Business with a concentration in Political Economics from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He also received his A.M. in Political Science and his A.B. in Economics and Political Science from Stanford. Justin currently lives in Davis with his long-time partner Gina and their three cats. He spends his spare time cycling and serving on the boards of the Sacramento Stanford Association and the Davis Arts Center.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Member Spotlight
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Managing Director of Commercial Operations & Chief Commercial Officer
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
- Member Spotlight
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director of Strategic Partnerships
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice President of Civic Engagement and Economic Partnerships / Watson Land Company
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- CEO
- Executive
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
- President & CEO of the Center for Nonprofit Management
Efrain Escobedo is a leading executive and dynamic strategist dedicated to increasing the civic engagement of historically underserved and marginalized communities and transforming systems through more human-centered approaches. For nearly two decades, he has worked within the philanthropic, government, and nonprofit sectors to advance his professional mission. This cross-sectoral experience - paired with Efrain's commitment to empowering local communities - allows him to bring partners together and make a meaningful impact in his work across California. Read More »
Efrain Escobedo is a leading executive and dynamic strategist dedicated to increasing the civic engagement of historically underserved and marginalized communities and transforming systems through more human-centered approaches. For nearly two decades, he has worked within the philanthropic, government, and nonprofit sectors to advance his professional mission. This cross-sectoral experience - paired with Efrain's commitment to empowering local communities - allows him to bring partners together and make a meaningful impact in his work across California.
Efrain previously served as Vice President of Public Policy and Civic Engagement at The California Community Foundation (CCF), one of the state's leading philanthropies with more than $1.8 billion in assets. Efrain manages senior staff, develops cross-sector partnerships, has helped revamp several multimillion-dollar grantmaking portfolios, and leads the design and implementation of innovative public-private partnerships with Los Angeles County and the State of California. Efrain has played a key role in CCF's impactful philanthropy, which disbursed more than $100 million in grants and administered multiple public-private partnerships with the County and State.
Efrain's work is informed by his deep-rooted experience crafting effective human-centered engagement strategies in government. For nearly seven years, Efrain worked at the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, first as an Executive Liaison, managing the Department's Multilingual Services and Community Outreach teams, and then as the Division Manager of Governmental & Legislative Affairs. As Division Manager, Efrain led three divisions - Public Information Office, Legislative Affairs, and Community Outreach - where he spearheaded historic projects like the Voting Systems Assessment Project, which modernized the County's voting systems through an innovative community-centered process and public-private partnership.
Efrain additionally draws on his experience in the nonprofit sector, as he worked at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund for half a decade, first as Director of Voter Engagement and then as Senior Director of Civic Engagement. Efrain led a national $2.5 million voter education initiative across seven states and played a key leadership role in the historic Ya Es Hora campaign, which helped to naturalize more than one million immigrants in the U.S. and contributed to historic Latino voter turnout in 2008.
Efrain holds leadership positions on committees across the philanthropic, government, and nonprofit sectors. He is Chair of the Board of Directors for Hispanics in Philanthropy, past member of the Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees Board of Directors, a Member of the Board of Directors for Mi Familia Vota Education Fund, a Member of the Policy Advisory Committee for Southern California Grantmakers, and Speaker Appointee of the CA Census Complete Count Committee in 2020.
Efrain earned his bachelor's degree in American Studies and Ethnicity from the University of Southern California and his Master of Business Administration from the University of La Verne. He is a graduate of the Los Angeles County Executive Leadership Program, a partnership with USC Sol Price School of Public Policy.
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Economic Development Project Manager
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director of Business Development / Snap Inc.
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Head of City Policy and Government Affairs / Wells Fargo Bank
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Dean of Continuing Education and UCLA Extension
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Business Performance Advisor
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- Director of Creative Media and Engagement
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Economic Development Manager
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Interim Vice President for University Advancement
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Associate Dean ( Interim ), Career Education and Workforce Development
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- Chancellor
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Chairman / Greenberg Traurig, LLP
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Executive Director / RSM US LLP
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice President & Executive Client Account Manager
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- Managing Partner
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Research Analyst, Institute for Applied Economics
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Appointee for Supervisor Hilda Solis
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- President & CEO / Vasquez & Company, LLP
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- North America Head of Citi Private Bank
Halé Behzadi is the North America Head of Citi Private Bank and a member of the Private Banking Global Leadership Team. Halé has more than three decades of experience working with ultra-high net worth families and their closely held business and philanthropic ventures and leads the Private Banking activities in 25 offices across the United States and Canada. Read More »
Halé Behzadi is the North America Head of Citi Private Bank and a member of the Private Banking Global Leadership Team. Halé has more than three decades of experience working with ultra-high net worth families and their closely held business and philanthropic ventures and leads the Private Banking activities in 25 offices across the United States and Canada.
Most recently, Halé was the Global Market Manager of the Western Region at Citi Private Bank and directly responsible for leading the ultra-high net worth private banking practices in seven offices in California, Arizona and Washington. Halé co-chairs Citi's California Leadership Council and is the Executive Sponsor of Citi's North America Diversity Committee. Previously, Halé chaired the Mentoring Committee at Citi Private Bank and served as the Business Sponsor of Citi's Pride Network for Southern California and the Women's Network for Northern California.
Prior to joining Citigroup and establishing the Private Bank office in Beverly Hills in 2002, Halé enjoyed a long and distinguished career with Bank of America, where she was a Senior Vice President directing a team of private banking professionals in Beverly Hills.
Halé holds a BA in Economics from Georgetown University, where she is an active member of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security. Throughout her career she has played an active role in numerous civic and charitable organizations that provide social services, education and health care in the local community. Currently, Halé serves on the Board of Trustees for Viewpoint School as a member of the Executive Committee, in addition to chairing the Advancement Committee. She has previously held a number of leadership roles including Vice Chair and Chair of Committee on Trustees where she was focused on recruiting more diverse board members, especially women. She is also a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Governors of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation. Halé was recently recognized as a Deborah Award recipient by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for her leadership and civic contributions exemplifying the qualities and ideals of ADL. She holds Series 7, 24, 63 and 65 FINRA licenses.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Economic Development Manager
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
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- Director, Strategic Relations
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- Assistant Program Manager of Workforce Development
As Assistant Program Manager of Workforce Development, Jared is responsible for facilitating collaboration between institutions that develop LA job seekers and industry employers looking to fill specific workforce needs. In addition, Jared provides strategic support across other areas of the organization, including LAEDC's policy initiatives and Business Assistance Program.
Prior to joining LAEDC, Jared worked as a College Essay Consultant, helping students articulate their unique personal stories to stand out in the admissions process. He began his career as a Strategy Consultant at Deloitte in New York City, advising C-suite executives on corporate strategy. Jared received his B.A. in Philosophy with a minor in Economics from Harvard University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- SVP of Strategic Community and Programmatic Initiatives
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Assistant City Manager, Development SVS Director
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Public Policy and Government Relations, Greater LA Area
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Head of California Local Government Affairs, Public Policy, & External Affairs / Grifols Biologicals LLC
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Economic Development Deputy for Supervisor Janice Hahn
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Author, Meditation Coach, Intuitive Guide / KPMG LLP
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Manager, Corporate Affairs
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director of Older Youth Initiatives
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Economic Development Administrator
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- Vice President, Workforce Development and Special Projects
Jermaine Hampton is more than a seasoned professional with 13 years of leadership expertise in Workforce Development across both public and private sectors. As the current Vice President of Workforce Development and Special Projects at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), Jermaine passionately advocates for propelling change, fostering innovation, and empowering communities. His knowledge spans from Economic Development, Staffing Services, and Business Management to human-centric arenas like Homeless and Veteran Services. His most potent ingredients for success are his influential leadership and vision to reshape societal systems.
Jermaine's ethos of inspiration and perseverance is reflected in the award-winning programs he has led, including best practice recognitions and his accolade as the recipient of the esteemed National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) leadership award in 2015. He's a true changemaker, having touched thousands of lives, from at-risk youth and adults to veterans, creating lasting impacts.
Jermaine received his Bachelor's of Science from Virginia State University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Principal / Bank of China
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice President, Business Development / US Bank
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Associate, Business Development Department
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- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Managing Director, Former LAEDC Chair / Dentons US LLP
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Manager, State and Local Affairs
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- CEO
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Managing Principal
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Partner / East West Bank
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Executive Director, Employee Training Institute ( ETI )
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- Director of Outreach, Government Affairs and Policy
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Executive Vice President and Provost
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- Director, Workforce Development
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director of Community Affairs
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director of Local Policy and Community Engagement
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Community & Economic Development Deputy Director
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- President and CEO / Kaiser Permanente
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Corporate Affairs Senior Manager / Hospital Association of Southern California
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Senior Vice President / Head of Global Commercial Banking / California Community Foundation
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Chief Executive Officer - the Hollywood Partnership
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Deputy City Manager
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- Executive Director
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Chief Financial Officer
- Executive Vice President
- Member of the LAEDC Officers Team
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice President
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director of Economic Development
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- President / Silverstein Properties, Inc.
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- District Manager, Business Assistance
Leonard Barrales joined the LA City WIB Layoff Aversion project as a Regional Manager in January 2011. He is a results-oriented professional with more than 15 years experience in recruitment, marketing, job placement, program management, and employee and business retention service programs for both private and public companies.
Recently, Mr. Barrales served as the Regional Business Services Manager for the Canoga Park and Van Nuys WorkSource Centers under ARBOR RESCARE with the City of Los Angeles to promote the WorkSource Center services to the local San Fernando Valley business community. He holds a B.S. in Political Science and has completed several courses and certifications in Economic Development, Real Estate, International Trade, etc.
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- President and CEO / Kaiser Permanente
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Senior VP, Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles / Latino Restaurant Association
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- CEO
- Executive Director
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Associate Director, Business Assistance
Linden Johnson has been a part of the Business Assistance team at LAEDC since 2011, and has worked extensively in the administration of the program. He provides field technical assistance and consulting to businesses in the City of Los Angeles, especially where he can help the business overcome challenges, as part of the pro-bono public-benefit mission of LAEDC. Prior to joining LAEDC, he worked as an Executive Assistant/Project Manager for an entertainment company specializing in concert production.
Mr. Johnson graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice President
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director of Economic and Community Development
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director of Adult Education & Workforce Development / Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director of Government Affairs
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- Senior Marketing Manager, Marketing and Communications
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- Program Manager, Industry Cluster Development
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Global Program Lead, Education to Workforce Solutions
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Principal Planner
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Executive Director, Department of Public Works
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Partner, Assurance Services
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director, State & Local Government Operations
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Economic Development Manager
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- Research Analyst
- GIS Research Analyst
Matthew Skyberg serves as the GIS Research Analyst at the Institute for Applied Economics (IAE) within the LAEDC. With over 12 years of residency in Los Angeles, Matthew brings a diverse range of experience and expertise to the city's vibrant economic landscape.
During his Master's program at the University of Arizona, Matthew's capstone project focused on the distribution of street trees in the City of Los Angeles. This research, utilizing regressive modeling against various socioeconomic factors, showcased his commitment to leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology for urban planning and environmental considerations.
In his final year of the Master's program, Matthew undertook GIS projects with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail of the National Park Service, further enriching his skills and contributing to preserving and interpreting historical and cultural resources.
Matthew holds a Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems Technology from the University of Arizona, where his academic pursuits explored the intersection of technology, geography, and community development. Before pursuing advanced studies, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from South Dakota State University, leading to a successful career in landscape design and architecture for over a decade. His expertise contributed to diverse public and private development projects throughout Southern California as well as abroad.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Managing Partner, Former LAEDC Chair
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- Vice President of Strategic Relations
In her role as Vice President of Strategic Relations, Melissa Kham oversees membership, events, marketing and communications, as well as vital relationships with LAEDC Board of Governors, Executive Committee, government, philanthropy, and the larger external business community to ensure ongoing revenue and community support. Melissa and her team are responsible for the recruitment and retention of valued LAEDC members, sponsors, and donors that represent LAEDC's mission to collaboratively advance growth and prosperity for all. The Strategic Relations team curates and leads groundbreaking initiatives, programs, and events including the annual Eddy Awards, Select LA Summit, Economic Forecast, Future Forums, and 88 Cities Summit. Melissa's extensive experience of revenue generating activities and strategic planning ensure LAEDC's ongoing success and infrastructure. Melissa and her team create and implement long-term strategies for funding opportunities and ensure consistent private and public growth.
Melissa has expertise in fundraising campaigns, donor cultivation, grant writing, event planning, marketing, external relations, public policy, and strategic planning. Throughout her career, Melissa has raised more than $55 million for grassroots and large nonprofit organizations that include PATH, Alzheimer's Los Angeles, Youth Speak Collective, and Southern California Grantmakers.
Melissa enjoys being an ambassador, recruiter, and connector for the organizations with which she works. She also has considerable experience working with media in both English and Spanish. Melissa received her Bachelors of Art from Loyola Marymount University and her Masters of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management from the California State University Northridge.
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- Regional Manager, Business Assistanc
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice President, Public Affairs
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Dean of Career, Technical & Continuing Education
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- Director
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Founder & CEO / Bank of America
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice President, Corporate Affairs
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- CEO
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
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- Program Coordinator of the World Trade Center Los Angeles
- Program Coordinator, WTCLA
Olivia Zhang serves as the Program Coordinator of the World Trade Center Los Angeles (WTCLA) at the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). With a deep passion for sustainable economic development and international trade, Olivia is dedicated to fostering global trade relationships and promoting economic growth in Los Angeles. Olivia is responsible for managing the daily operations of the various programs of WTCLA, representing WTCLA at domestic and international events, offering advisory and transactional consulting to trade-ready businesses, and support job creation by attracting foreign investments to Los Angeles County.
Throughout her academic career at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and Claremont Graduate University (CGU), Olivia has pursued and conducted research on sustainable economic development, foreign direct investment, game theory, and the importance of convening in the realm of policymaking. Olivia's interests in economic development budded at UCI, and then - as she was finishing her time at CGU - bloomed when she interned at the WTCLA. Olivia supported a variety of responsibilities, including her contribution to the 2022 Select LA Foreign Direct Investment Summit as well as the 27th Annual Eddy Awards.
Olivia received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Minor in Economics at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), and her Master of Arts in Public Policy from Claremont Graduate University (CGU).
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Managing Director, Corporate and Government Affairs / Valley Presbyterian Hospital
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Asst. Superintendent, Technology & Innovation
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- President and CEO / Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Senior Program Officer
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Principal
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Placement Manager / Pasadena City College
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice President, Regional Executive
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- Regional Manager, Business Assistanc
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- External Affairs
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- City Manager
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- City Manager
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Senior Manager, Strategic Relations
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- Director, Information Systems & Office Administration
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- Regional Manager, Business Assistance
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- Chief Engineer
- General Manager
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director of Economic Development
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director of Economic Development of the U.S. West Region at Amazon
- Director of Economic Development, U.S. West Region of Amazon
Ron Frierson serves as Director of Economic Development of the U.S. West Region at Amazon. In his role, Ron leads the team that supports and champions Amazon investment projects across various Amazon business lines in areas of market-entry, strategy, site selection, entitlements, operations, and partnerships. Read More »
Ron Frierson serves as Director of Economic Development of the U.S. West Region at Amazon. In his role, Ron leads the team that supports and champions Amazon investment projects across various Amazon business lines in areas of market-entry, strategy, site selection, entitlements, operations, and partnerships.
Before joining Amazon, Ron served as Director of Economic Policy for former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. Ron led the Business Team for the Mayor's Office, which developed business policy affecting the world's 3rd largest metropolitan economy. Ron's portfolio included Commercial Real Estate Development, Technology, Sports & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Taxation, Healthcare, and Tourism & Hospitality. He also oversaw the Convention & Tourism Department, Department of Cannabis Regulation and the Economic Workforce & Development Department on behalf of the Mayor's Office.
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- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Principal and Practice Group Leader / Ernst & Young LLP
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- City Manager
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Executive Director, Economic and Workforce Development
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Public Affairs Manager
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Community Development Director
With a strong business infrastructure set at the crossroads of Los Angeles, Ventura, and Kern counties, the Santa Clarita Valley is one of Southern California's fastest growing communities.
Santa Clarita Valley boasts a thriving economy ranked by major banks, publications, and research authorities as one of California's strongest. The City of Santa Clarita recognizes the importance of working with businesses to ensure success. The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEA), as well as the L.A. County Board of Supervisors and their respective staff members, provides assistance to businesses seeking to expand or locate in the region. SCVEA works to ensure continued economic vitality and job creation for the region. Businesses in the City of Santa Clarita can take advantage of incentives targeted to help them grow and thrive.
Santa Clarita Valley is a community where high energy and serene surroundings go hand in hand, where people care about and support the community, businesses succeed and visitors enjoy a wide array of recreational activities.
Santa Clarita is also home to award-winning school districts and institutions of higher learning, which include College of the Canyons, California Institute of the Arts, Masters College, and a satellite campus of Cal State University, Northridge.
Santa Clarita Valley is consistently rated among the nation's safest communities, making it a great place to work, raise a family, and enjoy the best of California.
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Chief Strategy Officer / Univision Communications, Inc.
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- Program Manager, California Jobs First
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- Regional Manager, Small Business Program
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- Senior Director of the LAEDC Institute for Applied Economics
- Senior Director, Institute for Applied Economics
Shannon Sedgwick is Senior Director of the LAEDC Institute for Applied Economics. In this capacity, Ms. Sedgwick oversees and executes the planning and design of economic research projects and develops subject-specific information and data interpretation for economic impact, demographic, workforce development, transportation, and industry and issue studies. She performs research, data collection and organization, analysis and report preparation in addition to managing a team of economists. Her work focuses on demographics, industry clusters and contribution analysis, and occupational analysis. She is also proficient at conducting geospatial analysis and working with IMPLAN. Ms. Sedgwick is a principal contributor to the Center for a Competitive Workforce reports prepared for the California Community Colleges and local Workforce Development Boards (WDB). Other notable works include, Aerospace: The Changing Face of Aerospace in Southern California, The Path Forward: Economic and Workforce Intelligence for Northeast Los Angeles, and Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945-1980 which quantified the economic impact of the series of exhibitions held across Southern California.
Ms. Sedgwick joined the LAEDC in June of 2008, serving in both Economic Research and the Consulting Practice of the LAEDC with data collection and research, managing multiple data sets covering the State of California, Southern California, its counties and their sub-regions.
Before joining the LAEDC, Ms. Sedgwick managed an industrial and steel supply company located in the Inland Empire. There she identified and targeted a diverse customer base, and analyzed product and customer patterns in the local industrial market to successfully increase revenues.
A Southern California native, Ms. Sedgwick received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Southern California (USC) with a minor in Architecture. She is a member of the national chapter of National Association for Business Economics (NABE) and the American Economic Association (AEA). In her free time, she is actively involved with local animal rescue organizations as a foster and volunteers annually as a mentor to undergraduate students selected for the USC Dornsife Gateway Internship Program.
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
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- Accounting & IT
- Director of Accounting
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Commercial Banking Group Manager
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- Member of the LAEDC Officers Team
- President & CEO, LAEDC / President, WTCLA
- President and Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation
Stephen Cheung is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and its subsidiary, the World Trade Center Los Angeles (WTCLA). As CEO of the LAEDC, Mr. Cheung brings together the capabilities of LAEDC's mission-delivery department areas, including the Institute for Applied Economics (Research), Business Assistance, Industry Cluster Development, Workforce Development, World Trade Center Los Angeles (International), Strategic Relations, Communications & Marketing, and Public Policy, into a single team that delivers the LAEDC's critically important, public-benefit mission - Reinventing our economy to collaboratively advance growth and prosperity for all.
In 2023, Cheung was elevated to President and CEO after serving as Chief Operating Office and Executive Vice President of LAEDC, and continues in his concurrent role as President of World Trade Center Los Angeles, a title he has held since coming to the organization in 2014. Prior to that, Cheung was the Secretary General and Managing Director of International Trade and Foreign Affairs for Los Angeles Mayors Eric Garcetti and Antonio Villaraigosa, and was responsible for managing policies and programs related to the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Airports, International Affairs, Global Trade and Clean Technology. In these roles, he was the lead organizer for the Mayors' previous international trade missions to Mexico, China, Korea, Japan, Colombia, Chile and Brazil. Furthermore, Cheung implemented the city's strategic plan to make Los Angeles a global capital of clean technology by building the infrastructure to support research, development and manufacturing with key partners.
Concurrently, Cheung was the Director of International Trade for the Port of Los Angeles - the busiest container port in North America, and was responsible for developing programs to increase trade through the Port of Los Angeles, and facilitate goods movement through the Southern California region.
Cheung currently sits on the Board of Advisors of UCLA's Luskin School of Public Affairs, UCLA Extension, Coro Southern California and Sister Cities of Los Angeles, while also serving on the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board.
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Charter Communications
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- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- President & CEO, Former LAEDC Chair / Nixon Peabody LLP
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Partner / PNC Bank
In his role as Policy Manager, Sulaiman focuses on advancing LAEDC policy priorities on specific key industries and legislation at the local, state, and federal levels. As a member of the Strategic Initiatives team, he also supports LAEDC industry cluster development to strengthen the region's global competitive advantage. He brings experience in business incubation, issue development, policy research and formation, and stakeholder engagement strategy.
Sulaiman was most recently an Associate at the International Business Accelerator, an early-stage startup incubator in Los Angeles, CA, where he developed an online curriculum to teach companies how to scale into global markets. He also helped cultivate strategic relationships with industry associations, community partners, and business leaders to participate in cohort seminars.
Prior to moving to Los Angeles, Sulaiman spent two years living in Southeast Asia. After backpacking across the region for several months, he settled in Singapore to conduct an independent research project analyzing the business issues and trade dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, upon finishing his undergraduate degree Sulaiman served as the Communications Manager at the US-China Business Council in Washington D.C.
Sulaiman sits on the Global Committee of the Los Angeles Venture Association to help create programming that highlights global opportunities and capital sources for companies based in or coming to the Southern California venture ecosystem.
An East Coast transplant, Sulaiman grew up in Richmond, VA and received his Bachelor of Arts in International Business from Morehouse College.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- General Manager, Manufacturing / Mt. San Antonio College
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice President of Innovation and New Ventures
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Partner
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Partner - in - Charge / Amazon
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Senior Vice President, Head of Global Corporate Affairs / Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice President of Civic Engagement and Economic Partnerships / Watson Land Company
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director of Planning
Santa Clarita Valley is a thriving center for film production, aerospace, manufacturing, biomedical, and high tech industries
Consistently rated among the nation's safest communities and best places to live
Offers award-winning schools and institutions of higher learning including College of the Canyons, Cal Arts, Masters College, and a satellite campus of Cal State Northridge
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- CEO
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Senior Director of International Trade at the World Trade Center Los Angeles
- Senior Director of International Trade, WTCLA
William Powles is the Senior Director of International Trade at the World Trade Center Los Angeles (WTCLA), the international arm of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). He is responsible for directing programs to attract foreign investment and businesses into the Los Angeles area, promoting international trade and partnerships in the region.
Originally from the United Kingdom, William has a depth of experience in the field of international trade and diplomacy having held various senior positions within the British Government. Prior to joining WTCLA, he served as First Secretary in the British Consulate General Los Angeles, responsible for leading the UK's economic relationships with the Southwestern United States. In London, he served as Chief of Staff to the UK's first Chief Trade Negotiator, shaping and implementing the UK's first independent trade policy in 40 years.
A lifelong advocate of inclusive economic growth, William has worked throughout his career to improve access to economic policymaking for underrepresented groups. He holds a BA in International Politics with courses from both King's College London and Georgetown University in Washington D.C.
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum & Instruction
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- CEO
- Founder
- Member of the Executive Committee
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member Spotlight
- Senior Manager, Government Affairs
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- Member of the Executive Committee
- LAEDC Member Spotlight
- Vice President, Asset Management