Email from Orange County Business Council

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

OCBC News

Engaging With State Leaders on 2026 Business Priorities

OCBC Senior Vice President, COO Paul Simonds, Vice President of Government Affairs Amanda Walsh and Government Affairs Manager Paulina Alvarez met with members of Orange County’s legislative delegation last week in Sacramento.

Discussions focused on OCBC’s 2026 policy agenda, alignment with the delegation’s legislative priorities and identifying opportunities for partnership to advance economic competitiveness, Workforce development, Housing and Infrastructure.

The meetings reinforced OCBC’s role as a trusted voice at the Capitol and set the stage for meaningful collaboration and a productive 2026.

Pictured (left to right) Simonds, Walsh, Assemblymember Phillip Chen and Alvarez.

For any questions, please contact Amanda Walsh, Vice President of Government Affairs.

Photo courtesy of OCBC

Jeff Ball Elected to Two-Year Leadership Term on Accrediting Commission

Last week, OCBC President and CEO Jeff Ball attended meetings of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, where he was elected by his peers to serve a two-year term as Secretary and Treasurer.

He will serve alongside newly elected Chair Michael Zimmerman, President of Campus - formerly known as MTI College (right), and Vice Chair Katherine Thorossian, former superintendent of Monrovia Unified School District (center).

Ball’s leadership in college accreditation supports OCBC’s broader regional efforts to advance workforce development and talent retention. This marks his fourth year serving on the Commission as a Public Member.

Photo courtesy of OCBC

2026 Orange County Community Indicators Report

Committee Meetings

OCBC Committee Meetings are an exclusive benefit for OCBC investors. Meetings are hybrid unless otherwise noted. Registration is required.

Economic Development

February 19 | 8-9:30 a.m.

Government Affairs

February 20 | 9-10:30 a.m.

Housing

February 10 | 8-9:30 a.m.

Infrastructure

February 3 | 8-9:30 a.m.

Workforce

March 11 | 9-10 a.m.

All Committee Meetings

OCBC Presents 2026 Legislative Priorities to Huntington Beach Chamber

Paul Simonds, OCBC Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, and Paulina Alvarez, Government Affairs Manager, presented to the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce last week, providing a 2025 legislative recap and outlining OCBC’s 2026 legislative priorities. Their presentation emphasized the importance of collaboration and underscored that effective advocacy is strongest when the business community speaks with a unified voice. OCBC is proud to serve as a regional leader and collaborator for our city and ethnic chambers in Orange County.

Pictured (left to right) Alvarez, Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce President & Chief Executive Officer Max Daffron and Simonds.

For any questions, please contact Amanda Walsh, Vice President of Government Affairs.

Photo courtesy of the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce

Launching the Nation’s First AI Training for Water Professionals

OCBC joined the CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County (CLAOC), Moulton Niguel Water District (MNWD) and University of California, Irvine (UCI) staff for the launch of the nation’s first AI course designed specifically for water professionals. Supported by California Jobs First Catalyst funding, the program focused on strengthening utility operations, planning and long-term infrastructure resilience.

This initiative demonstrates how collaboration between employers, educators and public agencies is strengthening critical industries and preparing Orange County’s workforce for the future.

Pictured (left to right), MNWD General Manager and CEO Joone Kim-Lopez and OCBC Business Initiatives Manager Maria Linares. Also pictured are staff from OCBC, CLAOC, MNWD and UCI.

For any questions, please contact Maria Linares, Business Initiatives Manager.

Photos courtesy of OCBC

OCBC Engages in State of the Port Highlighting Regional Economic Competitiveness

The 2026 State of the Port featured a forward-looking presentation by Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Executive Officer, highlighting the Port of Long Beach’s (POLB) strategic vision, economic impact and priorities shaping the future of trade, Infrastructure and regional competitiveness. Key issues aligned with OCBC’s advocacy for Economic growth, Infrastructure investment and a strong business climate in the region.

Pictured top (left to right), POLB Government Relations Director Adrian Granda, OCBC Vice President of Investor Relations Carl Heft, POLB Chief Executive Officer Dr. Noel Hacegaba and POLB International Engagement & Strategic Advocacy Manager Joel Perler. Pictured bottom (left to right) OCBC’s Government Affairs Manager Paulina Alvarez and Vice President of Government Affairs Amanda Walsh.

For any questions, please contact Amanda Walsh, Vice President of Government Affairs.

Photos courtesy of OCBC

OCBC Celebrates Leadership at the 2026 ACC-OC Board Installation

The 2026 ACC-OC Board of Directors Installation celebrated the organization’s strong leadership and welcomed its incoming board.

OCBC Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Paul Simonds and Vice President of Government Affairs Amanda Walsh attended in support of ACC-OC and its continued leadership and collaboration across Orange County.

For any questions, please contact Amanda Walsh, Vice President of Government Affairs.

Photo courtesy of OCBC

Investor News

Rady Children’s Health Names First Endowed Chair

Rady Children’s Health Orange County announced the establishment of its first-ever endowed chair, the Clavis Foundation Chair for Wellness, naming Dr. Michael Weiss as the inaugural chairholder to elevate and expand the organization’s wellness efforts.

The Clavis Foundation Chair for Wellness marks a significant milestone for Rady Children’s, reinforcing its leadership in pediatric wellness and strengthening its role as a strategic community partner.

Photo courtesy of Rady Children's