The Greater Irvine Chamber's committees and councils provide members with meaningful opportunities to engage beyond traditional networking, contributing their expertise, perspectives, and leadership to initiatives that strengthen the Chamber, support key industry sectors, and advance the economic vitality of greater Irvine.
Serving Orange County's largest business community, the Greater Irvine Chamber brings together business and community leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds to help shape programs, advocacy efforts, industry initiatives, and member experiences. Through collaboration, strategic insight, and active engagement, committee and council members play an important role in supporting the continued success of the Greater Irvine Chamber, Irvine's business community, and the region's economy.
The Greater Irvine Chamber is proud to recognize the dedicated members serving on its committees and councils, whose leadership and commitment help drive progress, innovation, and opportunity throughout the community.
Ambassadors Committee
Greater Irvine Chamber Ambassadors serve as official representatives of the Chamber, helping foster connections and create a welcoming experience for members and guests. Through member outreach, event support, and community engagement, Ambassadors play an important role in promoting the Chamber's mission, enhancing the member experience, and strengthening relationships throughout Orange County's largest business community.
- Chair – David Donnelly, XVantage Partners
- Vice Chair – Patrick Dyas, Foresight Wealth Management Group
- Team Lead – Renett Banagas, The Wooden Floor
- Team Lead – Safa Movassaghi, Delarman
- Mentor – Ailene Dewar Costello, Engage PEO
- Mentor – Behzad Faridnia, OC Tech Innovations
- Joe Alvarez, Cybersecurity & Cost Management Group
- Chris Bissonnette, College Pro Consultants - FAFSA® Pro
- Tor Black, Keller Williams Realty, Inc
- Divya Gill, Gill Tax Group
- Navid Goharian, FireXNull, Inc
- Jas Kaur, KTimeHR
- James Tsz Him Lui, Hycentra
- Darrel Manalang, IT Plz Help
- Jorge Mora, GDR Group
- Anh Huy Nguyen, 401k Life Insurance Financial Education
- Jude Nibo, Luxx Agents
- Shanthi Parkar, Fully Promoted Mission Viejo
- Lukas Poprac, WeShare
- Jonathan Obest, MWA Financial Services
- Suzanna Rasmussen, Mutual of Omaha
- Jocelyn Ruiz, Statewide Funding
Cultural Chambers Collaborative Events Committee
The Greater Irvine Chamber Cultural Chambers Collaborative Event Committee brings together leaders representing diverse business communities to foster connections, strengthen engagement, and support inclusive economic growth. Through collaboration and strategic event programming, the committee helps create opportunities that welcome expanded audiences, celebrate the region’s diversity, and connect businesses to the resources, relationships, and opportunities that contribute to long-term success.
- Amil Aaron, Genesis Bank
- Suzanna Choi, Tashiro Choi & Associates
- Joseph Joseph, Electronic Payments
- Jas Kaur, KTimeHR
- Carlos Oregon, Thinkbox Technology Group
- Shani Moselhi, International Education Corporation
Foundational Technology Advisory Council
The Greater Irvine Chamber Foundational Technology Advisory Council brings together leaders from technology-driven industries to foster collaboration, share expertise, and support the continued growth of Orange County’s innovation ecosystem. Through strategic insight and industry engagement, the Council helps identify opportunities and challenges related to foundational technologies—including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, robotics, and advanced manufacturing—while supporting initiatives that strengthen innovation, competitiveness, and long-term economic vitality.
- Chair – Mike Merchant, Codazen
- Behzad Faridnia, OC Tech Innovations
- Matthew Harding, Ecometricx
- Margaret Hung, Humankind AI
- John Moh, Microsoft
- Jasmine Pachnanda, CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County
- Hicham Semaan, Tech Coast Angels
- Daly Yoo, Major League Baseball
Finance Committee
The Greater Irvine Chamber Finance Committee provides financial oversight and strategic guidance to help ensure the organization’s long-term strength and sustainability. Through responsible stewardship of resources and review of financial performance, the committee supports the Chamber’s mission and assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its fiduciary responsibilities.
- Chair – Paul Castillo, SingerLewak
- Sherry Main, University of California, Irvine
- Steve Greyshock, The Irvine Company
- Lisa Thomas, Main Street Marketing Partners
- Arash Delafkaran, Farmers & Merchants Bank
Leads Groups Steering Committee
The Greater Irvine Chamber Leads Group Steering Committee brings together representatives from each Leads Group to share insights, strengthen member engagement, and support the continued success of the Chamber’s referral networking program. Through collaboration, communication, and leadership, the committee helps identify opportunities, promote best practices, and enhance the value and effectiveness of Leads Groups program.
- Robert Davis, NAI Capital Commercial Real Estate Services
- David Feldberg, Coastal Real Estate Group
- Bruce Greenberg, Bruce Greenberg Consulting
- Jason O'Donnell, O'Donnell Real Estate
- Chris Ploessel, RedNight Consulting
- Suzanna Rasmussen, Mutual of Omaha
- John Styskal, Styskal Law
MedTech Advisory Council
The Greater Irvine Chamber MedTech Advisory Council brings together industry leaders to foster collaboration, share expertise, and support the continued growth of Irvine’s medical technology and life sciences ecosystem. Through engagement and strategic insight, the Council helps identify opportunities and challenges facing the sector and informs efforts that strengthen the region’s position as a leader in healthcare innovation.
- Chair – Scott Johnson, Orange Tree MedTech
- Suzy Engwall, PRIA Healthcare
- Michael Ghebrial, Surgical Science
- Rogelio Rodriguez, Rego Associates
- Jasen Nava-Massey, NM Engineering LLC
- Tyler Train, Fish & Richardson P.C.
- Todd Zive, CereNex Medical
- Max Foroughi, Biomedisca, Inc.
Member Engagement Committee
The Greater Irvine Chamber Member Engagement Committee brings together dedicated member leaders to strengthen connections, enhance the member experience, and support meaningful engagement across the Chamber. Through outreach, collaboration, and leadership, the committee helps foster a welcoming and valuable environment for members at every stage of their Chamber journey.
- Chair – Vivian Atkinson, Express Employment Professionals
- Vice Chair – Jonathan Obest, MWA Financial Services
- Gaurav Bajaj, Brettonwood Advisors Inc.
- Ronnetta Johnson, Waymakers
- Gurkan Suzer, Trelodex International Trade & Consulting
- Robert Davis, NAI Capital Commercial Real Estate Services
- Mia Laureys, Orange County Business Journal
- David Donnelly, XVantage Partners
- Safa Movassaghi, Delarman
- Jocelyn Ruiz, Statewide Funding
Nonprofit Advisory Council
The Greater Irvine Chamber Nonprofit Advisory Council brings together nonprofit leaders to foster collaboration, share insights, and strengthen connections across the community. Through engagement and partnership, the Council supports organizations whose work enhances quality of life and contributes to a vibrant and thriving regional economy.
- Chair – Lisa Thomas, Main Street Marketing Partners
- Wayne Stickney, Second Harvest Food Bank
- David Blair, Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation
- Bobbi Bush, Marconi Automotive Museum & Foundation for Kids
- Robert Coleman, OneOC
- Janice Frechette-Artinger, Parentis Foundation
- Anne Grey, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County and the Inland Empire
- John Guastaferro, Hyundai Hope on Wheels | Genesis Inspiration Foundation
- Julie Hudash, Team Kids
- Ronnetta Johnson, Waymakers
- Doug McKay, Orange County United Way
- Anne Olin, Charitable Ventures of OC
- Vikki Shepp, Girl Scouts of Orange County
- Debora Wondercheck, Arts & Learning Conservatory
Public Policy Council
The Greater Irvine Chamber Public Policy Council brings together business and community leaders from a diverse range of industries to provide insight on public policy issues affecting the regional economy. Through informed discussion and engagement, the Council helps support the Chamber’s advocacy efforts and advance a strong business environment.
- Chair - Cynthia Quimby, Southern California Edison
- Vice Chair - Isaiah Leslie, Regal Court Reporting, Inc.
- Sherry Main, University of California, Irvine
- Steve LaMotte, The Irvine Company
- Christine Compton, Irvine Ranch Water District
- Alexis Leicht, Orange County Transportation Authority
- Heather Villarreal, Edwards Lifesciences
- P. Alberto Sandoval, University of California, Irvine
- Adriana Galdamez, Cox Communications
- Clarissa Serpas, Southern California Gas Company
- Kristen Pugh, MemorialCare
- Wayne Brown, Transportation Corridor Agencies
- Peter Mackler, City of Hope, Orange County Cancer Center
- Emily Grant, The Irvine Company
- Dan Vozenilek, AT&T
- Jeff Corless, Venture Strategic, Inc.
- Alexander Kim, Asian Business Association of Orange County
Restaurant Advisory Council
The Greater Irvine Chamber Restaurant Advisory Council brings together restaurant owners, operators, and industry professionals to share best practices, discuss industry trends, and foster collaboration. Through engagement and advocacy, the Council supports the continued success and vitality of Irvine's restaurant community.
- Chair - Reza Mortazavi, Lazy Dog Cafe
- Yousef Abdelfattah, TryNearby
- Jason Hsieh, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa | Irvine & Roberts Vineyard
- Chris Johnson, Chick-fil-A
- Armen Karamardian, Zov’s
- Mike Learakos, Abound Food Care
- Leslie Nguyen, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
Signature Events Advisory Council
The Greater Irvine Chamber Signature Events Advisory Council brings together member leaders to provide insight, expertise, and strategic perspective that support the continued success of the Chamber’s premier events. Through collaboration and engagement, the Council helps ensure signature events deliver meaningful value, foster strong connections, and advance the Chamber’s mission of supporting Orange County’s largest business community.
- Chair – Evan Hitter, Staybridge Suites Irvine
- David Donnelly, XVantage Partners
- Lisa Thomas, Main Street Marketing Partners
Interested in getting involved? Share your area of expertise and interest with us. Additional committees will be formed as needs evolve. Contact programs@irvinechamber.com.
