Three Orange County CEOs—each leading distinctly different organizations—share one thing in common: a unique quality that propelled them to the top in a crowded business landscape. At the inaugural Exemplars in Leadership event, they will share real-world stories, insights, and innovative strategies for achieving success and making a lasting impact in today’s competitive market.
This dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Greater Irvine Chamber President & CEO Dave Coffaro, will take place during Exemplars in Leadership on Thursday, Sept. 4, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.
Meet the Panelists who will focus on the event’s theme: What sets exceptional leaders apart—when they’re working in the same environment, playing by the same rules, and with the same resources as everyone else?:
Tammy Cooper, CEO/CFO, Technologent
As CEO and CFO of Technologent, Tammy Cooper oversees all aspects of the corporation, including strategic planning, finance, audit, and human resources. Under her leadership, the company has grown from a 20-employee, $25 million startup into a thriving enterprise with 300 employees, 10 offices nationwide, a Tier 1 client base of multi-billion-dollar companies, and revenue approaching the $1 billion mark.
An accomplished C-suite executive, Cooper blends deep financial expertise, strategic insight, and governance experience to guide informed decision-making. She is deeply committed to her industry and community, serving in leadership roles with organizations including the Public Directors Association, Financial Executives International, Octane and the Octane Women’s Group, the Association for Corporate Growth Circle (as its first female member), the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, CFO Focus, the CFO Executive Summit, and Women in Finance.
John P. Keisler, CEO & Managing Partner, Sunstone Management Inc.
As CEO and Managing Partner of Sunstone Management Inc., a private capital investment management firm with an office in Irvine, John Keisler builds partnerships with government, private industry, and education to address global challenges through strategic investment and economic development. He also serves as CEO of Sunstone Cities, LLC, an innovative consulting firm dedicated to strengthening communities through local economic growth initiatives.
Keisler’s career includes more than 20 years in public service, recently as Economic Development Director for the City of Long Beach. There, he led the creation of an innovative Blueprint for Economic Development and oversaw a historic increase in private-sector investment, particularly in goods movement and deep space technology. His commitment to impact began early, serving with AmeriCorps and Teach For America as a middle school teacher in Newark, NJ—experiences that inspired his lifelong dedication to city management and economic development.
Wing Lam, Co-Founder & Owner, Wahoo’s
Wing Lam is one of the three founding brothers behind the renowned Wahoo’s brand. With more than 35 years in the restaurant industry, he has become a sought-after speaker at global events and a guest lecturer for MBA programs at Yale, UCLA, and USC. His media appearances include ABC’s The Secret Millionaire, a national Merrill Lynch commercial, and features on Food Network programs Unwrapped and Beach Eats USA.
A dedicated philanthropist, Lam co-founded the California Love Drop in collaboration with the KLOS radio morning team and serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including Share Our Strength, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the Surfrider Foundation. In 2024, Wing, his brothers, and their parents were inducted into the Orange County Hall of Fame. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to business and the community, including the Corporate Creativity and Kindness OC Award, the Innovation Leadership Award from the Child Creativity Lab, the IMPACT Award from the International Executive Council, and the Greater Irvine Chamber Philanthropist of the Year. Alongside his brothers, he has been recognized among the 500 Most Influential by the Orange County Business Journal, with Wahoo’s earning accolades such as the Golden Foodie Award and Best OC Brand by OC Weekly.
Exemplars in Leadership will also feature a keynote address by Scott Sherman, executive vice president of Human Resources for Ingram Micro. Sherman is a global human resources and business leader with deep compensation, benefits and HR Operations leadership experience. He has a successful track record of leading complex business initiatives, driving functional and operational excellence, and building strong collaborative relationships.
Check-in and registration are 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. The program will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m., and concludes at 1:30 p.m.
Register before Aug. 14 to save up to $55!
Early Bird Registration (through TOMORROW, Thursday, Aug. 14):
- Greater Irvine Chamber Members - $155
- Non-Members - *$200
Regular Admission Registration (beginning Friday, Aug. 15):
- Greater Irvine Chamber Members - $195
- Non-Members - *$250
At-the-Door Registration:
- Greater Irvine Chamber Members - $210
- Non-Members - *$265
*Apply $55 of your registration toward a new membership!
If you join the Greater Irvine Chamber within 30 days of the 2025 Exemplars in Leadership event, $55 from your registration fee will be credited toward a first-time, new membership. (One event offer may be applied per new membership.)
Plated lunch and complimentary parking at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Rd., and access to top Orange County executives and decision makers are included with the price of admission.
More Information / Registration
For information on becoming a sponsor for Exemplars in Leadership, contact events@irvinechamber.com.
