Leads Groups participants are among the most engaged Greater Irvine Chamber members. They are focused on growing their clientele and business revenue by cultivating professional relationships with fellow members who become trusted colleagues and invaluable sources for business referrals through a structured networking program. By extension, Leads Groups contribute to the Greater Irvine economy by positively impacting business growth in the region.
Each Leads Group comprises up to 35 individuals from non-competing industries who meet twice a month. They provide each other opportunities to improve recruiting and selling techniques, presentation skills, strategic partnerships, and a strong leads and referral exchange network.
Since the program began more than 10 years ago, Greater Irvine Chamber Leads Groups have collectively earned roughly $300 million in closed referred business. The year-over-year success of the Leads Groups is largely due to the commitment and guidance provided by leaders in each group. Group leaders are selected for one year term through nominations reviewed by the steering committee (comprised of one representative from each group) and appointed by Greater Irvine Chamber staff. Individuals in good standing by Leads Groups rules and the Greater Irvine Chamber Member Code of Conduct are eligible for nomination each year.
Meet the Leads Groups 2026 Leadership Teams:
Leads Group 1
Meets on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
- Chair: David Feldberg
- Vice Chair: Lacie Oots
- Membership Chair: Behzad Faridnia
- Social Media Chair: Bruce Greenberg
- Steering Committee Representative: Bruce Greenberg
Leads Group 2
Meets on the 2nd & 4th Mondays, 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
- Chair: Frank Ornelas
- Vice Chair: Rod Bidgoli
- Membership Chair: Jorge Mora
- Social Media Chair: Danielle Abboud
- Steering Committee Representative: John Styskal
Leads Group 3
Meets on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 9:45 - 11:15 a.m.
- Chair: Dusty Lloyd
- Vice Chair: Brittany Sweet
- Membership Chair: Joel Versh
- Social Media Chair: Francesca Chiarini
- Steering Committee Representative: Robert Davis
Leads Group 4
Meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
- Chair: Hector Romo
- Vice Chair: Lara Sinanian
- Membership Chair: Jordan Lane Ceausu
- Social Media Chair: Matt Brunk
- Steering Committee Representative: Jason O'Donnell
Leads Group 5
Meets on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
- Chair: Iscolina Delgado
- Vice Chair: Toni Pelayo
- Membership Chair: Sarah Chavez
- Social Media Chair: Sarah Chavez
- Steering Committee Representative: Joe Alvarez
Leads Group 6
Meets on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
- Chair: Suzanna Rasmussen
- Vice Chair: Patrick Dyas
- Membership Chair: Anh Huy Nguyen
- Social Media Chair: Jocelyn Ruiz
- Steering Committee Representative: Suzanna Rasmussen
Leads Group 7
Chamber Staff: Denise Cardenas
Unlike groups with scheduled meetings, this is an unstructured opportunity for Leads Group members who refer new members to the Greater Irvine Chamber to receive closed business referral credits applied to their Leads Group recorded activity. The referring member also receives complimentary admission to one Networkers Luncheon per new member.
Leads Group 8 Virtual
Meets on the 1st & 3rd Fridays, 9:45 - 11:15 a.m.
- Chair: Chris Ploessel
- Vice Chair: Emilio Ramos
- Membership Chair: Carey Ahlfeldt Kasper
- Social Media Chair: Taylor Preza
- Steering Committee Representative: Chris Ploessel
Learn More About Leads Groups and Group Rosters
For more information and to become involved in a Leads Group, contact programs@irvinechamber.com.
