A panel of experts with diverse perspectives will engage in a discussion about the future state of business in Irvine, moderated by Greater Irvine Chamber Interim President & CEO Dave Coffaro during the 2024 Celebrate Irvine event on Thursday, June 27, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Rd.
Meet the Panelists:
Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan began her career as a regulatory affairs manager in the biotech and innovation industry, focusing on streamlining complex products and international research. As Irvine’s mayor, she is focused on ensuring that Irvine is a leader in innovation and technology. She became Irvine’s 23rd mayor in 2020 and was reelected mayor in 2022. She was first elected to the Irvine City Council in 2018. Mayor Khan represents the city on the CA Big City Mayors coalition, League of CA Cities, and U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Errol Arkilic is the chief innovation officer at University of California, Irvine, and executive director of Beall Applied Innovation at UCI. He leads campus‐wide commercialization activity, helping researchers turn knowledge into products and services that impact society. Prior to his role at UCI, he was the founder and CEO of M34 Capital, a private investment company focused on seed and early‐stage projects being spun out of academic research labs. Previously, he was the founding and lead program director for the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps program. Before his government service, Arkilic was the founder and CEO of StrataGent Lifesciences. He has a Ph.D. in Aero/Astro Engineering from MIT.
Jas Kaur is a professional with 10 years of experience in banking, financial planning, management, product development, and marketing. She is the chief financial officer and founding partner at Singh Automation, LLC, a maker of custom automation, computer-aided design, manufacturing, product development, and robotics, vision, and AI systems. She serves on the Greater Irvine Chamber Board of Directors and Ambassadors committee. She holds a bachelor’s in computer information systems from Western Michigan University and a master’s in organizational management from Spring Arbor University.
During the award portion of the program, the Greater Irvine Chamber will recognize businesses and individuals in greater Irvine that have demonstrated the principles of community service, volunteerism, and the best traditions of good corporate citizenship. The award categories are Business of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Commitment to Sustainability, Startup of the Year, Best Corporate Social Responsibility Program, Entrepreneur of the Year, Philanthropist of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Executive of the Year, Inspirational Leadership, and Emergency Services Leader.
Early-bird tickets for the 2024 Celebrate Irvine event are $155 for Greater Irvine Chamber members and $200 for non-members through May 31. Beginning June 1, ticket prices are $195 and $250, respectively. Lunch and complimentary parking are included. Sponsorships and tables are available for purchase.
Greater Irvine Chamber Leaders Circle Partner City of Hope Orange County is the presenting sponsor for the 2024 Celebrate Irvine event.
For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Courtney Nakagawa.
