Kristine Collins, dean of the Division of Continuing Education at the University of California, Irvine, is joining the line-up of speakers at the Greater Irvine Chamber’s Exemplars in Leadership on Thursday, Sept. 4, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.
Closing the program, Collins will distill perspectives shared during the program’s panel discussion of 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? — into clear, practical takeaways that leaders can apply to their organizations right away.
A frequent speaker on workforce development, strategic partnerships, and organizational change, Collins is solutions-focused and fosters lasting educational partnerships with professionals and organizations in Orange County and throughout California.
Since joining UC Irvine in 2022, she has led the development of a strategic plan and strengthened cross-campus collaborations focused on advancing accessible, high-quality learning.
Collins brings more than 20 years of experience from leading Canadian institutions, including the University of Toronto (U of T) and the National Film Board of Canada (NFB). She launched U of T’s first micro-credential program. She has served on several boards, including the Coursera Council, Canadian Association for University Continuing Education, the Digital Credentials Consortium at MIT, Media Smarts, and UPCEA’s Council for Credential Innovation.
Collins will summarize the panel discussion moderated by Greater Irvine Chamber President & CEO Dave Coffaro and featuring three Orange County CEOs who will share real-world stories, insights, and innovative strategies for achieving success and making a lasting impact in today’s competitive market:
- Tammy Cooper, CEO/CFO of Technologent, a women-owned, WBENC-certified, and global provider of Information Technology solutions and services for Fortune 1000 companies.
- John P. Keisler, CEO & Managing Partner of Sunstone Management Inc., a venture capital firm located in Southern California that invests in diverse early-stage technology startups through innovative public-private-partnerships that blend unique expertise across government, education, and private sectors.
- Wing Lam, Co-Founder/Owner of Wahoo’s, the popular restaurant known for its freshly made, Pacific-inspired tacos and casual beachy vibe, combining Asian, Mexican, and Californian influences to create a unique menu.
Scott Sherman, Executive Vice President of Human Resources for Ingram Micro, a leader in global information technology, will deliver the keynote address as part of the program’s opening.
Check-in and registration are 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. The program will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. and conclude at 1:30 p.m.
Pre-Registration:
- 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.)
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.)
Included with the price of admission for the 2025 Exemplars in Leadership are a delicious plated lunch and complimentary parking at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Rd., and access to top Orange County executives and decision makers.
For information on becoming a sponsor for Exemplars in Leadership, contact events@irvinechamber.com.
