Fiona Ma is California’s 34th State Treasurer. She was elected on November 6, 2018 with more votes (7,825,587) than any other candidate for treasurer in the state's history. She is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected to the position. The State Treasurer’s Office was created in the California Constitution in 1849. It provides financing for schools, roads, housing, recycling and waste management, hospitals, public facilities, and other crucial infrastructure projects that better the lives of residents. California is the world’s fifth-largest economy and Treasurer Ma is the state’s primary banker. Her office processes more than $2 trillion in payments within a typical year. She provides transparency and oversight for the government’s investment portfolio and accounts, as well as for the state’s surplus funds. Treasurer Ma oversees an investment portfolio of more than $102 billion, approximately $20 billion of which are local government funds. She serves as agent for sale for all State bonds, and is trustee on over $100 billion of outstanding debt.

Hilda Kennedy is the Founder/President of AmPac CDC. Prior to establishing the CDC, Kennedy worked in local government for the City of Inglewood, as Chief of Staff to the Mayor, Executive Assistant to the City Manager and Economic Development Director. As Economic Development Director, Kennedy established a $45 Million loan fund, leveraging HUD 108 funds with matching bank funds, to provide financing to businesses in the community.
Hilda Kennedy served on the White House and SBA Council on Underserved Communities; one of 15 representatives chosen across the country. She is current President-Elect for the National Association of Women Business Owners-California; Past President of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Inland Empire Chapter, and is immediate Past President of the Risk Management Association – Inland Empire Chapter. Kennedy serves on the Board of the National Christian Foundation and is a Board Member of the National Association of Development Companies. Hilda Kennedy is an active member of her church in Ontario, CA and serves on the Board of the Mt. Zion Economic Development Corporation.

Hilda has been recognized for her efforts to promote the growth of small businesses – she was recognized as the 32nd Senatorial District Woman of the Year by Senator Gloria Negrete McCloud 2012; received the 2012 ANITA Award by the National Association of Women Business Owners – Inland Empire Chapter; received the 2012 Community Excellence Community Builder Award, with her husband Pastor Brian Kennedy from Inland Valley Newspaper; received the 2011 Women in Business Champion Award by the U.S. Small Business Administration – Santa Ana District Office; was a recipient of the Black Rose Award-2009.

Ivo A. Tjan is Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer of CW Bancorp and CommerceWest Bank, a full service commercial bank with a unique vision and culture of focusing exclusively on the business community. Mr. Tjan is the Founder of the company and launched an Initial Public Offering in 2001. The Bank is headquartered in Irvine and serves businesses throughout the state of California.

Mr. Tjan held a wide range of management roles at Eldorado Bank, Home Savings of America and Great Western Bank. He was named among Orange County’s Most Influential Business Leaders on “OC500” List. He was honored as the Robert Ross Founders Award Recipient from the MDA. Mr. Tjan was recognized as one of Vivid Magazine’s Annual Top 10 Asian American Entrepreneur and was also named one of OC Metro’s Hottest 25 People of Orange County, California.

Mr. Tjan holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from California State Fullerton University. He is an active member and/or board member of several corporate, social and charitable organizations. Mr. Tjan is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), CEO Affiliation Group, American Bankers Association, Bank CEO Network and The Pacific Club. He is also a former Board Member for California State Fullerton University, New Majority, Marconi Foundation, The Children’s Museum, Advisory Board for CASA and American Bankers Association Government Relations Committee. In addition, Mr. Tjan supports a variety of charities and non-profit organizations throughout Southern California.

Edward Ornelas, Jr., originally from Los Angeles, found his professional calling in the Inland Empire, dedicating himself since 2010 to elevating local businesses. His unique blend of innovative thinking and unconventional marketing strategies distinguishes him in the business realm.

Edward's pivotal contribution began in 2015 with the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce. Though not its founder, he was the architect of its renaissance, using his strategic insight and relationship acumen to elevate the Chamber from a fledgling entity to a regional cornerstone. His transformative leadership was key in redefining the organization's trajectory.

Expanding his influence in 2018, Edward acquired the Inland Empire Business Journal, seizing the chance to amplify regional economic narratives and contribute to the area's positive image. This wasn't just a business move; it was a commitment to local economic storytelling and rebranding the Inland Empire's identity.

In his professional journey, Edward defies traditionalism. He thrives on innovation, questioning established methods, and boldly pursuing uncharted paths. For him, redefining norms and pushing boundaries is not a mere practice but a necessary ethos. This principle fuels his career and the transformative energy he brings to his ventures, creating environments that dare to evolve and innovate continuously.

Currently, Edward contributes his expertise to several boards, including the American Red Cross, Inland Southern California United Way, and as an Associate Director to the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. His nuanced grasp of business mechanics and devotion to societal advancement gained recognition with his recent induction into the California District Export Council by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, affirming his diverse skills.

Leading both the chamber and the Inland Empire Business Journal, Edward remains a cornerstone of community progress, stimulating economic growth, and weaving a narrative of regional success and promise.