We are living in uncertain times. But one thing certain is that the California State Treasurer’s office will faithfully carry out our vital role as the state’s banker, and do so in a way that protects the public's funds.

We will keep managing the approximate $3 trillion in banking transactions, continue selling bonds and managing bond debt, and carry on managing the state’s investment portfolio, which has averaged more than $140 billion in assets over the course of my administration.

Similarly, the 16 boards, commissions and authorities that I chair will continue to serve the public, hospitals, businesses, and help spur housing and economic development.

As we carry on our work, we are always conscious that the safety of our employees is crucial to our success. Over these recent months, we have responded by conducting meetings by phone, remaining vigilant about cleaning and washing hands, and following guidelines for telecommuting so our employees and the public remain safe from the deadly COVID-19 virus and its variants.

I urge everyone else to do the same. Working together and following safety guidelines is our best hope for saving lives and defeating the pandemic.

In Peace and Friendship,

Treasurer Fiona Ma

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.

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.

With 17 years of experience in finance, William Wang specializes in both short-term and long-term financing needs for small and mid-size businesses, including owner-user commercial real estate, working capital, and capital expenditures. He joined Icon Business Bank in 2023, the year of its founding, and has since overseen operations for SBA and Government Guarantee programs as the Director of Government and Commercial Lending.

He previously led the Asian American Real Estate Association, Greater Los Angeles (AREAA GLA) as the 2023 President and currently serves on the AREAA National Board as the Vice President, overseeing 45 chapters across North America with over 18,000 members. William has an MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business.

Tax and business advisor, Ursula Garrett helps entrepreneurs build empires one asset at a time. She
has developed expertise in tax and business strategies over 20+ years working with business owners
and entrepreneurs to start and grow their business. Ursula is a licensed and practicing CPA with an
MBA in Entrepreneurship, an international speaker and an award-winning author of two books. She
has a particular passion for working with female entrepreneurs. Subscribe to her free email tax and
business tips of the week at www.cpagarrett.com. Ursula is married with five adult daughters and is an avid walker/hiker and loves to travel.

Krisante (Kris) Gunewardena is the Co-Founder of the commercial division at Re/Max Top Producers Commercial and is recognized as one of the top agents in the Inland Empire for commercial real estate. With a B.S. Degree in Engineering Technology from Cal Poly Pomona, Kris has an extensive background in quality assurance and manufacturing engineering.

As a commercial real estate professional, Kris excels in assisting small to medium-sized businesses to scale and grow through strategic real estate solutions. His expertise in the field is matched by his commitment to excellence in the marketplace.

Kris is also a Kingdom Entrepreneur who believes in building God's Kingdom first by utilizing his God-given gifts, talents, and abilities. His passion lies in achieving Godly success that advances the Kingdom and glorifies God.

A devoted husband and father, Kris values his family above all else. He cherishes his wife Diannette and their two sons, Kristian and Dillon, and believes that his first ministry is to his family.

AmPac is a mission driven lender dedicated to advancing entrepreneurial dreams through financing and fostering business success. With our access to capital, and business growth Entrepreneur Ecosystem, we provide growth pathways for business owners from cradle to legacy. AmPac Business Capital is a private non-profit organization headquartered in Ontario, CA founded in 2005 to support small business owners.

This organization started as a Small Business Administration (SBA) Certified Development Company (CDC) and is now also a U.S Department of Treasury Certified Developent Financial Institution (CDFI). We would be delighted to work with you!