Year: 2026

MANAGING PARTNER, ORANGE COUNTY SHEPPARD MULLEN RICHTER & HAMPTON WHY: Became internationally famous as the winning attorney for movie star Johnny Depp in his 2022 lawsuit against Amber Heard. Now represents corporate clients such as PepsiCo, Korean Air and Amazon. IN THE NEWS: In April, promoted to Managing Partner, Orange Read More

CEO/PRESIDENT ORANGE COUNTY CREDIT UNION WHY: Has 30 years experience in the financial industry. In 2022, American Banker named her one of the 25 most powerful women in credit unions. Since 2023, runs OC financial institution with more than 141K members and almost $3B in assets. IN THE NEWS: Last Read More

CEO HUMAN OPTIONS WHY: CEO of Irvine-based nonprofit aimed at ending relationship violence. Has led the organization since 2006, expanding services to make Human Options one of the most comprehensive domestic violence service providers in OC. Brings more than 30 years of experience working with vulnerable populations. IN THE NEWS: Read More

PRESIDENT, SURGICAL VISION NORTH AMERICA JOHNSON & JOHNSON WHY: Veteran of the eye health industry with nearly 20 years of experience across vision-focused companies. Oversees subsidiary of J&J’s $5.5B Vision business that was made through a $4.3B acquisition of Abbott Medical Optics. Manufactures products for cataract and laser refractive surgery Read More

CEO GIRLS INC. WHY: Heads Orange County chapter of Girls Inc. nonprofit that offers programs on leadership, academic success, health and financial self‐sufficiency at local school campuses and community centers for girls from kindergarten through college; for example, the Santa Ana organization covered nearly $19,000 in college application fees for Read More

CEO/CO-PRESIDENT RADY CHILDREN’S HEALTH WHY: Serves as CEO of one of the nation’s largest pediatric healthcare systems, Rady Children’s Health, following the merger of the parent companies of CHOC and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego. The health system includes three hospitals and more than 13K employees and 2.4K medical staff. Read More

EVP OLEN PROPERTIES CORP WHY: Runs real estate empire built by her father Igor Olenicoff. Newport Beach-based Olen Properties Corp. is one of OC’s largest privately held real estate firms, with a portfolio that now spans 8M square feet of office and flex space and 17K-plus residential units across California Read More

CO-FOUNDER/MANAGING PARTNER RAJ CAPITAL WHY: Joined family’s 50-year old swimwear business, working up to be CEO before selling to private equity. Coming off the sale, co-founded Revitate, a Newport Beach-based investment platform with brother, Alex, focused on real estate and sports investments. Along with family, Merage is co-owner of Sacramento Read More

SVP/CHIEF DIGITAL & CUSTOMER INNOVATION OFFICER HOAG MEMORIAL HOSPITAL PRESBYTERIAN WHY: Head of digital strategy at health system since 2020. IN THE NEWS: Recipient of the Business Journal’s 2025 Innovator of the Year Award for transforming how patients access and experience care at Hoag. In addition to leading Hoag’s enterprise Read More