OCBC Staff
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Paul Simonds
949.476.2242 ext. 234
[email protected]
Paul Simonds
949.476.2242 ext. 234
[email protected]
Orange County Business Council represents and promotes the business community, working with government and academia, to enhance the economic development of the nation’s sixth largest county.
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President and Chief Executive Officer
Orange County Business Council
949.476.2242 ext. 237
[email protected]
Jeffrey K. Ball (“Jeff”) is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Orange County Business Council where he represents the interests of local businesses and organizations together with academia and government to promote the economic growth of the nation’s sixth largest county, Orange County, California.
Ball is the Founder of Friendly Hills Bank (now First Pacific Bank) where he previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer and is currently Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. His more than 40 years of experience in commercial and investment banking includes leadership positions with Bank of America, as well as past Chair of the California Bankers Association and past Chair of the Government Relations Council of the American Bankers Association. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Orange County Business Council, First Pacific Bancorp, Mobility21, Data Center, Inc., Catalina Island Conservancy, Orange County Fire Authority Foundation and Kinetic Academy which is a public charter school he founded in 2016. He is also a member by appointment of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and previously served two terms on the board of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and the Legal Services Trust Fund Commission of the California State Bar.
Prior to earning his MBA from Whittier College, Ball earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Puget Sound. A longtime advocate of financial literacy, he frequently guest lectures on the topics of financial and economic principles at high schools and universities across the nation.
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Orange County Business Council
949.476.2242 ext. 234
[email protected]
Paul Simonds is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Orange County Business Council (OCBC). With a focus on expanding economic development opportunities throughout Orange County and advancing the interests of OCBC’s investors, Simonds oversees the day-to-day operations of the Council.
Prior to joining OCBC, Paul was the Senior Vice President at the public affairs firm, Curt Pringle and Associates, where he represented a broad cross section of business sectors, including public utilities, telecommunications providers, developers, professional sports teams and public transportation agencies. Before that, Paul worked for Southern California Gas Company, Cerrell Associates and Western Growers Association.
Paul brings more than 20 years of experience to OCBC, including more than a decade working with policy makers and administrators in Orange County. Through the years, he has served on numerous boards, including the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce, South Orange County Economic Coalition, Capistrano Unified School District Foundation, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, Kinetic Academy, Sustain OC, Sempra Employees Political Action Committee, Economic Coalition Political Action Committee and Irvine Chamber Political Action Committee.
Paul, a Navy veteran, earned his master’s degree in Public Administration from Brandman University and his bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Media Relations from Chapman University.
Chief Financial Officer
Orange County Business Council
C: 310.508.9398
D: 949.476.2242 ext. 242
[email protected]
Frank McEnulty is a fractional CFO, business consultant and a full-time lecturer at California State University, Long Beach in the areas of Finance, International Finance and Entrepreneurship. Prior to starting his teaching career, he was involved in multiple start-up ventures spanning a wide range of business activities. As a senior-level financial executive, his background includes business start-ups, finance and accounting, multiple location management, real estate development, financial analysis, workout and mediation, presentations and public speaking, cash management, property management, development and operations. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Ojai Oil Company, a 100-plus year-old self-storage and oil company. McEnulty earned his B.S. degrees from CSU Long Beach in Accounting and Finance and his MBA from the University of Southern California in Entrepreneur and Venture Management.
Chief Economic Advisor
Orange County Business Council
949.476.2242
[email protected]
Since 1997, Dr. Walrod has served as the Chief Economic Adviser for Orange County Business Council (OCBC). Under his leadership, projects have shaped innovative programs, strategies and policies in the region. In his role, he also serves as the founding President of the Center for a New California where projects and reports focus on workforce development, economic development, infrastructure, and emerging trends in corporate social responsibility. Reports published for private industry, government and private foundations include the Orange County Community Indicators report, Workforce Assessment Indicators, Orange County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), the first-ever Sustainable Communities Strategy addressing climate change issues at the local and regional levels, Workforce Housing Toolkit, and Public Officials 101.
In addition, Dr. Walrod is a lead economic advisor to the Southern California Association of Governments economic strategy initiative and is Chief Economic Advisor to the Draper Hero Institute, leading the Draper Innovation Index Initiative. He has co-authored and published three papers with Luis Suarez-Villa—Disasters, Journal of International Biotechnology, and Urban Studies, the latter winning the 1997 Donald Robertson Memorial Prize. He is often quoted in regional and national media outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, The Orange County Register, Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and Entrepreneur. Over his years of experience, he has led strategic projects with organizations including the Draper Hero Institute, Esri, Toshiba America Information Systems, Hitachi Chemical, Merrill Lynch, The Irvine Company, First American Corporation, Citizens Business Bank, Bank of America, Los Angeles Business Council, California Emerging Technology Fund, First 5 OC, the Orange County Community Foundation, Wexford Capital, Next 10, Orange County Community Foundation, California Center for Regional Leadership, PacifiCare Health Systems, Fueling California, John Wayne Airport, Pacific Life Foundation, Orange County Workforce Investment Board, County of Orange, City of Anaheim, City of Santa Ana, City of Huntington Beach, Protect California Jobs and Innovation Coalition, James Irvine Foundation, Deloitte & Touche, Inland Empire Economic Partnership, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation, Orange County Transportation Authority, Southern California Association of Governments, Municipal Water District of Orange County, Viewpoint Learning, and Pacific Gas & Electric.
Dr. Walrod earned his Ph.D. in Regional Economics from the University of California, Irvine where his dissertation focused on successful strategic management practices in high-tech firms, including advanced electronics and biotechnology.
Vice President, Business Initiatives
Orange County Business Council
949.476.2242 ext. 221
[email protected]
Jesse Ben-Ron is the Vice President of Business Initiatives at Orange County Business Council (OCBC). In his position, Jesse convenes the organization’s investors to connect and mobilize around OCBC’s four core initiatives of Economic Development, Housing, Workforce and Infrastructure. He also leads the California Jobs First Orange County Regional Investment Initiative and Leading Educational Attainment (LEA) for Families Initiative on behalf of the organization.
Ben-Ron comes to OCBC following two years with Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, where he served as District Coordinator for the past chair of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy. During his tenure with Quirk-Silva’s office, Ben-Ron worked closely with local chambers, economic development departments, GO-Biz, SBA, major universities, the County Department of Education and local school districts to further workforce and economic development initiatives in the State.
Ben-Ron earned a finance concentrated Masters of Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Economics from San Diego State University.
Vice President of Public Affairs
Orange County Business Council
949.476.2242 ext. 212
[email protected]
Sarah Ghebrial is a strategic communications expert with a passion for storytelling, media relations and public affairs. She specializes in developing and executing campaigns that drive brand visibility by securing top-tier coverage and positioning businesses and executives as industry leaders.
As Vice President of Public Affairs at the Orange County Business Council (OCBC), Sarah leads the organization’s communications, media relations, branding and digital engagement efforts. Sarah enjoys working closely with Orange County businesses and community leaders to help tell their story and strengthen their public presence.
Sarah has led award-winning campaigns across diverse industries. She is known for her collaborative leadership and results-driven approach, with expertise in coalition building, messaging strategy and media advocacy.
Sarah holds a B.S. in Mass Communications from St. John’s University and a M.S. from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Vice President, Investor Relations
Orange County Business Council
949.476.2242 ext. 209
[email protected]
Vice President, Events & Special Projects
Orange County Business Council
949.476.2242 ext. 241
[email protected]
Vice President, Government Affairs
Orange County Business Council
949.476.2242 ext. 215
[email protected]
Amanda Walsh is the Vice President of Government Affairs for Orange County Business Council. She oversees all aspects of the Council’s government and public affairs programs for Orange County’s business community.
Prior to joining OCBC, Amanda worked for University of California, Irvine as their Community Relations Manager where her responsibilities included discovering and overseeing partnerships between the University, its departments and the community. She also worked to increase trusting relationships with the region’s educators, nonprofits, businesses, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), opinion leaders, students and families to raise awareness about UCI. She represented UCI at civic meetings and community events, and developed integrated partnership opportunities for the campus to add value to the community’s future.
Amanda received her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations with a minor in Political Sciences from California State University, Fullerton in 2016. Amanda currently lives in Irvine with her two daughters, Amelia and Madeline. If she’s not spending time with her family or out serving the community you can find her coaching indoor cycling at Cyclebar Irvine UTC.
Director, Accounting and
Investor Sales
Orange County Business Council
949.476.2242 ext. 207
[email protected]
Tanya Weisz is the Executive Assistant for Orange County Business Council, providing administrative, accounting and logistical support to the President and team.
Prior to joining OCBC, Tanya was a Service Contract Specialist and Administrative Assistant at Anton Paar. Before that, she worked at the Disneyland Resort as a Resort Lead, specializing in employee training. She is an active participant in Relay for Life and has been volunteering with Deaf & Disabled Services at Comic Con International for 10 years.
Tanya earned her B.S. in Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona, participating in Inter-Hall Council, Welcome Week Leadership Team and the Disney College Program. She lives in Orange and enjoys the outdoors, films and going to Anaheim Ducks games.
Manager, Government Affairs
Orange County Business Council
949.476.2242 ext. 208
[email protected]
Paulina Alvarez is a dedicated professional with a strong background in government affairs, community engagement and public policy. In 2024, she joined Curt Pringle & Associates (CP&A) as an Account Coordinator, where she supported clients across a range of sectors including housing, commercial development and health care. At CP&A, Ms. Alvarez played a key role in community outreach, the entitlement process and stakeholder engagement. Her work focused on legislative affairs, policy development and advancing meaningful relationships between clients and local government.
Prior to her time at CP&A, Ms. Alvarez served as a Field Representative for the California State Assembly. In this role, she acted as a vital liaison between an assembly member and constituents—attending community events, meetings and forums to understand local concerns and ensure they were represented in Sacramento. She regularly handled constituent casework, provided support with state agencies and advocated for community needs through the legislative process.
Ms. Alvarez earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and American Studies from California State University, Fullerton. During her undergraduate years, she was actively involved in the Pre-Law Society, College Legal Clinic and Gamma Phi Beta Sorority—experiences that deepened her understanding of legal studies, leadership and service.
Outside of work, Ms. Alvarez enjoys exploring new coffee shops in search for the best Spanish latte.
Manager, Business Initiatives
Orange County Business Council
949.476.2242 ext. 245
[email protected]
As the Business Initiatives Manager at Orange County Business Council, Maria is responsible for the planning and execution of the California Jobs First Initiative within the Orange County region. Her responsibilities include developing and implementing innovative plans and strategies aimed at diversifying local economies. Maria is dedicated to fostering economic growth and resilience in the community. In addition to her work on the California Jobs First Initiative, Maria heads the Leading Educational Attainment (LEA) for Families Initiative. Through this initiative, she plays a pivotal role in assisting families as they navigate the path to higher education, ensuring that children have the resources and guidance needed for a successful future.
Before joining OCBC, Maria contributed to the success of Cal State Fullerton in the Office of Admissions, bringing valuable insights and expertise to the university’s admissions process. Prior to this role, she served as a student trustee on the California State University, Board of Trustees, a position appointed by the California Governor.
Maria earned her Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in public policy and Bachelor’s in Sociology with a minor in political science from California State University, Fullerton. Dedicated to her alma mater, she serves on the CSUF College of Humanities and Social Sciences Passage to the Future Advisory Board. Committed to her community, Maria resides in Tustin and finds fulfillment in spending quality time with her children while actively engaging in community service and mentoring youth from disinvested communities.
Business Initiatives Facilitator
Orange County Business Council
949.476.2242 ext. 223
[email protected]
Jorge (Jorgie) Sandoval is the Business Initiatives Facilitator at Orange County Business Council (OCBC), bringing over a decade of project management expertise. In this role, Jorgie provides logistical support in the execution of business initiative strategies and fostering relationships with key stakeholders, partners, and investors. He collaborates closely with the Vice President of Business Initiatives and CEO to organize and facilitate informational sessions and committee meetings on workforce, housing, and economic development.
Before joining OCBC, Jorgie served as a Public Affairs Account Manager at Communications LAB, where he directed award-winning programs and community outreach initiatives. He also revitalized the company’s internship program, mentoring aspiring professionals in public relations, social media, graphic design, and video production.
Jorgie is a proud first-generation college graduate of California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. While at CSULB, he mentored at 22 West Media, training students across various media platforms. He also hosted and produced the nationally recognized podcast “Brains Are Sexy Radio,” which was awarded “Best Talk Show” by the Intercollegiate Broadcasting Systems Awards for two consecutive years.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jorgie serves as the Young Professionals (YoPro) Committee Chair on the Orange County Public Relations Society of America (OCPRSA) board, where he supports the development of emerging PR talent, fostering opportunities for networking, education, and career advancement.
Communications and Social Media Specialist
Orange County Business Council
949.476.2242 ext. 220
[email protected]
Maiken Sorenson is the Communications and Social Media Specialist for Orange County Business Council (OCBC). She manages multi-channel communications, including newsletters, marketing collateral, media relations, website content, email campaigns and social media.
Maiken leads scriptwriting for OCBC’s annual events, has partnered cross-functionally to launch two new events and coordinates audio-visual production to deliver seamless, high-impact programs. She has also grown the organization’s LinkedIn audience by over 1,000 followers annually, expanding OCBC’s digital reach.
Previously, she worked at Concordia University Irvine on website content, editorial projects and the 2022 university rebranding. She earned her BA in Communication Studies, with minors in Business Administration and Graphic Design, from Concordia University Irvine.
In her free time, Maiken enjoys exploring new foods and practicing yoga.
Jim Mayfield is a former U.S. diplomat with extensive experience advancing U.S. business interests across global markets. Prior to joining the Orange County Business Council, he served as Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Assistance Center in Irvine, California, where he led a multidisciplinary team advising clients on international business development, exports, and foreign investment attraction.
Prior to joining the Irvine team, Jim served as a U.S. Foreign Commercial Service Officer in Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and Shanghai. In these roles, he crafted and executed market entry strategies, led trade missions, and directed advocacy campaigns that secured major contracts. Jim and his teams frequently organized large-scale business development initiatives, including several U.S. investment promotion events in Hong Kong and Vietnam.
Jim holds a BA in International Affairs from The George Washington University and an MBA from the University of Hawaiʻi. He lives in California and serves as an advisor to Chapman University’s Schmid Center for International Business and the Orange County chapter of Women in International Trade. Jim is also a Senior Advisor at Vriens & Partners, a Southeast Asia-focused business advisory and government affairs firm.
