CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County Announces Strategic Leadership Transition and Appointments to Board of Directors

Strategic Insights -

CEOs in Orange County have come together to tackle pressing issues and build a sustainable economy. The CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County (CLAOC) has undergone a strategic leadership transition, with Annette Walker ending her term as Board Chair. CLAOC co-founder Richard (Dick) Gochnauer has taken over as Board Chair, effective August 2, 2025. Walker's contributions have played a crucial role in shaping CLAOC's new strategic plan, focusing on talent pipeline development and sector growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • Annette Walker, President of City of Hope Orange County, concluded her term as CLAOC Board Chair, with Richard (Dick) Gochnauer assuming the role, effective August 2, 2025.
  • Walker's tenure helped develop a new strategic plan to scale CLAOC's reach and impact, focusing on building highly-skilled talent pipelines for key sectors in Orange County.
  • Six new executives joined the CLAOC Board of Directors: Lawrence Armstrong, Chairman of Ware Malcomb; Paul Bay, CEO of Ingram Micro; Brian Dick, President and CEO of Golden State Foods; Doug Holte, Founder and General Partner of Agile Workweek Investments; Thomas Hopson, CEO of Delta Fine and Retired President of Bioplate; and Robin Shanahan, Managing Director and Co-Chief Operating Officer of PIMCO.
  • Established board members include Darryl Button, President and CEO of Pacific Life Insurance Company; Daveen Chopra, Corporate Vice President of Transcatheter Mitral and Tricuspid Therapies at Edwards Lifesciences; Kim Letch, US Private Equity Sector Leader - Audit at EY; Edward Mora, Senior Vice President and Managing Market Leader for Orange County at U.S. Bank; Mark Percy, CEO and President of CLAOC; Brett Wall, Executive Vice President and President of Neurosciences Portfolio at Medtronic; and Doug Wilson, Co-Founder of CLAOC and Chair of the National Talent Collaborative.
  • Gochnauer co-founded CLAOC with Doug Wilson and has served on its board since its inception. He has also served on several boards, including Vodori, Higher Ambition Leadership Alliance, Rush University and Medical Center, and Rising Tide Transitional Housing.
  • Gochnauer emphasized that the business leaders in the alliance are committed to creating a strong and sustainable economy in Orange County, addressing complex talent issues through deep systems change.

Statistics:

  • Over 50 CEOs are part of the CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County.
  • The alliance is focused on building a strong talent pipeline in Orange County for key sectors and roles.
  • CLAOC's programming aims to help employers find and retain top local talent.

Sources:

  • CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County
  • Press Release, CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County, September 11, 2025 (PRNewswire-PRWeb)