april 29, 2013 • an advertising supplement to the san ... · at any given high-profile, red...

April 29, 2013 • An Advertising Supplement to the San Fernando Valley Business Journal

Women inBusiness 2013

Honorees (from left to right): Lauren Berkovitz of Philip B. Botanical Products, Haley Warden of Wells Fargo Bank, Amanda Patton

representing Cheryl Berkman of Music Express, Yi Sun Kim of Greenberg & Bass LLP, Pegi Matsuda of Valley Presbyterian Hospital,

Mary K. Fischer of Boston Private Bank & Trust Company, Monica Mills of Hopes Haven, Wendy Simpson of LTC Properties, Inc.

and Carolyn Blashek of Operation Gratitude.

Presenting Sponsor: Platinum Sponsors: Gold Sponsors:

Bank of America

Bessolo Haworth & Vogel LLP

Boston Private Bank & Trust

Company

California United Bank

Cerrell Associates

Community Bank

First Bank

Greenberg & Bass LLP

Kaiser Permanente

Lewitt Hackman

LTC Properties, Inc.

Moss Adams LLP

NAWBO-LA

Phillips Graduate Institute

Travelers

Ultimate Software

Valley Economic Alliance

VEDC

Wells Fargo

Woodbury University

25_57_sfvbj_women_in_biz_04_29_13.qxp 4/24/2013 8:04 PM Page 25

26 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL APRIL 29, 2013

WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2013

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Congratulations to Pegi Matsuda

L/B/W Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. * 661 702-6000 28055 Smyth Dr. Valencia Ca 91355 * www.LBWinsurance.com * CA License #0785905

Lifetime Achievement

Award

2013 Women In Business Awards

The San Fernando Valley BusinessJournal celebrated and honored thewomen of outstanding achievementin the Valley business communitywith the 12th annual Women in

Business Awards Reception and Luncheon eventat the Sheraton Universal City Hotel on Tuesday,April 23rd, 2013.

Described by attendees as an uplifting andinspirational event, the celebration honoredValley based women who have “led by example”and provided inspirational success stories for theBusiness Journal year round. These remarkablewomen were applauded for demonstrating effec-tive business vision and a passionate commit-ment to positively impacting the world of busi-ness, the communities they serve or in manycases, both.

The Business Journal received 110 incredible

nominations this year – all of whom are superbexamples of women who genuinely lead by exam-ple. Our judges had the unenviable task of narrow-ing the field down to just one winner in each often award categories. Awards were presented towomen who have truly blazed a path of excellencefor all of us in the Valley and beyond.

Many thanks are due to our PresentingSponsor, City National Bank and our PlatinumSponsors Chase and Valley Presbyterian Hospital,as well as to our terrific collection of GoldSponsors this year.

Congratulations to all the honorees and nominees!

Josh SchimmelsAssociate Publisher

25_57_sfvbj_women_in_biz_04_29_13.qxp 4/24/2013 8:05 PM 6

APRIL 29, 2013 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL 27©

2013

City

Nat

iona

l Ban

k

In the aerospace industry, there is no room for failure, so we need a very reliable bank.

City National allowed us to grow and make the investments necessary to be competitive. They’re proactive and our banker is a member of our team. We use their full suite of online banking services and they provide our equipment financing and a strong line of credit.

City National is The way up® for our business.

Kellie JohnsonPresident, ACE Clearwater Enterprises

Hear Kellie’s complete story at cnb.com/thewayup.

Experience theCity National Difference.SM

Call (866) 618-5196 or visit cnb.com to find a business banker near you.

“ City National helps us compete.”

City National Business Banking Member FDIC



WOMEN INBUSINESS2013 HONOREES

➼

Lifetime Achievement AwardPEGI MATSUDAValley Presbyterian Hospital

P egi Matsuda has contributed to the Valley business community inmany ways. After gaining experience in marketing and commu-nity development at GTE, Pacific Enterprises and the L.A.

Chamber of Commerce, she joined the San Fernando Valley BusinessJournal in 2000. During her 12-year tenure, Matsuda was instrumentalin the publication’s growth. She helped to position the SFVBJ as a trust-ed source of business news and information, and grew the company’sroster of advertisers from 40 (December 1999) to more than 500. Underher leadership, the SFVBJ hosted numerous business awards eventsannually to honor successful businesspeople and companies, andencourage networking and philanthropy. Matsuda was appointed SeniorVice President of Community and Market Development for ValleyPresbyterian Hospital (VPH) in June 2012. She is responsible for creatingand directing external programs including community development,fund development and employee volunteerism programs. Matsuda alsois responsible for planning and directing marketing, advertising, mediaand external and internal communication programs. A newcomer to thefield of health care – and taking on a newly created role at VPH –Matsuda is bringing innovation and new opportunity to this nonprofit,independent community hospital. In addition to her successful career inpublishing, Matsuda spent 20 years at Southern California corporationsincluding GTE Telephone Operations and Sempra Energy. During thistime, she held numerous leadership positions. Matsuda is a longstand-ing Valley business leader and serves as a board member for VICA, chair-man-elect of VEDC, a founding board member of ACG-101 Corridorand she is also a member of the board of trustees for WoodburyUniversity in Burbank. She has received numerous awards includingrecognition from the San Fernando Valley Bar Association, VICA, HavenHills and MEND. She was also honored in 2008 by the state ofCalifornia as “Woman of the Year” by the 42nd Assembly District.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch is proud to support the recipients of the

2013 Women in Business Awards. We salute your commitment to taking

your business and your profession to new heights.

Turning commitment into achievement.

Craig McGuire

LA Coastal Market Executive, SVP

818.464.1528

“Bank of America Merrill Lynch” is the marketing name for the global banking and global markets businesses of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, includingBank of America, N.A., member FDIC. Securities, strategic advisory, and other investment banking activities are performed globally by investment banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (”Investment Banking Affiliates”), including, in the United States, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Merrill Lynch Professional Clearing Corp., both of which are registered broker-dealers and members of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. Investment products offered by Investment Banking Affiliates: Are Not FDIC Insured • May Lose Value • Are Not Bank Guaranteed. ©2013 Bank of America Corporation ARE7CD1F | GCB-117-AD


APRIL 29, 2013 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL 29

Acumen. Agility. Answers.

We love givingcredit where it’s due.

San Fernando Valley Business Journal

Los Angeles | Woodland Hills | Orange County | San Diego (310) 477-0450 WWW.MOSSADAMS.COM




CEO of the YearWENDY L. SIMPSONLTC Properties, Inc.

W endy L. Simpson is the President and CEO of LTCProperties, Inc., which is a publicly traded healthcareREIT headquartered in Westlake Village. The compa-

ny primarily invests in Skilled Nursing Facilities and AssistedLiving Facilities. Under Simpson’s stewardship, LTC has approx-imately 207 facilities located in 30 states. As of Fiscal Year End12/31/12, LTC’s revenues and total assets were $94 million and$790 million, respectively. As of 3-7-13, LTC’s market cap was$1.21 Billion and the stock traded at $39.47 per share. Simpsonhas been the CEO since 2007 and has held several other roleswith the Company during her 18 years with the organization.She also served as Chief Financial Officer (from July 2000through March 2007), Treasurer (from January 2005 throughMarch 2007), and President and Chief Operating Officer (fromOctober 2005 through March 2007). She also was ViceChairman of the Board from April 2000 through October 2005.Having served as a senior executive officer of LTC Properties formore than a decade, including her current role as President andChief Executive Officer, Simpson brings a deep understandingof the company’s historical and current business and financialoperations. Simpson has led the company to record historicalrevenues and profitability during her time as CEO by growingvia acquisitions as well as organic growth. She has guided thecompany through challenging industry trends and througheconomic cycles. As a result, LTC is currently among the lead-ing performers in the Healthcare REIT industry and is poisedfor future success. Beyond her tireless work for LTC Properties,Simpson also serves as a board member for several corporationsand is also active in the local community.

➼

Business Owner of the YearCHERYL BERKMANMusic Express

Cheryl Berkman is the CEO of Music Express Limousine, thelargest family-owned limousine business in the country.Despite many obstacles encountered in a male dominated

industry, Berkman has grown the Company that was founded by herfather Harold Berkman into a more than $50 million per year rev-enue business. Music Express is headquartered in Burbank, withlocations in New York, Washington and San Francisco and now,under Berkman’s stewardship, is providing luxury limousine servicesworldwide. Music Express is “the name” in limousines for the enter-tainment industry. At any given high-profile, red carpet event,Berkman and her fleet of limos are a constant presence. Berkmanhas demonstrated initiative within the industry and continues to bea leader and a visionary in her field. While the vast majority of limocompanies have fewer than five cars, Music Express now has over100 in Southern California alone. Berkman has also established herown repair shop, an advanced computer system for booking reserva-tions (with a proprietary smart phone app) and a satellite servicethat tracks every move her cars make. While Berkman represents aCompany that is known for its focus on service, attention to detail,and being the top provider in the industry, she also makes time forgiving back. She has taken an active leadership role in the Make-a-Wish Foundation donates money and time to the Burbank AnimalShelter (the company and its employees presently have three res-cued dogs that are treated as part of the Music Express family andwelcome visitors daily). She is a strong financial contributor to theCity of Hope and the City of Burbank, and continues to donate lim-ousine services for patients and fundraisers. She is a founder andboard member of the GCLA (Greater California Limo Association)and a board member of the NLA (National Limo Association).



© 2013 JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC

Chase is proud to support the Women in

Business Awards.

WE ENCOURAGETHOSE WITH THECOURAGE TO LEAD.

Stop by your local Chase branch.




➼

Executive of the YearMARY K. FISCHERBoston Private Bank & Trust Company

Mary Fischer was Chief Operating Officer and Chief FinancialOfficer of First State Bank of California (formerly known asBank of Granada Hills) until it was acquired by Boston Private

Bank & Trust Company. She then became responsible for the daily over-sight and management of all operational aspects of the bank’s offices inGranada Hills, Encino, Burbank, Westlake Village and Santa Monica.Her responsibilities included financial management, regulatory andinternal reporting, strategic planning, personnel, security, disaster recov-ery, compliance and technology. In fact, the acquisition, merger, inte-gration and conversion of Encino State Bank and the Burbank BranchOffice were under her supervision. She is now responsible for expand-ing the Bank’s footprint and market share of deposits in SouthernCalifornia. Fischer has a comprehensive commercial banking back-ground, including extensive experience in the daily operations of retailand business banking. This is complemented by a thorough knowledgeof reorganization, financial management and loss mitigation. Fischerhas repeatedly proven to be a strategic thinker driven to translate busi-ness concepts into actionable revenue producing business at the tacticallevel. In addition to her primary position as SVP - Manager of theBank’s West Coast Banking Offices, Fischer chairs the StrategicManagement Committee for Southern California. In this role she hasmade a great contribution to the bank’s ability to formulate and imple-ment strategy for growth in the region. She works to encourage workingrelationships between the key business lines in the region and herefforts are evident in the success of the bank’s cross selling initiatives.Fischer has also played a key role in the integration and merger of theformer First Private Bank into Boston Private Bank & Trust. This mergercommenced in May of 2011 and required a herculean effort on Fischer’spart in integrating the numerous offices and systems extending throughthe end of 2012.



As one of the nation’s largest insurers of small businesses, Travelers advocates for economicopportunity – one business and one community at a time. In addition to developingcustomized initiatives to protect small businesses, we are committed to working towardpublic policy solutions for small business owners and helping them prepare for the unknownthrough education and leveraging our expertise in risk mitigation. Travelers has undertakenthese efforts because the company understands that the health of small business is key toeconomic prosperity, competitiveness and the preservation of the American Opportunity.

Travelers is proud to support the 2013 Women in Business Awards.

travelers.com

© 2013 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries.M-17011-1 New 4-13

It’s more than a business. It’s your livelihood.




➼

Not-for-Profit Executive of the YearCAROLYN BLASHEKOperation Gratitude

Carolyn Blashek is the founder of Operation Gratitude, theCalifornia-based 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-based organ-ization that annually sends 100,000 or more care packages

of snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciationaddressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployedoverseas, to their children and families left behind, to WoundedWarriors recuperating in transition units and to First Responderson the front lines at home. Following Blashek’s lead, the organiza-tion’s mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member’sface and to express the appreciation and support of the Americanpeople. Since its inception in March, 2003, Operation Gratitudehas shipped more than 760,000 packages to American servicemembers deployed overseas. In 2003, Blashek sent her first carepackage to an unknown soldier serving in the Iraq War overseas.Soon her living room turned into a staging area and post office asfriends and community joined in to send letters of thanks to sol-diers, along with packages filled with toiletries, music, DVD’s,candy and love. The Military supports and embraces her effortsbecause they see the impact on troops deployed away from home.Thousands have sent Carolyn letters of thanks saying those pack-ages are a reminder of why they are fighting in the trenches: forsomeone back home who has noticed the sacrifice they make—and cares. Today Blashek’s operation is so large that she uses theCalifornia National Guard Armory in Van Nuys for a staging areaduring packing drives. Thousands of volunteers attend, old andyoung. For Carolyn, it is not only important that our troops arehonored and remembered by receiving the packages and letters,but that the rest of us can show our appreciation for them as wellby working side by side in the packing efforts.

Volunteer of the YearMONICA MILLSHopes Haven

Monica Mills is a lot of things to a lot of people. She’san MBA student at California Lutheran University, shehas forged a career that is part finance, part marketing

as vice-president of mortgage lead generation for Bank ofAmerica, she has a bachelor’s and master’s in screenwriting andeven did some public relations at Amgen before a temp jobanswering phones at the front desk of a Wells Fargo HomeMortgage branch got her into the lending business. She laterwent to work for Countrywide Financial and ended up at Bankof America after its 2008 acquisition of the lender. But perhapsthe most impressive role Mills plays is her role as a proactive,passionate volunteer. Despite a hectic work schedule, she hasfound time to found Hopes Haven, a non-profit that benefitsseriously ill or injured children. After serving as a Make-A-Wishvolunteer inspired her in 2008 to start her organization, shehas built Hopes Haven from scratch all while managing tothrive in her “day job” at Bank of America. Under Mills’ stew-ardship, Hopes Haven provides financial assistance to familiesand organizes events for children in Ventura County and theConejo Valley. The organization’s mission is to enrich the livesof children battling serious illness or injury and assist familiesfacing financial hardship due to their child’s medical condition.One of the programs that Mills has developed through HopesHaven is the "No Place Like Home" program, which strives toallow families to find a piece of home and the warmth it pro-vides during a child's challenging time battling illness. The NoPlace Like Home initiative is designed to provide free lodging tofamilies commuting into the Los Angeles area for their child'streatment, surgery or rehabilitation.



SBA Preferred LenderMember FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

CBANK.COM877-922-2653

SBA Loans for Your Small Business

“ I like seeing small businesses succeed from the partnerships we create.” — Dave Malone, Chairman/CEO

Community Bank’s SBA

7A products provide

extended loan terms,

improving cash flow and

preserving your capital.

Don’t miss an opportunity

for your small business to

succeed because you didn’t

have the right funding. Deborah Gallagher, Senior Vice President SBA Division



➼


Business Team of the YearJODI CADEN, LORI CADEN,KARI CADEN, VICKI GRAHAM,NORMA CARDENAZ andELIZABETH RUIZBelly Bandit

L ike any woman whose figure hasundergone the changes associatedwith pregnancy, Lori Caden was wor-

ried about getting her tummy back to itsnormally-flat shape after the birth of her sec-ond child. While brainstorming options withsisters Jodi and Kari, the three becameincreasingly convinced that there must bemore effective and convenient ways thanserious gym time or costly tummy tucks tosnap back into shape. By improving on the

idea of compression wraps—a method thatdates back centuries and has various uses intoday’s medical community—they felt theycould bring an effortless, affordable and styl-ish alternative to busy new moms of allshapes and sizes. The Caden sisters alongwith hard working team introduced the firstBelly Bandit on Mother’s Day in 2008, creat-ing a new niche in the post-pregnancy mar-ket and sparking a new trend for post-par-tum women. Careful research, developmentand passion yielded a unique belly wrap,combining medical-grade compression andbreathable materials with supreme comfort,fashion-forward style, and significant results.Designed to help women slim and shapetheir silhouettes, provide back support, mini-mize stretch marks, ease c-section discom-

fort, boost confidence and restore positivebody image, the Belly Bandit wrap has quick-ly become one of the most coveted post-pregnancy aids for women everywhere. As afamily-owned and operated business, BellyBandit thrives on the collective strengths,creative energies and entrepreneurial spiritsof its founders and each employee is pickedbased on the same conditions. The team hascreated a systematic approach to being num-ber one. Since the 2008 debut, Belly Banditproducts remain in high demand in morethan 60 countries and 900 retailers globally,including Target, Nordstrom, Babies R’ Usand Buy Buy Baby. The brand has receivedconsiderable international media attentionand has won both consumer and medicalprofessional approval.

Jodi Caden Lori Caden Kari Caden Vicki Graham Norma Cardenaz Elizabeth Ruiz

Rising StarYI SUN KIMGreenberg & Bass LLP

Arising star among women in the legal and business com-munity, Yi Sun Kim began her career at Greenberg &Bass in 2002. She joined the firm as a file clerk and dur-

ing her nearly three years in that position, everyone whoencountered her was impressed by her diligence, attention todetail, and her interest in the firm’s practice. When she left forlaw school, it was a given among her coworkers at Greenberg &Bass that she would excel. Kim returned to the firm as a part-time law clerk while in law school. After passing the bar on herfirst try, she joined the firm as a full-time associate in the fall of2007. Since then, she has emerged as an exceptionally compe-tent attorney who has earned the trust and respect of the attor-neys with whom she works – both inside and outside of thefirm. On a daily basis, Kim interfaces with clients, opposingcounsel, the courts, and co-workers. While she continues toreport to the firm’s senior partners on various matters, Kim haseasily adapted to an advancing role that requires more inde-pendence and less supervision. Her practice in commercial litiga-tion, bankruptcy, and transactional matters has allowed her towork across a variety of legal platforms. Kim is equally as com-fortable working on a real estate transaction as she is negotiatingwith debtors and creditors in a bankruptcy matter, or advocatingfor a client before a district court judge. Her talent as an attorneycan be credited, in part, to her meticulous attention to detail,excellent writing skills, and keen intuition. She is articulate inher oral and written arguments, consistently demonstrating herstrengths as a solid strategic thinker. Ultimately, and perhapsmost telling, is the success of Greenberg & Bass clients that Kimand her capabilities have played a role in.



Building wealth takes time,sharing it is the reward

Financial options help you keep what you’ve worked hard to build.It’s taken years of hard work to build a secure future. Now it’s time to safeguard and grow your financial legacy. We can help you devise your strategy. Whether you want to increase your savings, secure a loan, enjoy the convenience of ATMs and online banking, plan your investment or retirement strategy, or spend time talking to your local banker, we have options to help you choose solutions that work best for you.

Receive your free financial review with a banker, call 1-800-869-3557, or visit us online.

wellsfargo.com/aspirations

© 2013 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (910335_08294)



Congratulations, Pegi Matsuda!As the San Fernando Valley Business Journal’s 2013 Women in Business Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, your colleagues

and friends at Woodbury University appreciate your commitment to the university and the larger Los Angeles community.

7500 Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, CA 91510-7846www.woodbury.edu • (818) 767-0888


Newcomer of the YearLAUREN BERKOVITZPhilip B. Botanical Products

At only 27 years old, Lauren Berkovitz has risen to theposition of Vice President of Business Development atPhilip B. Botanical Products and plays a key role as a

leader in a fast growing company in the health and beauty space.Since joining Philip B, Berkovitz, she has been responsible fortransforming the company into a globally recognized brand inover 49 countries in the high end hair care arena. Berkovitz hasalso played a key role in the expansion of the company throughthe launch of the brand’s new packaging, expansion of the prod-uct line, and new formulas. She has also been instrumental inachieving a stronger presence in the mass retail channel for thebrand. She has many direct reports working for her and is likelyamong the youngest senior level executives at a middle marketcompany in her industry. Berkovitz spends most of her time inthe company’s Westlake Village headquarters, but travels often toEurope tackling both supply chain and sales-related issues. Shealso leads the company’s marketing efforts, utilizing her broadbackground in sales and marketing. Upon first meetingBerkovitz, one might not realize the extent to which she playssuch an instrumental leadership role in a fast growing globalcompany and brand because of her natural warmth and passionfor the organization she represents. In addition to her large list ofdaily responsibilities at Philip B., Berkovitz volunteers her time tothe community, such as sponsoring the Conejo Valley Mud Runand organizing a group of runners. She has also been involvedwith Convoy of Hope, Conejo Valley Teen Center, My Stuff BagsFoundation, The Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Event,Care for Kenya Gala and Fundraiser, and Face Forward (benefit-ing domestic violence victims).




Executive Assistant of the YearHALEY WARDENWells Fargo Bank

Haley Warden has been a stand-out employee for Wells Fargofor the past eight years. She is currently the ExecutiveAssistant to Marla Clemow, Region President of the LA Metro

Region of Wells Fargo, which covers the San Fernando Valley, theSanta Clarita Valley, Downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills andWestwood. Daily, Warden manages the Region President’s calendarand correspondence, works in partnership with vendors and otherlines of business, and handles expense accounts and the generalledger. She is the liaison between the region and customers, electedofficials and community partners. She oversees an administrativestaff of seven, three of which support five districts comprising of theSan Fernando Valley retail banking centers. Annually, Warden plansand organizes every aspect of Wells Fargo’s signature event, theCommunity Partners Breakfast. This event allows each store managerto select one nonprofit organization to donate $1,000 to at a break-fast attended by Wells Fargo senior leaders, local elected officials andrepresentatives from the nonprofits being honored. Additionally,Warden is in charge of planning large scale training sessions, meet-ings and recognition events for the team members in the SanFernando Valley. Warden is a founding chair member of the WellsFargo Women’s Team Member Network, LA/OC Chapter. She servedas the secretary chair from 2011 until January of this year During hertime on the board, she initiated the Women’s Team MemberNetwork Wear Red Day in support of the American HeartAssociation’s Go Red Campaign. In conjunction with Earth Day, shemailed out wild flower seeds and “Go Green” tip cards to all 358chapter members. She co-created the chapter’s mentorship program,aligned mentorship mentors/mentees and organized monthly updateconference calls around tips to being a good mentor.



ANDREA AMBROSEHorvitz & Levy LLP

Andrea Ambrose is dedi-cated not only to counsel-ing her clients in appellatelaw but also to helpingthose less fortunate. Inaddition to meeting thedemands of her legal

career, Ambrose has made communityinvolvement and pro bono legal servic-es a priority, distinguishing herself as anatural leader, both inside and outsideher law firm. An associate at respectedappellate boutique Horvitz & Levy,Ambrose handles matters in a widerange of areas, including insurance,healthcare, education, real estate andgeneral business litigation. She isadmitted to practice in both federaland state appellate courts. She serveson the firm’s marketing and recruitingcommittees. In addition to her com-munity and pro bono efforts, Ambrosehas successfully represented Horvitz &Levy’s clients in several notable cases.She was part of the Horvitz & Levyteam that successfully representedLexington Insurance Company andAIG in an insurance coverage disputein the U.S. Court of Appeals for theNinth Circuit.

REBECCA AMIS SUZY AMIS CAMERONMUSE SchoolTwo women making a difference in theworld of education are power sisterteam Rebecca and Suzy Amis Cameron.“Avatar” director, James Cameron andhis wife, Suzy Amis Cameron, and hersister Rebecca Amis came together in2006 to found a Holistic, community-minded and future-focused K-5 MUSESchool in Malibu Canyon. When theschool opened, Suzy Amis shared withthe staff that her dream was to helpcreate a school where students learnwho they are as individuals. To inspireyoung people to live consciously withthemselves, one another and the plan-et…and to inspire each other. WithMUSE, that dream has become a reali-ty. Beyond innovative math, Englishand science courses, part of the curricu-lum focuses on teaching sustainability,from the materials in the classrooms tothe food at lunch. Students plant, growand tend vegetables in the garden andgreenhouses.

MARGE BARNETTThe Beverly GarlandMarge Barnett is the Event manager atthe Beverly Garland in NorthHollywood. In the somewhat volatileindustry of event planning, she hasbeen a reliable mainstay now for many

years. Thanks to Barnett,many a corporate event,wedding, quincenera orother special occasion hascome together and shoneat the Beverly Garland,where she has more than

12,000 square feet of indoor eventspace for up to 650 guests to workwith. This meeting space is enhancedby an additional 2,500 square feet ofbeautifully landscaped space in thecourtyard outdoors where many eventelements have taken place underBarnett’s watch.

RENEE BARTLETTKAT WISECUPMINDY McLEESAZITA NAGHAVICIANMoss Adams LLP

The MossAdams teamof Bartlett,Wisecup,McLees andNaghavicianrecentlyworked on aproposal fora Fortune500 automaker toprepare 100+returns, andworked outa multi-year

plan to accomplish the work. Eachmember of the team was responsiblefor preparing their portion of the budg-et and participating in peer review ofthe plan. Additionally, the team workstogether daily reviewing audits, prepar-ing cases for real property assessmentreduction, and various consultingissues. They are experienced, versatileprofessionals that love their jobs andbelieve in going the extra mile forMoss Adams’ clients. Between thefour women, they have a combined 66years of property tax specialty experi-ence – plus women make up 80% ofthe total Moss Adams Property Taxgroup of which Bartlett, Wisecup,McLees and Naghavician are an essen-tial part.

BARBARA BECNELDKKD StaffingBarbara Becnel is the Client ServicesRepresentative of DKKD Staffing,where her colleagues refer to her asthe “backbone and glue” of the organ-ization. In late 2011, DKKD Staffing inWestlake Village opened its doors pro-viding predominantly Executive andTechnology contractors, direct hiresand payroll services across most of US.

In the first year of business DKKD hasachieved the status as a Million Dollarbusiness, in no small part due toBecnel’s efforts with the clientele.Becnel is in charge of all contractors’timecards and payroll, invoicing theclients, accounting and all technologyaspects for the company.

NATALIE BERENDUSI Insurance Services

Natalie Berend has been aleader at USI of SouthernCalifornia for over 20years. She manages inexcess of 20 people direct-ly and interfaces with aproduction staff of over a

dozen. Her team places and controlsover $100 million in premium for USI’sclients. Berend has endured multiplemanagement changes, and the initia-tives that come with those many per-sonalities. She is known as a “teachingmanager” — patiently training andguiding new employees, and impartingher years of experience. Her technicalskills are first class, she has incredibleclarity around coverage issues and ifthere is a crisis, or a time crunch,Berend is the first to jump in and takethe lead getting the work completed.The ultimate tribute to Berend’s reputa-tion and contributions is not fromManagement, or her direct reports, butfrom her peers, who put her at the topwhen it comes to all around excellence.

POLINA BERNSTEINDIANA FRIEDLANDBernstein & Friedland, P.C.

In a fewmonths, sis-ters PolinaBernsteinand DianaFriedlandwill celebrateanother

anniversary of their partnership atBernstein & Friedland, P.C., where theduo represents wrongfully terminatedemployees who have been subjected toillegal discrimination, harassment, orretaliation, as well as companies facingemployment-related issues. The twowomen run a successful law practicewhere they aggressively seek justice fortheir clients, many of whom are femaleand/or minority workers who were ille-gally terminated because they are dis-abled or because they requested a med-ical- or pregnancy-related leave ofabsence, because they complainedabout sexual harassment or other ille-galities in the workplace, or becausethey are older workers. Since the start ofthe firm, Bernstein and Friedland have

obtained millions of dollars in settle-ments for their employee clients. Inaddition, their firm also providesadvice, counseling and litigationdefense to companies large and small.

JENNIFER BET-DAVIDPHP Agency, LLC

Jennifer Bet-David’s day-to-day responsibilitiesinclude handling all cor-porate contracts withPHP’s partners and main-tain all vendor relation-ships. She is also very

involved in the design and review ofall company marketing materials andliterature, as well as internal communi-cations. Bet-David has lead major proj-ects such as the company’s portal sitefor agents, which the company refersto as the “Back Office.” This projectconsists of design elements andimproving efficiency for our thousandsof associates nationwide. She is contin-ually improving the site as well as inte-grating a web-based software solutionthat contains agency management andelectronic submission components. Shecontinually works with theHeadquarters staff on improvingdepartmental systems for enhancedefficiency. One of the most interestinginitiatives she has led is “PHP Ladies.”This is a companywide women’s initia-tive program, which has included aspecially branded website, marketingmaterials, a social media presence andbreak out meetings with the women ofthe company.

KRISTI BLICHARSKICreatingYourBliss.com

With an extensive back-ground in personal andprofessional development,communications, andbusiness, Kristi Blicharskiis a passionate, positiveforce for creating happi-

ness, success, and empowerment. Hermodern, fresh blend of inspiring ideasand practical tools mixed with newand proven concepts for creatinggreater happiness are quickly catchingon in today’s high-speed environment,where so many are overwhelmed, overplugged in, and searching for some-thing more. Over the years, Blicharski’sclients have asked her to not only helpthem in business and marketing, but inmany areas, including work-life bal-ance and bringing more happiness intotheir lives. Passionate about sharing herown experiences and dedicated tohelping people avoid burnout, findhappiness, and create a foundation fortheir best life, Blicharski launched

Bernstein Friedland

Bartlett Wisecup

McLees Naghavician

NomineesWOMEN IN BUSINESS 2013



Creating Your Bliss. Today, she writes,speaks, and works with individuals andgroups sharing her ideas and lessons,inspiring others create more happiness,wellness, and success.

ADRIANNA CRUZ-OCAMPOU-Frame-It Gallery

Adrianna Cruz-Ocampowas born in Cali,Columbia. In 1973 sheimmigrated to Los Angeleswith her parents and sis-ter. Attending BlessedSacrament Elementary

and Our Lady of Corvallis High Schoolin Studio City, she was activelyinvolved in a number of activities,including photography. She acquiredthe entrepreneurial bug while still inhigh school when she began to work ata small frame shop called “Super ArtMart.” She decided to stay on at theframe shop, where her photographybackground allowed her to apply hercreative side to the framing business.After college, she was given the oppor-tunity to buy the small frame shop inwhich she had continued to work sincehigh school. In 1988, with her ownsavings and a business loan she wasable to purchase the shop renaming it“U-Frame-It.” Since then she has grownthe business into one of the most suc-cessful and customer friendly frameshops in the San Fernando Valley.

JENNIFER CURTIS-NEVESConsortium Media

Camarillo residentJennifer Curtis-Nevesjoined Consortium Mediain 1999. The Ventura-based marketing andmedia buying firm was amatch for her skills in cus-

tomer relations, design and marketing.The agency specializes in buildingbrands by implementing its blend ofadvertising, public relations, promo-tions, Web integration, social mediaand creative services. Curtis-Nevesjoined Consortium as creative director.She now leads the firm as senior vicepresident and general manager, ensur-ing the clients’ visions and the team’smedia strategies are interpreted andimplemented correctly. Curtis-Neveshas also donated a wealth of hours toConsortium Media’s nonprofit clienteleto help further each one’s mission tomake a difference in the lives of men,women and children around the world.This past year, she helped brand twovideos that were filmed in Nicaragua toraise awareness for client GOCAREInc.’s tireless efforts to bridge to a bet-ter life for adults and youngNicaraguan students.

ROBIN DELLA PENNAKey Information Systems

Robin Della Penna man-ages Key Info’s salesorganization. Prior to join-ing Key Info, Della Pennaworked for Avnet, a dis-tributor, as Director ofField Sales. She has

worked with top management at sever-al leading manufacturers, includingIBM, HP and Sun. During her career,Della Penna worked for IBM fourteenyears, holding various sales and man-agement positions. She worked asDirector of Sales for five years withanother IBM Premier solution provider.She resides in Westlake Village with herhusband and thirteen-year-old son.

MARTHA DIAZ ASZKENAZYSan Fernando Valley Sun& Aszkenazy DevelopmentA native of Los Angeles, Martha DiazAszkenazy and her husband Severyn

co-founded PuebloContracting Services,Inc., in 1984, a generalcontracting firm special-izing in the restoration ofhistoric landmarks. It hassince grown to provide

diversified construction servicesincluding real estate and constructionmanagement, and is ranked as one ofthe most influential Latino-ownedbusinesses in the nation. In 2002,Diaz Aszkenazy became publisher ofthe weekly bilingual newspaper TheSan Fernando Valley Sun, strengthen-ing its reputation and role as a strong

voice in the community. Among hermany accomplishments, DiazAszkenazy has served on the Buildingfor the 21st Century CaliforniaCommission and CaliforniaCommission for Jobs and EconomicGrowth, as secretary for the CaliforniaGovernor’s Conference for Women, asexecutive board member forProvidence Holy Cross Foundationand as Regent at Loyola MarymountUniversity, where she earned herBachelor’s degree in BusinessAdministration.

Valley Presbyterian Hospital Salutes

all Women in Business Awards Nominees

Congratulations to our nominees:

Pegi Matsuda, Senior Vice President, Community and Market Development

Tori McNees, Executive Assistant

Excellence in All We Do

818.782.6600 | valleypres.org

15107 Vanowen Street | Van Nuys, CA 91405

Together, we deliver excellence to our community.


Continued on page 42



KAREN DRYNorthwestern Mutual

In the financial servicesindustry, being an expertin the field is enhanced bythe emotional intelligencequotient that accompa-nies a great leader inindustry. According to

those who work with Karen Dry, sheexcels at every level of the emotionalquotient and is always sure to put eachclient’s needs ahead of her own. Heractivities and accomplishments areimpressive not only by the length ofthe list, but by the renaissance natureof it. She volunteers a tremendousamount of time to the advancement ofwomen in all industry, working tireless-ly to ensure that women have equalopportunity to everything this worldhas to offer. It is through her dedica-tion to a core belief that every womanhas the right to access all levels ofmanagement, ownership and leader-ship that you really get a glimpse ofwhat Dry is all about.

JANE EAGLENational Notary AssociationJane Eagle, CFO of the National NotaryAssociation, comes to companies thatneed her expertise and within a shorttime frame she is almost always able togreatly assist the company in questionby managing their financial condition.She is very much a hands on personand professional that surrounds herselfwith very capable people. She is wellrespected by her colleagues and man-agement at the company she works for.Her efforts continue in guiding thefinancial course of the National NotaryAssociation.

KRISTINA EIFERTACCESS (Advanced Critical Care,Emergency & Specialty Services)

Kristina Eifert has workedfor Animal Emergency for12 years. She began as areceptionist and has suc-cessfully worked her wayup to the HospitalAdministrator position. A

Veterinary Hospital Administrator ischarged with the responsibilities ofmanaging the business activities of aveterinary practice. In simplest terms,they run the entire hospital every day.Eifert successfully ran AnimalEmergency until early 2012 when itwas acquired by ACCESS, AdvancedCritical Care, Emergency and SpecialtyServices. The new owners have movedthe hospital, doubled the size of thehospital, doubled the size of the staffand tripled the revenues in less than ayear. These are all significant accom-plishments that were made with Eifertin charge. This successful transition inownership, this change in vision ofvalue to the community and theaggressive expansion and growth of thehospital would not have been possibleor as significantly successful withoutthe strong leadership of Eifert.

LINDSAY FONTAINEInter/Media Advertising

Lindsay Fontaine is thethird generation leader inher family-owned compa-ny. The Inter/MediaGroup of companies is anadvertising and marketingorganization founded by

her late grandfather, and currentlyunder the direction of her fatherRobert Yallen. But Lindsay’s rise in thecompany is not a matter of nepotism.With a business that buys millions ofdollars of media each year, the personat the helm must bring an array ofskills that strengthen the company andshe does that in spades. Fontaine cameto the company with a bachelor’s inscience, business management andwhile she first thought she’d test thewaters at Inter/Media, her skills becameevident early on and she developed areal passion for the work and for teambuilding. Fontaine started as a mediabuyer and quickly moved up on meritalone, to her current position ofNational Media Supervisor.

ELENA FONTILLASBessolo Haworth & Vogel LLP

Elena Fontillas is the cen-ter of Bessolo Haworth &Vogel’s administrativedepartment. She keeps theoffice working smoothlyand efficiently on a day today basis, handling a mul-

titude of tasks for the company. Untilrecently she ran the entire administra-tive function for the 17 person firm byherself. That included all office man-agement, tax coordination, and admin-istrative assistant functions. Duringthat time the firm more than doubledits number of employees and tripled itsrevenues. She is now in the process oftraining and supervising a secondadministrative assistant. According toher colleagues, Fontillas has becomemuch more than an executive assistant– she is the hub of BHV. Not only doesshe handle everything she handlesextraordinarily well, she does it all witha winning smile! Her expertise, attitudeand patience (even in the busiesttimes), make her an invaluable part ofthe BHV team.

SUSAN FRIESECOLA Services Inc.

Susan Fries, “The TermiteLady,” has been a pestcontrol industry profes-sional since 1981. Duringthis time she has builtECOLA Services, Inc. tobe a successful termite

and pest control company with fiveoffices throughout SouthernCalifornia. Offering a full range ofnon-chemical and low-toxicity prod-ucts alongside her traditional optionshas allowed her to meet her cus-tomers’ individual needs. She is alsocurrently publishing “Learning toBreathe,” her book about how her pas-

sion for a healthy, eco-friendlylifestyle began with her son’s asthmaattacks, and resulted in her buyingECOLA. Fries understands how thesuccess of each individual in herorganization benefits the company asa whole and gives employees manyopportunities to succeed in the com-pany. ECOLA is one of the few 100%female-owned pest control companiesin the nation. Fries and her inspiredteam have advanced the alternativetreatments sector to reduce the possi-ble effects of traditional pest control.

KAREN GABLERLightGabler LLP

Karen Gabler, who found-ed LightGabler LLP withJonathan Fraser Light, hasbrought trusted counsel tocountless businesses formore than 20 years. Shedevelops strategies

designed to enhance workplace pro-ductivity and avoid employment dis-putes. She serves as a human resourcesexpert for businesses, advising manage-ment and conducting training pro-grams for both management andemployees. Gabler is also an experi-enced and skilled litigator who aggres-sively defends her clients against awide range of employment claims atthe state and federal level. Gabler’sdeep experience has made her a fre-quent speaker on employment law top-ics, and she conducts regular seminarsand training programs for managersand employees. She founded and hoststhe HR Management StrategyRoundtable, a monthly seminar thathas expanded to two locations, to pro-vide information on workplaceemployment strategies to clients andbusinesspersons. Her roundtables regu-larly draw audiences of over 100 ineach location.

PATTY GAMBAD’Cache’Patty Gamba is a co-owner andfounder of D’Cache’, a flavorful TolucaLake restaurant offering creative combi-nations of Latin American andEuropean food styles also known as anew age Latin Fusion cuisine. Therestaurant is a hidden gem located onRiverside Drive, just east of LankershimBlvd, and tucked behind a row of otherstores. With obvious passion anddelight for her work, Gamba welcomesevery guest either at the door or via avisit to their table. Her story is anexample of the American dream. Shehas worked hard to renovate this1920’s house into the restaurant of herdreams and her eye for detail is strong.From the decor, to the entertainment,to every bite and sip. And her passion,like the food, is addicting – and hashelped the restaurant become a celebri-ty hot spot.

KARENJO GOODWINExact Staff Inc.When Karenjo Goodwin founded Exact

Staff in 1996, her maingoal was to help peoplefind jobs. It’s that passionthat helps motivate andinspire her to continue togrow Exact Staff as one ofthe most prominent

staffing agencies in the United States.Goodwin has a long and impressivecareer as an entrepreneur and commu-nity leader, being recognized numeroustimes winning such accolades as:NAWBO Business Woman of the YearAward, the inaugural “Women WhoMean Business” award from the LosAngeles Business Journal, one of theTop 100 Woman-Owned and PrivatelyHeld Business in Los Angles andnamed to Inc. Magazine’s Fastest 5,000Growing Companies in America 3years in a row.

DR. YOLANDA GORMANPhillips Graduate Institute

Yolanda Nunn Gorman,MBA, Ph.D. is thePresident of PhillipsGraduate Institute. Priorto assuming the role ofPresident, Dr. Gorman wasDean of Academic Affairs,

and Chair of the OrganizationalConsulting doctoral program. Shebrings to Phillips over 20 years as anorganizational consultant specializingin nonprofit management. As a con-sultant, Dr. Gorman assisted nonprofitorganizations with resource develop-ment, evaluation, and informationneeds. She consulted on program plan-ning, research and evaluation and orga-nizational development projects. Dr.Gorman has been successful in secur-ing over $100 million from state, feder-al and private sources to help herclients develop and deliver programsthat respond to critical human needs.She also conducted training sessionsfor boards of directors of local andnational organizations and founda-tions. The number of programs andprojects she has served evidences hercommitment to the community. Dr.Gorman has worked with local andnational private foundations to providetechnical assistance to the organiza-tions they serve.

LISA GRITZNERCerrell Associates

The president of CerrellAssociates, Lisa Gritzner, isa recognized leader inSouthern California’s pub-lic affairs arena and bringsmore than 18 years ofgovernment, business,

and political experience to CerrellAssociates. In addition to her role asPresident, helping guide CerrellAssociates’ business growth and devel-opment and crafting a vision for thefuture of the company, Gritzner alsooversees Cerrell Associates’ local gov-ernment and land use campaigns aswell as issues management and energyand environment practice areas. In


Continued from page 41




Subscribers can now see the entire print edition of the San Fernando Valley Business Journal on any tablet or computer.

In addition, sfvbj.com is regularly updated with the latest in San Fernando Valley’s business news. Sign up to get free daily email newsletters.

www.sfvbj.com

Congratulations to All of the2013 Women in Business Award Nominees!



these roles, Gritzner leads a team ofseasoned experts as they serve clientsseeking to build relationships andengage with the County and City ofLos Angeles as well as other cities,counties and regulatory agenciesthroughout Southern California.

TAMARA GURNEYMission Valley Bank

Tamara Gurney is theFounding President andChief Executive Officer ofMission Valley Bank, a$250 million dollar com-munity based businessbank headquartered in

Sun Valley. In 2001, Gurney broughttogether a group of respected commu-nity bankers, along with a number oflocal area business people to formMission Valley Bank. This dedicatedgroup opened the bank’s doors in July2001 after raising slightly more than $6million in initial capital. Mission ValleyBank’s first location had a humble start— a “triple-wide trailer” in the parkinglot of today’s 10,000 square foot head-quarters building. Gurney and herteam’s commitment to build a bankthat was “more about the client andless about the bank” proved to be exact-ly what the area needed. Now well intoits 12th year of successful operation,serving the financial needs of the SanFernando & Santa Clarita Valleys andsurrounding area business communi-ties, the bank continues to grow.

MELISSA HARMANMoss Adams LLP

Melissa Harman, a Partnerat Moss Adams LLP, hasbeen in public accountingsince 1998. She providesprofessional services to awide variety of not-for-profit clients, working pri-

marily with institutions of higher edu-cation, private foundations, and othernot-for-profit organizations. She hasexperience in accounting, auditing,and consulting, and is currently firm’sNot-for-Profit Industry Group NationalPractice Leader. Harman has managedaudits of numerous not-for-profitorganizations, including colleges anduniversities, foundations, educationalinstitutions, associations and othernot-for-profit entities. She also has sig-nificant experience conducting govern-mental audits in accordance withGovernment Auditing Standards andOMB Circular A-133. Harman has alsobeen a presenter at several conferences.She is a member of the AICPA and theCalCPA. In 2010, Harman was honoredwith a nomination for the CalCPAEmerging Leader Award and was select-ed as a finalist.

ELICIA HILDRETHMarketing Maven Public RelationsAt Marketing Maven Public Relations,Executive Assistant Elicia Hildreth isthe company confidante, schedulemaster, multi-tasking guru and skills

builder. She brings herexpertise from working asa Human Resources pro-fessional at Target andKohl’s. With years of expe-rience behind her,Hildreth has quickly

adapted to her role as ExecutiveAssistant to Lindsey Carnett, CEO andPresident of Marketing Maven.Regardless of her daily heavy workloadwhich consists of scheduling, manag-ing a recently expanded office, organiz-ing client, intern and employee details,prioritizing phone calls and visits,researching and writing memos andhelping the small business fall intoplace as a premier marketing agency inSouthern California. As the assistant,Elicia may sometimes exclusively han-dle duties often handled by the execu-tives themselves, such as research andpreparation of reports. She has builther skills as an independent but facili-tates group meetings where she tooworks as a team member with well-developed communication skills.

SUSAN D. HOLLANDERProvidence Health & Services –Southern California

Susan Hollander joinedProvidence Health &Services, SouthernCalifornia Region in April2007 as its ChiefGovernment AffairsOfficer. In this role,

Hollander is responsible for managingthe legislative, regulatory and politicalissues and relationships for ProvidenceHealth & Services’ Southern Californiaregion and its five hospitals in LosAngeles County. Hollander is alsoresponsible for developing andstrengthening relationships with elect-ed and appointed officials and theirstaffs, as well as serving as a liaisonwith business, community and hospitalindustry associations.

FIONA HUTTONFiona Hutton & AssociatesOne of the state’s best-known publicaffairs professionals, Fiona Huttonknows how to connect the right teamand strategy at the right time. Withmore than two decades of experiencein the agency, corporate, political andgovernmental worlds, she’s an expert atcommunications strategy, project man-agement and oversight and succeedingfor her clients. Since launching herown public affairs firm in 2001, Huttonhas developed a first-class public affairspractice that ensures effective solutionsfor clients. Her approach is straightfor-ward - a resolute and hands-on com-mitment to fulfilling clients’ needs,solving their problems and ensuringthey achieve their goals. With a provenrecord of success, she is a sought-afterexpert for creating cohesive brandidentities, forging targeted and mean-ingful partnerships and crafting com-prehensive strategic communicationsprograms. Her extensive experience

and sage counsel make her the go-tochoice for clients seeking to navigatecontroversial and complex issues, advo-cacy efforts, regulatory processes, leg-islative actions and crisis managementsituations.

TALIN JABOURIANB&B Premier Insurance Solutions

Talin Jabourian is VicePresident of B&B PremierInsurance Solutions, Inc.Her story with the compa-ny started at age 16 whenshe worked as a part timeemployee, cold calling

prospective clients. Now 18 years later,B&B Premier Insurance Solutions, Inc.is one of the largest family ownedinsurance agencies in SouthernCalifornia with over 40 employees andwriting over $50 million in Premium.Jabourian is part of the managementteam, serving as the “Controller” of theCorporation having worked her way upthe ladder holding many positionswith the company. Through the years,Jabourian has earned a reputation forhard work and dedication, not to men-tion her strong relationships with otheremployees and clients, all helping heraccomplish being one of the top salesagents in the company’s history.

REBECCA A. JONESSafework Inc.

Rebecca Jones has pio-neered women ownedbusiness in the construc-tion industry since found-ing Safework, Inc. in 1991with her former partnerLinda Alders. With the

support of the ownership of the con-struction management firm where sheworked, she and Alders started a smallconsulting firm specializing in con-struction safety services support to con-struction managers on public worksprojects. Within a few years, the firmexpanded services to constructioninspection, labor compliance andadministrative support. In an industrydominated by men and in a segmentof the market where large corporationscompeted and performed much of thework, Jones nurtured a small group ofprofessionals into a firm that was wellrespected and participated on largeprojects throughout California.Safework, Inc. grew into a firm thatwas well respected, well managed andsought after. The company is currentlyexpanding into the Federal marketwith a GSA schedule and the compa-ny’s first GSA project.

LISA KANTORKantor & Kantor LLP

Lisa Kantor is foundingpartner of Kantor &Kantor, one of the mostexperienced and highlyrespected law firms deal-ing with the prosecutionof claims against insur-

ance companies. Her firm represents

clients whose insurance companieshave failed or refused to pay claimsarising out of disability, health, life,long-term care and other liability insur-ance claims. Kantor and her firm alsohave extensive experience with thecomplex appeals procedure and FederalCourt litigation of ERISA matters, hav-ing helped hundreds of people whohave had their employee benefit claimsdenied.

STEPHANIE KEAIRNSANITE SHELLEYVaco Los Angeles LLC

StephanieKeairns andAnitaShelley are adynamicentrepre-neurial teamwho has 30

years of experience in their industry.They were partners at a large publiclytraded firm before they launchedVaco’s Westlake Village office sevenyears ago and proceeded to build it onthe vision that they would not onlyhelp people find gainful employment,but also help them to build more bal-anced lives with meaningful, challeng-ing careers that help them meet theirpersonal goals. Under their leadership,they have grown the business substan-tially in the San Fernando Valley andhelped hundreds of people find mean-ingful work and career growth. Comingfrom high-powered positions in largecompanies, this team traded corporatesecurity for working on their laptops tobuild their business from scratch.Under their leadership, Vaco LosAngeles grew from zero to over $20million in six years. They accomplishedthis growth in the best possible way –by putting people to work.

KELLY KEPNERHaute House PR & Marketing

With her unique creativevision, Kelly Kepnerbrings a new level ofexcitement to fashion andaccessory brands. Inspiredby music, pop culture, artand her travels around the

world, Kepner specializes in generatinginnovate concepts and creative meth-ods to distinguish her clients from thecrowd. The Haute House PR &Marketing co-founder has a compre-hensive background in publicityincluding men’s and women’s clothingand accessories, beauty, events, andcelebrity seeding. Kepner’s love of fash-ion and beauty was initially inspired byher time spent living and travelingextensively throughout Europe. Uponher return to the United States, shebegan her career working in the prod-uct placement industry handling cor-porate and luxury brands and theirinvolvement in major feature films.Building on her work in events andfilm, Kepner also has in-depth experi-ence representing brands at gifting

Keairns Shelley






DEPOSIT & CASH MANAGEMENTBANKING

Being a private banking client isn’t what it used

attention and expertise Boston

their careers and their lives.

THIS IS

TIME.THIS IS

BANK.SM

value.



lounges such as the HBO Emmy’sSuites, Sundance Film Festival, BETAwards, and the Academy Awards toname a few.

DIANE KREHBIELDKKD Staffing

Diane Krehbiel has beenin the recruiting businesssince 2000. In late 2011,DKKD Staffing in WestlakeVillage opened its doorsproviding predominantlyExecutive and Technology

contractors, direct hires and payrollservices across most of US. In the firstyear of business, Krehbel helped DKKDachieve the status as a million dollarbusiness. Krehbiel is the ChiefHeadhunting Officer in charge of allthe client interface, working alongsideher colleague Jenny Shrive (Sr.Recruitment Manager) overseeing allcandidates for the past 12 years.Krehbiel is well known for her workwith many non-profit organizationsand genuinely loves the recruiting busi-ness & helping people.

JORDAN LANDES-BRENMANHaute House PR & MarketingA lifelong lover of all things fashion-related, Haute House PR & Marketing’sco-founder; Jordan Landes-Brenman

has an extensive and suc-cessful background repre-senting clients in everyfacet of the fashion indus-try: including women’sluxury, contemporaryapparel, accessories and

jewelry, beauty, e-commerce shoppingwebsites, retail locations and salons.From her studies in Paris, to trunkshows with Diane Von Furstenberg andCHANEL, to behind the scenes atMercedes-Benz IMG Fashion Week andPrêt à Porter Paris, Landes-Brenmanbrings to the table a penchant forestablishing new concepts to achievebrand promotion and recognition.Landes-Brenman’s commitment toanticipating the needs of both clientsand media has kept her finger on thepulse of the trends in fashion world.Through her work launching emergingbrands to become household names,she brings with her a passion for theindustry, innovative, out-of-the-boxmarketing concepts, as well as a keenattention to detail which she imple-ments into every element of her work.

REBECCA LIENHARDTierra del Sol FoundationRebecca Lienhard, Director ofCommunity Services at the Tierra delSol Foundation, has devoted her 25-

year professional career toserving the San FernandoValley Community.Through her experience,she developed the knowl-edge that local employersare willing to embrace

diversity and innovation in their work-forces and that teaching methods existto help employees with disabilities tomaster challenging jobs. With this inmind, Lienhard began to help trans-form the organization she is now a partof, Tierra del Sol. Under Lienhard’sleadership, Tierra del Sol has found theValley community eager to include vol-unteers with disabilities to meet criticalcommunity needs. Valley employerswho benefit from partnerships withTierra del Sol include the Auto Gallery,Home Depot, Hamer Toyota, LosAngeles Valley College, Lowe’s,Fireman’s Brew, ONEGeneration,Precision Dynamics and many more.

EVELIN MARTINEZWells FargoWhen Wells Fargo added EvelinMartinez to the stagecoach in 1992, itwas her positive attitude and willing-ness to learn that won over therecruiters and hiring managers at thattime. Fast-forwarding 20+ years,Martinez has skyrocketed through the

ranks within the organiza-tion – being promoted topersonal banker, assistantmanager, store manager,sales development con-sultant and district man-ager for the West Los

Angeles/Marina, West Valley Hills,Foothill Heights and North Hills mar-kets. Held in high regard by her peersand many of our banking customers,and recognized by the organization’sleaders as a thoughtful and effectiveleader who has consistently goneabove and beyond the call of duty,Martinez inspires more than 150 finan-cial professionals at 11 banking storesin the San Fernando Valley. Among hermany notable events is the time morethan 500 guests were in attendance,along with news crews, as Martinezgracefully introduced and welcomedMexico’s President, Vicente Fox, to theValley.

SHERYL MAZIROWMazirow Commercial Inc.

Her colleagues and friendsregularly refer to SherylMazirow as “the hardestworking person I know.“Besides being a mother oftwo teenage girls, Mazirowowns and manages





Mazirow Commercial, a commercialreal estate company, on a daily basis.Along with Mazirow Commercial, shealso owns Capital Office ResourceManagement, which is a property man-agement company. Within the com-mercial real estate community,Mazirow is one the top producers inthe industry. She has been recognizedover the years with many awards indi-cating her commitment to the indus-try. Mazirow is also very active in thecommunity, with involvement inmany different charitable organiza-tions. National Charity League and theJewish Federation are two organiza-tions, for example, that are dear to herheart.

KATHY MCCLURELKG-CMC, Inc.

Working within the con-struction industry is chal-lenging under any circum-stances, but to guide suc-cessfully a woman-ownedbusiness within this male-dominated domain is con-

sidered by many to be virtually impos-sible. The management at LKG-CMC,Incorporated, however, has accom-plished this since 1987. As president ofthe company, Kathy McClure overseesa firm that provides expertise and pro-fessional services in configuration man-agement for major transportation proj-ects. The company has now expandedits services and now handles compre-hensive program and project controlsfor complex transportation projectsincluding rail, airport, bridge and high-way facilities across the country.McClure has been at the forefront ofher company’s efforts to keep abreast ofthe advances in electronic technologyand how these are used to control costsand implement efficiencies to the con-struction and operating processes ofher clients and to exceed their expecta-tions.

LAURA McHOLMNorthStar Moving Company

As co-founder and directorof marketing for NorthStarMoving Company, LauraMcHolm has single-hand-edly crushed the dim viewconsumers once heldabout the moving indus-

try. She coined the phrase “eco-luxurymoving services” and is changing theway we move by selling the red carpettreatment in concert with environmen-tal responsibility. She has built a com-pany on the sincere dedication tomeeting the highest standards for serv-ice and integrity in her relationshipswith customers, employees and thecommunity at large. With her passion-ate work in the office and in the com-munity, McHolm has clearly andrepeatedly demonstrated that runninga moving business can be so muchmore than simply lifting things –rather, she has shown that it’s actuallyabout lifting up her team of employeesand the customers that need them.

TORI MCNEESValley Presbyterian Hospital

Tori McNees is theExecutive Assistant to theCEO, VP of BusinessDevelopment and SeniorVice President ofCommunity and MarketDevelopment at Valley

Presbyterian Hospital. Aside form themany hats she wears doing work withthese essential executives at ValleyPresbyterian Hospital, McNees alsoplays an integral role in several groupsand associations, including theAssociation of Fundraising

Professionals and the HospitalAssociation of Southern California, forwhom she serves on the AdministrativeProfessionals Advisory Council.

KRISTINA MEYERJULIA VELIKANOVANNA GOLDFARBLYNNETTE DIAZMoss Adams LLPThe diverse and accomplished team ofKristina Meyer, Julia Velikanov, AnnaGoldfarb and Lynnette Diaz Kristinaprovide clients with a broad range ofskill sets – all out of the WoodlandHills office. Meyer, for example, has

been assist-ing clientswith estateplanningand compli-ance since1996. Shejoined Moss

Adams in 2000 and is a member of thefirm’s Wealth Services Group.Velikanov, meanwhile, has practicedaccounting for 15 years and is aManager within the BusinessManagement Department, providing

Meyer Velikanov

Offices located in: SUN VALLEY: 818-394-2300 VALENCIA: 661-775-4112

CENTRE POINTE: 661-253-9500

Miss ionVa l l e yBank .com

We Want To Be YOUR Most Valued Bank

Accounts Receivable Financing puts the flow back into your cash flow.

At Mission Valley Bank we help businesses save valuable time with

receivables, giving fast access to cash. Find out how Mission Valley

Bank can help your business succeed. Give us a call.

“At Mission Valley Bank, your success is our mission.

We’re proud of our reputation as a Trusted Advisor and welcome

the opportunity to earn your business.”

—Tamara Gurney, President/CEO

Keeping business on the cutting edge.





accounting services for High NetWorth Individuals. Add to this theconsummate accounting skills ofManager Anna Goldfarb and SeniorLynnette Diaz, and you have quite aformidable team!

JASMYN MONROEOutlaw Barbershop & Salon

Jasmyn (“Jazz”)Huntington Monroe,after much careful plan-ning, opened OutlawBarbershop and Salon inearly 2011. Not only didMonroe open her own

shop in Tarzana, but she also generat-ed a unique branding scheme thatsets her apart. The western, rockmusic, one-of-a-kind atmosphere inher shop is a well-designed, comfort-able, fun place for customers of allages. Outlaw Barbershop and Salonhit the ground running, immediatelygetting involved in the local commu-nity by – among other things – spon-soring the Major Angels of SunriseLittle League. In addition to herhandpicked experienced and profes-sional staff, Monroe is also trainingnew hairstylists and aspiring hairstyl-ists in the aspects of working in andrunning this type of business.

VANESSA NELLISLewitt Hackman

Vanessa Soto Nellis is aLos Angeles family lawattorney and Shareholderat Lewitt Hackman. Sheprides herself on bringing“calm to crisis” in familylaw matters, by focusing

clients on the big picture, even in highconflict divorce and child custody situ-ations. Representing individuals in allaspects of family law in SouthernCalifornia, Nellis counsels and litigatesfor firm clients in dissolution (ordivorce) matters, spousal support, childsupport, visitation rights, cohabitation,prenuptial and postnuptial agreements,and other family law matters. Nelliseducates clients as to the variousaspects of family law that affect theircases, whether those aspects involvenegotiating prenuptial or postnuptialagreements, the ramifications of aspouse’s refusal to cooperate, or thepotential for financial and emotionalwell-being when engaging in familylaw mediation.

SUSAN NGKaiser PermanenteSusan Ng is the Public Affairs Directorfor Kaiser Permanente, Woodland Hills

Medical Center. As PublicAffairs Director for a hos-pital dedicated to servingthe community, NG isinvolved in a number ofpublic and communityoutreach initiatives, not

the least of which is helping toimprove health care access for thosewith limited incomes and resources – afundamental element of the KaiserPermanente mission. Ng and her teamhelp also engage in “Safety Net” cover-age – working closely with communityclinics, public hospitals and localhealth departments, sharing with themKaiser’s knowledge and expertise.Through grant funding, technical assis-tance, training, and the sharing of care-management and quality-improvementstrategies, Ng is helping these vitalhealth care providers who face dailychallenges caring for diverse popula-tions to improve and expand servicesin the communities they serve.

LINDA L. NORTHRUPNorthrup SchlueterLinda L. Northrup is in the business ofmaking sure justice prevails. As thebusiness owner and founding partnerof Westlake Village-based NorthrupSchlueter, Northrup leads a team ofmostly female attorneys and

administrative staff.Northrup is well knownfor her legal acumen, butthe real admiration of herpeers comes from thesolid leadership of hercompany. Northrup

Schlueter is a “good place” to work, somuch so, in fact, that a satellite officeopened in Santa Barbara. The companyis committed to supporting its clientsand its team both in business and inlife. Once a week, the extra large firmkitchen turns into a yoga studio for allfirm employees with a certified instruc-tor hired by the firm. The full-servicelitigation firm represents individualsand institutional clients in business,real estate and construction matters.What their work lacks in glamour, itmore than makes up for in sophistica-tion, complexity and high-end,detailed technicalities.

GALIT OFENGARTEscrow of the West

Galit Ofengart serves asPresident of Escrow of theWest. With over twentyyears of extensive escrowexperience, she hasgained recognition for herability to smoothly

process standard, as well as uniquely

REGISTER TODAY!

Is your company one of the Best Placesto Work in the San Fernando Valley?The San Fernando Valley Business Journal is pleased to present the Best Placesto Work Awards. This event allows local employers the opportunity to participatein a professional program conducted by Best Companies Group on subjects suchas Leadership, Corporate Culture and Communications, and much more. A detailedsurvey is provided to participating businesses, and leading companies are honored atan exciting awards celebration.

Register to participate by:Friday, May 17, 2013

Advertising Supplement: October 28, 2013

To be eligible for consideration, companies must meet the following criteria: • Be a for-profit or not-for-profit business or government entity • Be a publicly or privately held business • Have a facility in the San Fernando Valley region • Have a minimum of 15 employees working in the San Fernando Valley • Must be in business a minimum of 1 year

For more information or to register your company, visitwww.bestplacestoworksfv.comor contact Breanne Kamai at 323.549.5225 ext. 216or [email protected].




complex transactions by delivering thehighest quality escrow service. Herprofessionalism, knowledge and dedi-cation are the cornerstones of the suc-cess at Escrow of the West and haveearned her an outstanding reputationbuilt on the referrals of satisfied cus-tomers. Her ability to meet deadlines,anticipate challenges and troubleshootproblems, all while making her clientsfeel confident and secure, are hertrademarks. She has established a suc-cessful team of Escrow Officers whobring with them a wealth of knowl-edge and industry experience, alongwith the highest caliber of profession-alism and personal service.

MELANIE PANNETONClay Lacy Aviation

Melanie Panneton, anExecutive Assistant at ClayLacy Aviation, has provid-ed administrative supportfor some of the mostimportant executives inthe aviation industry for a

number of years. This experience, herability to multi-task and willingness towear countless hats, positionsPanneton ideally to lend her skills andassistance to Clay Lacy Aviation, whosefounder, chief executive officer andnamesake has flown more hours in jetsthan anyone on earth!

LINDA PEIMoss Adams LLP

Linda Pei, a Manager atMoss Adams, is focused onproviding assurance servic-es to manufacturing anddistributing companies. Shealso focuses on providingassurance services for vari-

ous types of employee benefit plans. Pei’scurrent clients in the manufacturing anddistributing niche include a large whole-sale meat distributor and a 226-unit PizzaHut franchisee. Pei’s current clients in theemployee benefit plan niche include aglobally known U.S. apparel companyand a large local college with multiplecampuses. Pei provides assurance servicesfor the apparel company’s defined bene-fit, defined contribution, and health andwelfare plans. For the university, she pro-vides assurance services for the variouscampuses’ 403(b) plans. Pei is also amember of the American Institute ofCertified Public Accountants andCalifornia Institute of CPAs.

ELIZABETH PELLMorgan StanleyElizabeth Pell is a financial advisor withMorgan Stanley Smith Barney, whereshe focuses on working with high networth entrepreneurs, executives, andfamilies. Pell helps create customizedinvestment strategies to help clients

reach their long-term goals. But moreimportantly, she helps her clients makewell-informed decisions and maintainthe discipline they need to navigatethrough the most challenging markets.Following her credo that “an invest-ment plan is only as good as your abili-ty to stick to it,” Pell brings to herclients the following areas of expertise:financial planning, investment man-agement, alternative investments,estate planning, college planning,retirement planning, annuities, privatebanking, lending services, and longterm care insurance.

EMILY ROBINSONLaw Offices of Emily F. Robinson

Emily Faye Robinson, Esq.is the founder of the LawOffices of Emily F.Robinson. She practices inLos Angeles and VenturaCounties. She specializesin family law and media-

tion. Emily graduated from UCHastings College of the Law and is acertified mediator. Outside of the court-room, Robinson’s passion is rescuinghomeless dogs and cats. She oftendeals with divorce situations in whichthe parties are fighting over the familypets. Since Robinson views pets asmore than just property to be divided,she particularly likes to handle pet cus-

tody issues. She is interested in animallaw projects and is a member of theAnimal Legal Defense Fund.

ANDREA ROSCHKERoschke & Wall, Business Advisorsand CPAs, Inc.

Andrea Roschke estab-lished her firm Roschke &Wall, Business Advisorsand CPAs, Inc. in 1990. Itis a successful full-serviceaccounting firm, whichshe owns along with

another woman business owner, KimWall. The firm has a stellar reputationin the San Fernando Valley. In recentyears, Roschke had been involved witha start-up Internet company. Shebecame involved at their inception byassisting them with the preparation oftheir business plan and securing ven-ture capital. She helped them raisemore than $45,000,000 in venture cap-ital funds. She created and managedthe Accounting, Human Resources, andFacilities departments as the companygrew from five employees to more thantwo hundred, and guided themthrough their successful IPO inSeptember 1999. She also designed andsupervised the implementation of theirOracle accounting system. She contin-ues to meet with and consult for otherentrepreneurial ventures.


She just saved two hours.And a copay.

Members can:

e-mail their doctor’s office

check most lab results

schedule routine appointmentswith their personal physician

order prescription refills

How? She simply e-mailed her doctor, instead of leaving

work for an office visit. My Health Manager online services

can prevent productivity losses—for your people and your

organization—at a time when it’s crucial to do more with less.

And these services are available at no added charge.

See how we can bring greater value to your health

care dollars—view a demo at kp.org/experience.

Or contact your Kaiser Permanente broker or

account manager.

kp.org





DIANA SANCHEZVan Nuys Airport

Diana Sanchez is theDirector of Public andCommunity Relations atVan Nuys Airport, makingsure the messages theAirport needs to get out tothe public are delivered in

a fast, accurate and professional way.Sanchez serves on the Board ofGovernors for the Valley EconomicAlliance and on the Executive Board ofthe Greater San Fernando ValleyChamber of Commerce.

ALISON SELLERSMoss Adams LLP

Alison Sellers recentlytransferred from MossAdams LLP’s Seattle officeto represent the organiza-tion’s Los Angeles RealEstate practice. She spe-cializes in accounting and

consultations for real estate transac-tions, including purchase and sellagreements, valuations of real estate,and impairments. Additional areas oftechnical focus include complex con-solidations, analysis of leasing transac-tions, and the sale and development ofreal estate. Sellers completed a 2-yearrotational position with theProfessional Practice Group of MossAdams LLP, which is responsible forenhancing and monitoring the firm’sAssurance Services practice. Thisincluded providing technical consulta-tions to the practice offices and review-ing and evaluating changes in account-ing and auditing standards.

MICHELLE SEUKUNIANFirst Bank

Michelle Seukunian, AreaManager for First Bank, iscurrently using her 25years of managementexperience in coaching,developing, mentoring,and building highly pro-

ductive teams which have consistentlyranked in the top for sales and serviceas an asset for the bank where sheworks. Seukunian utilizes her leader-ship skills to develop teams and buildbench strength, improving team mem-ber retention, which in turn improvescustomer retention, and drives overallprofitability of the work unit. She isresult driven and achievement orientedand offers a proven ability to succeedin retail, financial services, sales andmanagement.

LYNNETTE SHIDNERgish SEIDEN

In the 70-year history ofgish SEIDEN, LynnetteShidner was the firm’s firstfemale Partner in 1993 ata time when men domi-nated the public account-ing industry. She has since

blazed a path for other women to takecharge and be noticed in her firm as

leaders, among the clients and thecommunity. Shidner’s leadership is dis-played in the variety of roles she hasplayed in the firm. For several years shehas led the firm’s Accounting andAudit committee outlining policy andprocedures for the firm on its financialengagements and is currently the chairof the Technical Committee. She hasparticipated in many speaking engage-ments in the Los Angeles area regard-ing tax and accounting issues. As a full-time Partner, her schedule remains fair-ly busy throughout the year, but some-how she makes time to be a boardmember for Make-A-Wish Tri-Counties.

JENNY SHRIVEDKKD Staffing

Jenny Shrive heads theDKKD Staffing “DreamTeam” as its SeniorRecruitment Manager.Shrive has developed anoutstanding reputation inthe recruiting industry as

a warm-hearted, honest, friendly andsincere recruiter professionals alwayswant to work with. Both clients andcandidates love her. Shrive and her col-league Diane Krehbiel have been in therecruiting business together since 2000at various agencies. In late 2011, DKKDStaffing in Westlake Village opened itsdoors, providing predominantlyExecutive and Technology contractors,direct hires and payroll services acrossmost of the US. In the first year of busi-ness, DKKD achieved the status as amillion dollar business thanks to a fan-tastic recruiting team.

DANONE SIMPSONMontage Insurance Solutions

Danone Simpson, EMBA,GBDS, is the founder andCEO of MontageInsurance Solutions, a fullservice insurance broker-age firm. Simpson is pas-sionate about client servic-

es and the greatest compliment of allmay have been when her large groupclients demanded she start her owncompany. After working as a VicePresident and/or Partner with a fewlarger mid-sized insurance brokers,Simpson spun out on her own uponthe persistence of her clients. Simpson’spromise is to ensure companies areproperly covered, that they understandthe coverages, that they pay the bestrates and that they run their businesseswithout worrying about risk. Simpsongoes out of her way to educate anyonewho wants to learn about HR & Riskcompliance matters and hosts an HRSummit Series, Employee Engagementseries, Healthy talks, safety & risk man-agement seminars and more.

STEPHANIE SKIRBINLee & Associates-LA North/VenturaStephanie Skirbin is a Principal of Lee& Associates-LA North/Venturaspecializing in representing landlordsand tenants in retail sales and leasing

throughout SouthernCalifornia with a focus onthe greater San FernandoValley region. Skirbin’sgrasp of the demographicdata and its relationshipto building a tenant mix

have been a tremendous asset to clientsand to Lee, and her contacts through-out the industry have helped to estab-lish Lee as a resource for retail broker-age. Skirbin joined Lee in 2008 as anassociate and in less than four years,was elevated to principal status, a posi-tion conferred on those who demon-strate leadership ability as well as trans-actional success. Since she began atLee, she has successfully completedtransactions in excess of $60 millionwith a broad array of household nameclients and among her landlord repre-sentation assignments, she is a memberof the team exclusively representingShoppes at Westlake Village, a new243,000 square foot retail center cur-rently under development.

JAN SOBELBoys & Girls Club of the West Valley

Jan Sobel has been thePresident/CEO of the Boys& Girls Club of the WestValley for seven years. Inthat time the Club hasbeen revitalized. In thelast seven years the club

has gone from 1200 to 3200 clubmembers, six board members to 24,one location (Canoga Park) to ten(Canoga Park main site, Canoga Park,Cleveland and Chatsworth HighSchools, Hale Middle School, Blythe,Reseda, and Cantara ElementarySchools, and Tierra del Sol, a low costhousing complex), a $600,000 budgetto a $1.5 million budget, and barelymaking payroll to six months operat-ing expenses in reserves. Sobel has alsodeveloped and implemented a viablecommunications and outreach pro-gram and has increased the visibility ofthe Club throughout the San FernandoValley. All this demands a lot of herschedule, but in spite of that, she findsthe time to volunteer for a number ofother organizations, one of them beingVICA where she is on the Board ofDirectors.

DEBBIE SORIANOPM Industrial

Debbie Soriano came toPM Industrial from a localCPA firm. Her experiencethere proved to be a gift asthe company had justgone through the eco-nomic shock of 9/11 and

was trying to cope with the change indemand and upgrading of their finan-cial systems at the same time. Theinventory and A/R systems were notworking well together and the compa-ny was suffering from cash flow prob-lems. Soriano stepped up and tookcommand of the situation by creatingan environment focused on efficiency.

She cut costs, reduced inventory,remodeled the ordering processes, andimproved profit margins. Soriano hasalso reorganized PM’s accounting sys-tems to issue invoices and collect A/Rin a timelier manner. She alsoimproved relations with the company’ssuppliers in order to secure more favor-able terms for their inventory ordersand generate a larger cushion for thegross margins.

DIANA B. SPARAGNALaw Offices of Sparagna & Sparagna

Diana B. Sparagna is afounder of the Law Officesof Spargna & Sparagna, alaw firm based in Resedathat she founded 25 yearsago. Her clients have writ-ten that she continuously

goes over and beyond normal efforts tohelp their legal needs. She aggressivelyfights for her clients to ensure theyreceive the best settlements and/ormedical treatment possible.

ALJOLYNN SPERBERMarketing Maven Public Relations

Aljolynn Sperber, SocialMedia Manager atMarketing Maven PublicRelations, has quicklyadapted to the ins andouts of the internet fore-front by managing blogs,

social media platforms, and socialmedia advertising campaigns forMarketing Maven Public Relations andits clients. Sperber’s day-to-day activi-ties of coordinating with team mem-bers and Marketing Maven PublicRelations clients ensures effectivenessand encourages adoption of relevantsocial media techniques to build a largefollowing of brand ambassadors. Hermanagerial skills are exemplified by herleading a team of interns and prospec-tive team members to ensure socialmedial tools are kept up to date. Inaddition to her effective leadershipskills, she manages social media cam-paigns that include online advocacy,writing editorial, community-outreachefforts and helping clients produce pos-itive conversion rates with online pro-motions. To do so, she manages thecompany’s and client’s presence insocial networking sites includingFacebook, Twitter, and other sites,positing on relevant blogs and seedingcontent into social applications.

TERRY STEVENSCooper Communications

Terry Stevens, Marketingand AdministrativeCoordinator for CooperCommunications, man-ages to do the work of atleast two administrators.She has progressed from

being an administrative assistant totruly managing important professionalfunctions on her own. For example,she handled an entire $150,000 adver-tising campaign encompassing tradi-




tional and new media on behalf of BobHope Airport, including media researchand selection; creative overview; place-ment; monitoring; and billing. She alsohandled media relations on behalf ofthe Boys & Girls Club of the WestValley, including news release writingand placement; overall media relations;coordination of public service advertis-ing; and related public relations activi-ties. Stevens organizes all aspects of theCooper Communications business,including client invoicing; materialspreparation; marketing plan writing;and account service while assumingresponsibility on her own for severalclients, most recently a comprehensivecampaign (community outreach,advertising, media relations, directmail) on behalf of Mike’s Roofing.

CAROL SURUKIMoss Adams LLP

Carol Suruki is the MossAdams SouthernCalifornia Practice Leaderfor Food & Agricultureand sits on the firm’sManufacturing andDistribution Steering

Committee. Suruki has practiced publicaccounting for over 18 years. She hassignificant experience in accounting,auditing and general business andmanagement matters of family-owned

and private equity managed entities.She provides assurance services to mid-dle market manufacturers, distributorsand other consumer product compa-nies. Suruki was recently elected to aboard position with the Los AngelesChapter of the CalCPA Society and washonored with the prestigious CalCPA’s2010 “Women to Watch” ExperiencedLeader Award.

DEBORAH SWEENEYMyCorporation.com

As the CEO ofMyCorporation.com,which helps incorporate23,000 businesses a year,Deborah Sweeney’s per-sonality and behaviordefies the typical old-fash-

ioned CEO stereotype. She takes thetime to greet every employee uponwalking in the office in the morning.She’s always smiling and typicallydressed in workout clothes or a relaxedtunic dress. It’s not every day that aformer high school and college cheer-leader gets turned into an outsidecounsel member at a law firm post gradbut that’s what Sweeney did. Shewould later wind up leaving that firmto work in house as the vice presidentof legal affairs at MyCorporation,which was then acquired by Intuit in2004. Her title then turned into general

manager and Deborah worked as a gen-eral manager for three years. In 2009,Deborah decided to purchaseMyCorporation – one of the biggestrisks of her life – to become the CEO ofthe company.

CHIQUITA TABORN Moss Adams LLPChiquita Taborn is an AdministrativeAssistant at the State and Local TaxPractice at Moss Adams LLP. A helpfulteam member on many levels, theteam of which Taborn is a part special-izes in government administration.Prior to her work at Moss Adams,Taborn worked for the Los Angelesbranch of Trade and InvestmentQueensland, Employers Group, for theCommonwealth of Australia.

KENDRA THOMASALICE AKERSERICA BERKOVICSThomas Law OfficesAt the Thomas Law Offices, founderKendra Thomas and her team, consist-ing of Alice Akers and Erica Berkovics,eat, sleep and breathe family law. Thegroup feels fortunate to do what theylove and they do it well. AlthoughThomas and her team are compassion-ate and empathic, this does not deterthem from fighting hard for clients andproviding powerful representation and

legal guid-ance. Theteam worksclosely withits clients toensure thatthey makeall decisions

relevant to their Family Law matterswith an appreciation of their optionsand possible ramification of each deci-sion. Because of team Thomas’ passion,they work around the clock to ensurethat they are on top of the most cur-rent case law and legislation. Leadingby example, Thomas and her col-leagues also work diligently in thecommunity – giving back to those lessfortunate.

THERESE TUCKERBlackLine Systems

Under CEO and FounderTherese Tucker’s direction,BlackLine revenues wereup by more than 50 per-cent in 2010, 2011 and2012 and are expected togrow by at least that pace

in 2013. BlackLine also has quadru-pled its head count in the last coupleof years, adding jobs in the local com-munity. BlackLine is the first compa-ny to provide enterprise-wide softwareapplications that automate the entire

Thomas Berkovics


Thank youSan Fernando Valley Business Journal

for nominating Sue Fries for2013 Businesswoman of the Year!

RADIO SHOW HOSTSaturdays 6-7pm, KKLA- 99.5 FM

AUTHOR“Learning to Breathe”

BUSINESS OWNEREcola Termite and Pest Control

DANCER 800-760-BANK firstbanks.com

First Bank recognizes the2013 Women in Business

nominees.

Congratulationsand Best Wishes!

First Bank serves the Greater San Fernando Valley inEncino, Warner Center, Valencia, Westlake

and the Commercial Lending Group in Woodland Hills.





financial close process. With 145employees now on staff, Tucker boastsa client roster that includes suchhousehold names as AT&T, Boeing,Costco, eBay, Northrop Grumman andUnited Airlines. Tucker started it allwhen she decided to merge her twotalents, technology and finance, into asuccessful business endeavor. She wasalso the sole initial investor in thecompany. She was comfortablyretired from industry giant SunGardTreasury Systems at the time. She did-n’t need to work; she chose to go backto work and start BlackLine – a trueentrepreneur.

STACY VIERHEILIG-FRASERCharles Dunn Company

Stacy Vierheilig-Fraser,Senior Managing Directorat the Charles DunnCompany, specializes inthe sale and leasing ofoffice, retail, land, indus-trial, and investment

properties in the San Fernando Valley& Hollywood. She develops andmaintains extensive market knowl-edge. Vierheilig-Fraser has completedsale and lease transactions totalingmore than $500 million. Vierheilig-Fraser has had a distinguished careerin commercial real estate brokerage.Coast Savings and California UnitedBank selected her as an expert courtwitness for real estate sales and leas-

ing transactions in the East SanFernando Valley. She ranks in the topthree San Fernando Valley for agentswith the most office sales represent-ing buyers & sellers.

MELISSA WHITEWells Fargo

For nearly two decades,Melissa White has risenthrough the ranks of thefinancial services sectorand today serves as vicepresident and districtmanager for Wells Fargo’s

South Valley Metro market for the SanFernando Valley Community Bank.Respected by her peers and regarded asa fearless and effective leader by thecompany’s Los Angeles/OrangeCounty Regional President, JohnSotoodeh, White oversees and providesthoughtful best practices and careerdevelopment to more than 200 finan-cial professionals at the nine bankingstores in Encino, North Hollywood,Sherman Oaks, Studio City andTarzana, which she oversees. Withtens-of-thousands of transactions hap-pening each month, hundreds-of-mil-lions in currency being deposited ordrawn, reviewing thousands ofrequests from customers and business-es seeking lines of credit, and support-ing the more than 80+ lines of busi-nesses (credit cards, mortgages, autoinsurance, etc.) that each banking

store can provide to customers whowalk into a branch is all supported byWhite’s incredible attention to detail.

ANNE WILLIAMSCalifornia United Bank

Anne Williams is theExecutive Vice President,Chief Operating Officerand Chief Credit Officerof California United Bank.She was one of the initialfounding executives of the

bank and is a veteran of 32 years in thebanking industry. Her leadership, expe-rience and business acumen have con-tributed appreciably to CUB’s success.Williams serves on the loan commit-tees of the Valley EconomicDevelopment Center’s FinancialRestructuring Assistance Loan Program,the San Fernando Valley FinancialDevelopment Corporation, and theVEDC SBA Microloan Program. Shecurrently serves on the Park AdvisoryBoard and Fundraising Committee forthe Pan Pacific Recreation Complex,the largest city park in Los Angeles. Sheis a former board member of the LosAngles Local Development Corporationand the California EconomicDevelopment Lending Initiative. She isa board member of the Los AngelesTennis Club where she also chairs theFinance Committee. Williams is anavid reader, travels extensively andplays USTA League Tennis.

PAULA WILSONValley Community ClinicAs CEO, Paula Wilson is responsible for

the operation, financing,budgeting, and managingof the Valley CommunityClinic in NorthHollywood. Since takingover VCC in 2005, Wilsonhas faced significant chal-

lenges, beginning with the restructureof Valley Community Clinic into aFederally Qualified Health Center inher first year as CEO. This includedrestructuring the board to includepatient members without diluting itsfundraising capabilities, and Medi-Caland low-income managed care patientsfor the very first time. She created anentirely new executive managementteam to assist her in this process. ThenWilson began to strategically grow theclinic: by 2009, 3 new programs werein place. In 2011, Prenatal care wasadded, completing the full cycle of lifeservices. In 2012 VCC was awarded thecontract to operate a new full-servicehealth center being built at MonroeHigh School. It is currently being builtand will open in 2014. This willexpand VCC’s services by 40%.

SHARON WOODSITS - IntegratedTelemanagement ServicesAs President and CEO of ITS, SharonWoods’ day-to-day responsibilities

SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 201310:00 am – 2:00 pm Sheraton Universal Hotel

Hosted By BOB SAGETwith Special Guest Comedian JEREMY HOTZ

Comedy � Auctions � BoutiquesLive Music � Opportunity Drawings � Garden Party

Support Valley Village’s mission to protect, foster, develop and advance the rights and interests of people with developmental

disabilities through family-style homes and loving day programs.

Where adults with developmental challenges thrive.20830 Sherman Way, Winnetka 91306

(818) 587-9450 � www.ValleyVillage.org

SILVER SPONSORS: BARBARA & DWIGHT WHEELER, CHERI & JOHN TOFFAN, AND ALLISON & RICKY DICKARD

BRONZE SPONSORS: KAISER PERMANENTE � MIKE’S ROOFING & BUILDING CORP. � NORTHRIDGE KIWANISKITTY & DON COOPER � LEELA & PAT JOYCE � MARLA & STEVEN KORT � SHARON SACKIN & MARC WEISEL

Greg Lippe and Barbara Oberman-Lippe congratulate our very close friend Pegi Matsuda on receiving the

San Fernando Valley Business Journal’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Pegi is most deserving of this award and definitely has our lifetime love and respect.

We further congratulate all award recipients and thank the entire staff of the

San Fernando Valley Business Journal for their many years of outstanding community service.




include motivating theemployees, providingstrategic direction tomove the company for-ward and ensuring ITS’overall strength and prof-itability. Established in

1990, ITS has been in the telecommu-nications industry for over 20 years,changing and adapting through all ofthe technology advances that the lasttwo decades have seen. Under thedirection of Woods, ITS has thrived as atechnology company that has contin-ued to change and evolve as quickly astechnology evolves, ensuring a notonly a viable business model but onethat customers see value in. Woodsdoes all of this in addition to providinga positive environment for her childrento learn and grow as well as exploringher passions outside of the business.Woods supports American HeartAssociation, both as a sponsor and par-ticipant for the past 4 years. She holdscontests for employees to drive partici-pation in the AHA fundraisers andwalks.

CINDY WU FREEDMANKeller Williams Realty -The Estates GroupCindy Wu Freedman, Director of theLuxury Division for Keller WilliamsRealty – The Estates Group, spends100% of her time and energy helpingto improve the lives and businesses of

minorities by giving hertime to charitable organi-zations and the communi-ty including Women’sCouncil of Realtors,Chinese American RealEstate Professionals of

America, the Granada HillsNeighborhood Council and the City ofLos Angeles Budget Advocate. WuFreedman has won numerous awardsand accolades within the real estatecommunity, and strives to help pushthe boundaries of community serviceand achievement. She is committed tohelping women realtors succeed intheir business ventures by actively serv-ing on 10 real estate and city boards inaddition to various real estate organiza-tional committees. Wu Freedman alsohelps to support minority leadershipand is a pageant director in the MissTaiwan Foundation Organization.

JACKLYN YAHIAYANJacklyn Yahiayan Insurance Agency- Farmers Insurance

Since 2010, JacklynYahiayan and her teamhave been very successfulin representing FarmersInsurance, by receivingthe Blue Vase achieve-ment award as well as

continued sales production awards.Yahiayan’s philosophy is to help herpeers and business clients become

more successful. She believes everyonebecomes successful together that iswhy she is always involved in sponsor-ship events with her peers in many dif-ferent types of business industries.Yahiayan is involved in the SanFernando Valley area where her officeis located in Van Nuys. She is enthusi-astically involved in many networkingand charity events affiliated with theValley Economics Alliance and A3PN.She also fundraises every year forMarch of Dimes, among other commu-nity events

JESSICA YASUKOCHIVICA

Jessica Yasukochi is cur-rently the Vice Presidentfor the Valley Industry &Commerce Association(VICA). Although fre-quently outside of thepublic spotlight in a very

public organization, Yasukochi hasbuilt a solid reputation among theValley’s most recognized power playersin the business community for runningVICA’s operations with logistical preci-sion. She coordinates numerous VICAevents while sustaining an outstandingorganizational system for keeping theinformation flowing to the 300- pluscorporate members of VICA as well asto the VICA officers, staff and affiliates.She is the hub at the center of complexnetwork of policy people and business

leaders. Yasukochi was promoted toVice President primarily because of theleadership strengths she demonstrateswhile working within VICA’s veryambitious and business-driven environ-ment. Among the traits that haveearned her great respect and admira-tion is her ability to interact with theregion’s business, civic and legislativeleaders in a time-sensitive, yet quality-based fashion by successfully employ-ing a personalized approach.

BARBARA ZELINSKIKaiser Permanente

Barbara Zelinksi is not onlyan invaluable asset toKaiser Permanente, theValley’s largest nonprofithealth provider, butthrough her volunteerwork with New Directions

for Youth, she is also a mentor and role-model to some of our community’smost-troubled young people. She hasbeen the Chief Operating Officer forKaiser Permanente in Panorama Cityand Antelope Valley since 2010, whereshe has direct responsibility for all ofKaiser Foundation Health Plan andHospital operations, including utiliza-tion, contracting, outside medical servic-es, pharmacy, information technology,compliance, and capital planning.



VEDC CONGR ATUL ATES

Pegi Matsuda Anne Williams

on their 2013Women in Business Award Nominations



At the Event


Over 460 attendees were on hand for the Business Journal’s Women in Business Awards Reception and Luncheon event at the Sheraton Universal City Hotel. For more pictures, please see page 56.



LTC PROPERTIES, INC.congratulates

WENDY L. SIMPSON

2829 Townsgate Road, Suite 350Westlake Village, CA 91361

www.LTCProperties.com

for winning

The 12th AnnualWomen in Business

CEO of the Year

Thank you for your

vision and leadershipin taking

LTCto the next level

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

For advertising and sponsorshipinformation, contact your account

representative at 323.549.5225

The San Fernando Valley Business Journal is proud to announce the 2013 CFO of the Year Awards. This event honors finance professionals in the San Fernando Valley for their ongoing efforts as outstanding financial stewards. Given the economic times and ever-changing climate, CFOs serve as essential members of a company’s core leadership team. Together with their CEOs, their decisions affect all aspects of the business.

We invite you to nominate an associate, client, colleague or acquaintance that you believe is an outstanding candidate for our 2013 CFO of the Year Awards.

Nomination Deadline:Friday, May 3, 2013

To nominate someone for this event, go towww.sfvbj.com/bizevents or contactBreanne Kamai at 323.549.5225 ext. 216or [email protected]

Categories include: • Government/Public Sector • Nonprofit • Private Company (large/small) • Public Company (large/small) • Lifetime Achievement

PRESENTING SPONSORS:

GOLD SPONSORS: Randstad Finance & AccountingUltimate SoftwareValley Economic Alliance




At the Event continued



WWW.CUNB.COM

Now the entire San Fernando Valley knows what we have known for years!

Congratulations Anneon your well-deserved nomination for the

2013 Women Executive of the Year award!

We are so fortunate to have you as part of our Senior Management team.

California United Bank is proud to support the businesses and people thatmake the San Fernando Valley what it is today. As a Gold Sponsor of theSan Fernando Valley Business Journal’s Women in Business awards, wecongratulate each and every one of the award nominees. Thank you foryour outstanding contributions to our business community.

Anne Williams, EVP, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Credit Officer

www.pgi.edu

Doctor of Psychology:Organizational Management

and Consulting

Master of Arts in Psychology:Marriage and Family Therapy

Marriage and Family Therapy/Art TherapySchool CounselingSchool Psychology

Credential Programs:Pupil Personnel Services

Child Welfare and Attendance

Experience real world educationMove beyond theory and into practice. Discover Phillips’unique hands-on approach that gives youreal world clinical experience asyou earn your advanced degree.

Get full details at anupcoming informationsession.

Call 818-386-5660or [email protected] today!


april 29, 2013 • an advertising supplement to the san ... · at any given high-profile, red...

Documents