Letter from the Publisher

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”  — Proverbs 11:14

Behind every organization, every institution, and every major initiative shaping our communities are individuals whose experiences, decisions, and values guide the outcomes we see. Yet too often, the deeper journeys of those leaders — the lessons, challenges, and defining moments — remain untold.

California Leaders was created to help capture and share such stories.

California is home to some of the most dynamic leaders and institutions in the world. Through this publication, we aim to uncover the formational stories that shaped them into leaders worthy of support and to document their thinking, experiences, and personal journeys that shape leadership across our state. This magazine was created to shine a light on the people and ideas driving meaningful impact and innovation throughout California.

Our inaugural issue features Stephen Cheung, President and CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, alongside Ron Frierson, Chair of the LAEDC Board of Governors. Their leadership reflects the strength and diversity of the economic ecosystem that makes California one of the most influential regions in the world.

Our conversations with Eugene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, and Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach revealed the magnitude of commerce streaming through Los Angeles every day. As leaders of the two busiest ports in the United States, they oversee high-performing teams that help maintain sustainable and secure port operations—ensuring that the gateway through which global trade moves freely and safely in and out of our country continues to connect California to the rest of the world.

For me, this topic carries personal meaning. My family has long been involved in importing products internationally, and I grew up understanding the importance of global trade and the relationships that make it possible. Seeing how these ports connect California businesses to markets around the world reinforces just how interconnected leadership, commerce, and community truly are.

This publication is only possible because of the many people who believed in the vision from the beginning.

To our readers — thank you for joining us on this journey.

To the leaders who entrusted us with their stories and insights — thank you for your openness and willingness to share experiences that will inspire others.

To our contributors, partners, and collaborators who helped bring this first issue to life—your support made this publication possible.

On a personal note, I want to thank my parents, my family, my wife, and our children for their patience, encouragement, and belief in this vision from the very beginning. Their support is the foundation that allows me to pursue work that I believe can make a meaningful impact.

This inaugural issue represents just the beginning of what we are confident will become an influential platform for documenting leadership journeys from across California.

The stories of our state’s leaders deserve to be captured, told and preserved for the generations that will follow.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Christopher Luna 

Publisher & CEO California Leaders Order Your Issue Here: https://marketing.californialeaders.com/subscriptions