2025 Regional Leadership Academy Sessions

5/22/2025 9:00 AM - 5/22/2025 2:00 PM

Location

Speakers

• Phil Hawkey
  Phil is a longtime public administrator who served as Pasadena’s City Manager from 1990 to 1998, leading the city’s economic revival, the redevelopment of Old Pasadena, and regional transit efforts like the Gold Line. Later, as Executive Director of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, he advanced transportation and infrastructure initiatives across 31 cities, earning recognition for his collaborative leadership.
• Edward Yen - Executive Officer for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
  Edward serves as the Executive Officer for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, overseeing a $340 million budget and nearly 500 positions. With nearly two decades in public service, he has held roles in County Counsel and the Office of the Assessor. Prior to his current role, he led technology, legislation, and strategic projects as Assistant Executive Officer—initiatives that earned national recognition from NACo in 2023. He also serves on several statewide advisory councils and committees focused on legislative policy and public sector innovation.
• Jennifer Quan - Regional Public Affairs Manager for the Los Angeles County Division of the League of California Cities
  Jennifer is the Regional Public Affairs Manager for the Los Angeles County Division of the League of California Cities. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked with elected officials and non-profit organizations in legislative services, policy development, and public affairs. Before joining the League in 2001, she worked in the California State Legislature, focusing on state legislative and budget concerns.
• Jennifer McLain Hiramoto - Executive Director of Economic Development for the City of Ontario
  Jennifer McLain Hiramoto is the Executive Director of Economic Development for the City of Ontario, where she leads efforts in property development, business growth, and strategic marketing. Her work drives Ontario’s expansion through real estate planning and business outreach. Prior to this role, she held positions with the cities of Glendale and Monrovia, as well as the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership. In 2024, she was named Chair of the Board for the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED).
• Ruth Martinez Baenen - Senior Advisor at HdL Companies
  Ruth is a Senior Advisor at HdL Companies with over 30 years of experience in economic development. As Pasadena’s former Economic Development Manager, she led key initiatives including auto dealership developments, citywide marketing efforts, and complex approvals for projects like Erewhon, Rusnak, and Volkswagen. She is known for designing impactful programs that drive local business growth.
• Dr. Michelle Yanez - CEO of MY Workforce Solutions LLC
  Dr. Yanez is the CEO of MY Workforce Solutions LLC, a consulting firm focused on developing strategic partnerships in workforce development. She has been an advocate for workforce development since her election to the Rio Hondo College Board of Trustees in 2001. In 2016, she was appointed to the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board as a Commissioner. Dr. Yanez also serves as the Project Manager of EVSGV, a high road to electric bus manufacturing initiative in Los Angeles County.

6/26/2025 9:00 AM - 6/26/2025 1:00 PM

Location

Speakers

• Michael Bonner - Acting Station Chief of TS&O Grid Operations at Southern California Edison
  Michael Bonner is the Acting Station Chief of TS&O Grid Operations at Southern California Edison, based at the Mesa Switching Center in Monterey Park, CA. He oversees the real-time management and reliability of the transmission system, coordinating critical grid operations to ensure uninterrupted power delivery across the region. Michael’s expertise supports system stability during peak loads and emergency situations, playing a key role in maintaining Southern California Edison’s resilient electric infrastructure.
• Thomas Wong - Senior Advisor and Public Affairs Manager at Southern California Edison
  Thomas is a Senior Advisor and Public Affairs Manager at Southern California Edison, where he leads outreach efforts that advance clean energy adoption, building electrification, and equitable energy access across diverse communities. At SCE, he has spearheaded strategic partnerships with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and business associations to promote the company’s sustainability goals and energy programs. Drawing on his background in public service and policy, he helps shape community-focused initiatives that support California’s climate and decarbonization targets. Additionally, he serves as a council member for Monterey Park, bringing local governance insight to his work at SCE.
• Scott Murtishaw - Executive Director of the California Energy Storage Alliance
  Murtishaw has served as the Executive Director of the California Energy Storage Alliance (CESA) since August 2023, guiding the organization through a strategic restructuring to better support its 90+ members in advancing energy storage across California and the West. He is a seasoned energy policy expert with a background that includes serving as Policy Director at the Independent Energy Producers Association, Senior Advisor at the California Solar & Storage Association, and as an Energy Advisor to the CPUC President—where he shaped policy on distributed energy resources, rate design, and utility regulation.
• Ruby Rose Yepez - Key Accounts Senior Advisor for New Construction at SCE
  Ruby Rose Yepez serves as Key Accounts Senior Advisor for New Construction at SCE, where she partners with developers and builders across Southern California to promote decarbonization and building electrification. With over 15 years of experience in sustainable design, she has helped deliver more than 30 LEED- and GreenPoint-rated affordable housing projects. A recognized leader in the field, she was inducted into the CABEC Hall of Fame in 2018 and actively serves on the South El Monte Planning Commission. Yepez also plays a key role in community education and clean energy outreach, including SCE’s electrification webinars and microgrid initiatives.

7/24/2025 9:00 AM - 7/24/2025 2:00 PM

Location

Speakers

• Wayne Wassell - Director of Service Planning for LA Metro
  Wayne A. Wassell serves as Metro’s Director of Service Planning, where he leads long-range transit planning and service development for the Metro system. Drawing on extensive experience, Wayne collaborates with regional partners to shape improvements in routes, schedules, and connectivity across Los Angeles County.
• Juan Carlos Montenegro - LA Metro’s Manager for the San Gabriel Valley
  JC holds the role of Manager for the San Gabriel Valley Area at LA Metro, where he leads regional operations, service planning, and community engagement. He plays a key role in shaping transit improvements tailored to the needs of local communities. With a background in transportation policy and regional planning, JC has supported equity-focused initiatives and collaborative efforts with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments to enhance access and connectivity across Los Angeles County.
• Yoko Igawa - Director of Government Relations at Foothill Transit
  Yoko leads government relations at Foothill Transit, focusing on securing funding and cultivating strategic partnerships to support the agency’s clean transit initiatives. She manages engagement with federal, state, and local government agencies while shaping the organization’s legislative priorities. Yoko has played a key role in expanding Foothill Transit’s zero-emission bus fleet, including supporting the introduction of its first all-electric double-decker buses, and has been actively involved with the USC Externship Program, which offers practical experience to transit students. Since 2015, she has contributed her expertise to the ICMA Government Affairs and Policy Committee and previously served in leadership on the Cal-ICMA Board of Directors. Additionally, she currently serves on the board and executive committee for the SGV Economic Partnership, advocating for sustainable transportation and regional collaboration.
• Randy Johnson - Director of Government Affairs, Outreach, and Customer Service at Access Services
  Randy is the Director of Government Affairs, Outreach, and Customer Service at Access Services. Since joining in 2015, he has strengthened relationships with government officials and expanded outreach to improve paratransit services for over 4 million residents. His leadership has boosted Access Services’ visibility, policy impact, and rider experience. Previously, he held executive roles at Harris Consulting Group and MV Transportation, and managed transit operations at Gardena Municipal Bus Lines, reflecting a broad leadership background in transit.
• F Scott Jewell - Director of Administration at Access Services
  Jewell is the Director of Administration at Access Services. In this role, he oversees the agency’s operational and logistical functions, including budgeting, procurement, contract management, and compliance. With many years of experience in executive-level transit administration, Jewell has been instrumental in modernizing systems and streamlining services.

8/28/2025 9:00 AM - 8/28/2025 2:00 PM

Location

Speakers

• Ginetta Giovinco - Shareholder
  Ginetta is a Shareholder at Richards, Watson & Gershon, where she chairs the Coastal Department, serves on the Management Committee, and has previously led the firm’s Litigation Department. She specializes in land use and zoning under CEQA and the California Coastal Act, as well as writs of mandate, appellate advocacy, and public records and open meeting law disputes. She serves as General Counsel to the Clovis Veterans Memorial District and frequently represents water districts and community services agencies in litigation and administrative matters before local agency formation commissions. Recognized for her legal excellence, Ginetta holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been honored as a Southern California Super Lawyer (2014–2018) after earlier being named to the Rising Stars list.
• Ken Lee - Vice President of Development
  Ken Lee is Vice President of Development at Pacific Plaza Premier Development Group, overseeing acquisitions, entitlements, and mixed-use projects across Southern California. He leads investment planning in opportunity zones and manages projects from site evaluation to construction completion. With extensive public- and private-sector experience—including leadership roles with the City of Irwindale, the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission, and Rosenow Spevacek Group—Ken brings expertise in government relations, planning, and development strategy. His work has advanced major projects in cities like San Gabriel and contributed to regional land-use policy discussions through the Alhambra Chamber’s Land Use and Economic Development Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Partnership.
• Jennifer Ing-aram - Assistant Vice President of Development
  Jennifer Ing-Aram is the Assistant Vice President of Development at Related California, where she leads the planning and delivery of mixed-use and affordable housing projects that meet community needs while navigating complex regulatory environments. With extensive experience in affordable housing, she has played a vital role in developing over 1,000 units across various stages. Previously, as a Project Coordinator in the Asset Management division of the Los Angeles Housing Department, Jennifer successfully managed the transition of housing assets from the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles, showcasing her expertise in large-scale housing initiatives. Her leadership and commitment have made her a valued contributor to California’s affordable housing landscape.

9/25/2025 9:00 AM - 9/25/2025 2:00 PM

Location

Speakers

• Patty Cortez - Assistant General Manager of External Affairs
• Jose Martinez - General Manager
  Jose Martinez is the General Manager of Valley County Water District, where since 2016 he has guided the agency in delivering safe and reliable water service to more than 57,000 residents across Baldwin Park and Irwindale. With more than two decades of public water agency experience, he has built a career defined by technical expertise, collaborative leadership, and a strong commitment to community service. Under his direction, Valley County Water District has continued to strengthen water reliability for approximately 12,758 connections while advancing conservation and efficiency programs. A graduate of the University of La Verne with both a B.A. in Environmental Biology and a Master of Public Administration, Jose also holds professional certifications in water distribution, water treatment, and water use efficiency. His leadership reflects a dedication not only to operational excellence but also to building a sustainable water future for the San Gabriel Valley.
• Melissa Matlock - Deputy Director
  Dr. Matlock serves as Deputy Director at the California Water Efficiency Partnership (CalWEP), where she leads initiatives to enhance urban water efficiency and conservation across California. With over 15 years of experience in water resources, climate adaptation, and public health, Dr. Matlock has developed and managed large-scale conservation programs, secured significant funding for climate resilience projects, and contributed to research on climate-sensitive health issues like Valley Fever. Her leadership in creating tools such as CalWEP’s Peer to Peer Program and Implementation Hub has empowered water agencies statewide to implement effective conservation strategies. Dr. Matlock holds a Ph.D. in Public Health from the University of California, Irvine, and a Master's in Climate and Society from Columbia University. She is also a certified Project Management Professional and holds various water use efficiency certifications.
• Kyle Brochard - Shareholder
  Kyle is a Shareholder at Richards, Watson & Gershon, where he specializes in water law and litigation for public agencies. He has successfully represented clients in high-stakes cases under California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and other complex water rights disputes. His work includes securing appellate victories that upheld groundwater fee structures and defending municipalities in cases involving water supply, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance. Drawing on his deep understanding of municipal and environmental law, Kyle provides trusted counsel to agencies navigating the legal and policy challenges of water resource management. Kyle earned his J.D. from USC Gould School of Law and his B.A. from the University of Delaware.

10/23/2025 9:00 AM - 10/23/2025 2:00 PM