LAEDC Officers

Stephen Cheung

Stephen Cheung

President & CEO, LAEDC
President, WTCLA

213.236.4845

Read Bio

Stephen Cheung

Stephen Cheung is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and its subsidiary, the World Trade Center Los Angeles (WTCLA).  As CEO of the LAEDC, Mr. Cheung brings together the capabilities of LAEDC’s mission-delivery department areas, including the Institute for Applied Economics (Research), Business Assistance, Industry Cluster Development, Workforce Development, World Trade Center Los Angeles (International), Strategic Relations, Communications & Marketing, and Public Policy, into a single team that delivers the LAEDC’s critically important, public-benefit mission – Reinventing our economy to collaboratively advance growth and prosperity for all.

In 2023, Cheung was elevated to President and CEO after serving as Chief Operating Office and Executive Vice President of LAEDC, and continues in his concurrent role as President of World Trade Center Los Angeles, a title he has held since coming to the organization in 2014.  Prior to that, Cheung was the Secretary General and Managing Director of International Trade and Foreign Affairs for Los Angeles Mayors Eric Garcetti and Antonio Villaraigosa, and was responsible for managing policies and programs related to the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Airports, International Affairs,  Global Trade and Clean Technology. In these roles, he was the lead organizer for the Mayors’ previous international trade missions to Mexico, China, Korea, Japan, Colombia, Chile and Brazil.  Furthermore, Cheung implemented the city’s strategic plan to make Los Angeles a global capital of clean technology by building the infrastructure to support research, development and manufacturing with key partners.

Concurrently, Cheung was the Director of International Trade for the Port of Los Angeles – the busiest container port in North America, and was responsible for developing programs to increase trade through the Port of Los Angeles, and facilitate goods movement through the Southern California region.

Cheung currently sits on the Board of Advisors of UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, UCLA Extension, Coro Southern California and Sister Cities of Los Angeles, while also serving on the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board.

Kendal Turner

Kendal Turner

Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President

Strategic Relations

Melissa Kham

Melissa Kham

Vice President, Strategic Relations

213.236.4815

Read Bio

Melissa Kham

In her role as Vice President of Strategic Relations, Melissa Kham oversees membership, events, marketing and communications, as well as vital relationships with LAEDC Board of Governors, Executive Committee, government, philanthropy, and the larger external business community to ensure ongoing revenue and community support. Melissa and her team are responsible for the recruitment and retention of valued LAEDC members, sponsors, and donors that represent LAEDC’s mission to collaboratively advance growth and prosperity for all. The Strategic Relations team curates and leads groundbreaking initiatives, programs, and events including the annual Eddy Awards, Select LA Summit, Economic Forecast, Future Forums, and 88 Cities Summit. Melissa’s extensive experience of revenue generating activities and strategic planning ensure LAEDC’s ongoing success and infrastructure. Melissa and her team create and implement long-term strategies for funding opportunities and ensure consistent private and public growth.

Melissa has expertise in fundraising campaigns, donor cultivation, grant writing, event planning, marketing, external relations, public policy, and strategic planning. Throughout her career, Melissa has raised more than $55 million for grassroots and large nonprofit organizations that include PATH, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, Youth Speak Collective, and Southern California Grantmakers.

Melissa enjoys being an ambassador, recruiter, and connector for the organizations with which she works. She also has considerable experience working with media in both English and Spanish. Melissa received her Bachelors of Art from Loyola Marymount University and her Masters of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management from the California State University Northridge.

Reach Melissa at: [email protected]

Alex Medina

Alex Medina

Director, Marketing and Communications

213.236.4847

Janice Levy

Janice Levy

Director, Strategic Relations

213.236.4812

Riccardo Ruffolo

Riccardo Ruffolo

Senior Manager, Strategic Relations

323.620.1781

Mariah Adedeji

Mariah Adedeji

Senior Marketing Manager, Marketing and Communications

Celine Villegas

Celine Villegas

Coordinator, Events and Marketing

Business Assistance

Click here to find a Business Assistance team member in your region!

Allison Clark

Allison Clark

Vice President of Business and International Trade Development

Read Bio

Allison Clark

Allison Clark is a strategic and visionary leader with more than 20 years of business and economic development experience across multiple industry sectors in key international markets. She is currently Vice President for Business and International Trade Development at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and its subsidiary, the World Trade Center of Los Angeles, where she directs business-focused programs and strategies designed to grow an inclusive regional economy.

Prior to joining LAEDC, Allison served as Director, Economic Development and Affordable Housing, with the Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office. Before moving to Los Angeles, she was the Managing Director of Business Development with the Washington State Department of Commerce, overseeing business development, outreach, and international investment initiatives on behalf of communities statewide. She also managed regional economic and workforce development programs throughout the Seattle metro region, first with the King County Executive’s Office and later with a community college where she was also an adjunct faculty member.

Before arriving in Los Angeles and Seattle, Allison coordinated rural electrification and energy projects throughout the developing world on behalf of a Washington, DC–based trade association. Allison is a returned Peace Corps volunteer, having served in Thailand for three years. She holds a BA in political science from Pennsylvania State University and an MA in international economics and Southeast Asian studies from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

Barbara Levine

Barbara Levine

Director, Business Assistance

310.466.5197

Read Bio

Barbara Levine

As the LAEDC district director, Ms. Levine provides strategic consulting to many types of businesses in south LA County, to resolve challenges and problems and keep companies in business. Many of the projects involve retention, energy efficiency, cost of doing business, permitting, city and state incentives, and site selection. She also assists companies with management and workforce development issues. In her downtime, she is an instructor of marketing management courses at some LA area colleges.

Ms. Levine brings about 15 years marketing management experience in both the private and public sectors, as well as both corporate and client relationship experience in manufacturing, creative services, and healthcare organizations. She has a BA in Economics from UCLA and an MBA in Entrepreneurial Organizations from Loyola Marymount University.

Leonard Barrales

Leonard Barrales

District Manager, Business Assistance

213.725.4938

Read Bio

Leonard Barrales

Leonard Barrales joined the LA City WIB Layoff Aversion project as a Regional Manager in January 2011. He is a results-oriented professional with more than 15 years experience in recruitment, marketing, job placement, program management, and employee and business retention service programs for both private and public companies.

Recently, Mr. Barrales served as the Regional Business Services Manager for the Canoga Park and Van Nuys WorkSource Centers under ARBOR RESCARE with the City of Los Angeles to promote the WorkSource Center services to the local San Fernando Valley business community. He holds a B.S. in Political Science and has completed several courses and certifications in Economic Development, Real Estate, International Trade, etc.

Linden Johnson

Linden Johnson

Associate Director, Business Assistance

213.509-4319

Read Bio

Linden Johnson

Linden Johnson has been a part of the Business Assistance team at LAEDC since 2011, and has worked extensively in the administration of the program.  He provides field technical assistance and consulting to businesses in the City of Los Angeles, especially where he can help the business overcome challenges, as part of the pro-bono public-benefit mission of LAEDC.  Prior to joining LAEDC, he worked as an Executive Assistant/Project Manager for an entertainment company specializing in concert production.

Mr. Johnson graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Ricky Michel

Ricky Michel

Regional Manager, Business Assistance

213.309.8849

Seta Zorabian

Seta Zorabian

Regional Manager, Small Business Program

213.236.4820

Mevan Randeniya

Mevan Randeniya

Regional Manager, Business Assistance

Rafael Contreras

Rafael Contreras

Regional Manager, Business Assistance

Workforce Development & Special Projects

Jermaine Hampton

Jermaine Hampton

Vice President, Workforce Development and Special Projects

213.236.4828

Read Bio

Jermaine Hampton

Jermaine Hampton is more than a seasoned professional with 13 years of leadership expertise in Workforce Development across both public and private sectors. As the current Vice President of Workforce Development and Special Projects at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), Jermaine passionately advocates for propelling change, fostering innovation, and empowering communities. His knowledge spans from Economic Development, Staffing Services, and Business Management to human-centric arenas like Homeless and Veteran Services. His most potent ingredients for success are his influential leadership and vision to reshape societal systems.

Jermaine’s ethos of inspiration and perseverance is reflected in the award-winning programs he has led, including best practice recognitions and his accolade as the recipient of the esteemed National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) leadership award in 2015. He’s a true changemaker, having touched thousands of lives, from at-risk youth and adults to veterans, creating lasting impacts.  

Jermaine received his Bachelor’s of Science from Virginia State University. 

Jose Pelayo

Jose Pelayo

Director, Workforce Development

213.236.4837

Jared Lopez

Jared Lopez

Assistant Program Manager, Workforce Development

Read Bio

Jared Lopez

As Assistant Program Manager of Workforce Development, Jared is responsible for facilitating collaboration between institutions that develop LA job seekers and industry employers looking to fill specific workforce needs. In addition, Jared provides strategic support across other areas of the organization, including LAEDC’s policy initiatives and Business Assistance Program.

Prior to joining LAEDC, Jared worked as a College Essay Consultant, helping students articulate their unique personal stories to stand out in the admissions process. He began his career as a Strategy Consultant at Deloitte in New York City, advising C-suite executives on corporate strategy. Jared received his B.A. in Philosophy with a minor in Economics from Harvard University.

Alicia Nyein

Alicia Nyein

Assistant Program Manager, Workforce Development

Mariana Hernandez

Mariana Hernandez

Program Manager, Industry Cluster Development

213.236.4885

Sulaiman Kenyatta

Sulaiman Kenyatta

Policy Manager

Read Bio

Sulaiman Kenyatta

In his role as Policy Manager, Sulaiman focuses on advancing LAEDC policy priorities on specific key industries and legislation at the local, state, and federal levels. As a member of the Strategic Initiatives team, he also supports LAEDC industry cluster development to strengthen the region’s global competitive advantage. He brings experience in business incubation, issue development, policy research and formation, and stakeholder engagement strategy.

Sulaiman was most recently an Associate at the International Business Accelerator, an early-stage startup incubator in Los Angeles, CA, where he developed an online curriculum to teach companies how to scale into global markets. He also helped cultivate strategic relationships with industry associations, community partners, and business leaders to participate in cohort seminars.

Prior to moving to Los Angeles, Sulaiman spent two years living in Southeast Asia. After backpacking across the region for several months, he settled in Singapore to conduct an independent research project analyzing the business issues and trade dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, upon finishing his undergraduate degree Sulaiman served as the Communications Manager at the US-China Business Council in Washington D.C.

Sulaiman sits on the Global Committee of the Los Angeles Venture Association to help create programming that highlights global opportunities and capital sources for companies based in or coming to the Southern California venture ecosystem.

An East Coast transplant, Sulaiman grew up in Richmond, VA and received his Bachelor of Arts in International Business from Morehouse College.

California Jobs First

Click here to learn more about California Jobs First.

Charles Johnson

Charles Johnson

Program Director, California Jobs First

213-236-4816

Scarlet Peralta

Scarlet Peralta

Program Manager, California Jobs First

213.236.4817

Chioma Agbahiwe

Chioma Agbahiwe

Program Manager, Outreach and Engagement, California Jobs First

213. 236.4838

Arman Koohlian

Arman Koohlian

Research Analyst, California Jobs First

Ariel Rivera

Ariel Rivera

Program Coordinator, California Jobs First

Institute for Applied Economics (IAE)

Shannon Sedgwick

Shannon Sedgwick

Senior Director, Institute for Applied Economics

213.236.4831

Read Bio

Shannon Sedgwick

Shannon Sedgwick is Senior Director of the LAEDC Institute for Applied Economics. In this capacity, Ms. Sedgwick oversees and executes the planning and design of economic research projects and develops subject-specific information and data interpretation for economic impact, demographic, workforce development, transportation, and industry and issue studies. She performs research, data collection and organization, analysis and report preparation in addition to managing a team of economists. Her work focuses on demographics, industry clusters and contribution analysis, and occupational analysis. She is also proficient at conducting geospatial analysis and working with IMPLAN. Ms. Sedgwick is a principal contributor to the Center for a Competitive Workforce reports prepared for the California Community Colleges and local Workforce Development Boards (WDB). Other notable works include, Aerospace: The Changing Face of Aerospace in Southern CaliforniaThe Path Forward: Economic and Workforce Intelligence for Northeast Los Angeles, and Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945-1980 which quantified the economic impact of the series of exhibitions held across Southern California.

Ms. Sedgwick joined the LAEDC in June of 2008, serving in both Economic Research and the Consulting Practice of the LAEDC with data collection and research, managing multiple data sets covering the State of California, Southern California, its counties and their sub-regions.

Before joining the LAEDC, Ms. Sedgwick managed an industrial and steel supply company located in the Inland Empire. There she identified and targeted a diverse customer base, and analyzed product and customer patterns in the local industrial market to successfully increase revenues.

A Southern California native, Ms. Sedgwick received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Southern California (USC) with a minor in Architecture. She is a member of the national chapter of National Association for Business Economics (NABE) and the American Economic Association (AEA). In her free time, she is actively involved with local animal rescue organizations as a foster and volunteers annually as a mentor to undergraduate students selected for the USC Dornsife Gateway Internship Program.

Justin Adams

Justin Adams

Senior Economist, Institute for Applied Economics

Read Bio

Justin Adams

Dr. Justin L. Adams is the incoming Senior Economist at LAEDC. He brings over two decades of experience consulting to federal, State and local governments as well as private-sector organizations. Most recently, Justin served as President and Chief Economist of Encina Advisors, an economics research and analysis firm based in the city of Davis. Prior, Justin spent six years as an economist with the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica and worked at Sacramento-based management consulting firms. He has held positions in California state government at the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, the Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Department of Transportation (CalTrans).

Justin received his Ph.D. in Business with a concentration in Political Economics from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He also received his A.M. in Political Science and his A.B. in Economics and Political Science from Stanford. Justin currently lives in Davis with his long-time partner Gina and their three cats. He spends his spare time cycling and serving on the boards of the Sacramento Stanford Association and the Davis Arts Center.

Gina Durante

Gina Durante

Research Analyst, Institute for Applied Economics

Dan Wei

Dan Wei

Economist, Institute for Applied Economics

Read Bio

Dan Wei

Dr. Dan Wei is the new Economist with the Institute for Applied Economics at LAEDC. Before joining LAEDC, she has been a research faculty member in the Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California for over 12 years. She brings extensive research experience in economic impact analysis of public policies and regulations in the areas of energy, climate change, and transportation. She is also an expert in the economic consequence analysis of disasters.

Dan received her Ph.D. in Geography from the Pennsylvania State University. She received her M.S. in Public Policy and Management and B.E. in Engineering Physics from Tsinghua University. Dan spends her spare time reading, cooking, and enjoying time with her family.

Matthew Skyberg

Matthew Skyberg

GIS Research Analyst

Read Bio

Matthew Skyberg

Matthew Skyberg serves as the GIS Research Analyst at the Institute for Applied Economics (IAE) within the LAEDC. With over 12 years of residency in Los Angeles, Matthew brings a diverse range of experience and expertise to the city’s vibrant economic landscape. 

During his Master’s program at the University of Arizona, Matthew’s capstone project focused on the distribution of street trees in the City of Los Angeles. This research, utilizing regressive modeling against various socioeconomic factors, showcased his commitment to leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology for urban planning and environmental considerations. 

In his final year of the Master’s program, Matthew undertook GIS projects with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail of the National Park Service, further enriching his skills and contributing to preserving and interpreting historical and cultural resources. 

Matthew holds a Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems Technology from the University of Arizona, where his academic pursuits explored the intersection of technology, geography, and community development. Before pursuing advanced studies, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from South Dakota State University, leading to a successful career in landscape design and architecture for over a decade. His expertise contributed to diverse public and private development projects throughout Southern California as well as abroad. 

Accounting & IT

Sonia Estrada

Sonia Estrada

Director of Accounting

213.622.4300

Esmeraldo Ballada

Esmeraldo Ballada

Accounting Manager

213.622.4300

Rick Davila

Rick Davila

Director, Information Systems & Office Administration

213.622.4300

World Trade Center Los Angeles (WTCLA)

Stephen Cheung

Stephen Cheung

President & CEO, LAEDC
President, WTCLA

213.236.4845

Read Bio

Stephen Cheung

Stephen Cheung is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and its subsidiary, the World Trade Center Los Angeles (WTCLA).  As CEO of the LAEDC, Mr. Cheung brings together the capabilities of LAEDC’s mission-delivery department areas, including the Institute for Applied Economics (Research), Business Assistance, Industry Cluster Development, Workforce Development, World Trade Center Los Angeles (International), Strategic Relations, Communications & Marketing, and Public Policy, into a single team that delivers the LAEDC’s critically important, public-benefit mission – Reinventing our economy to collaboratively advance growth and prosperity for all.

In 2023, Cheung was elevated to President and CEO after serving as Chief Operating Office and Executive Vice President of LAEDC, and continues in his concurrent role as President of World Trade Center Los Angeles, a title he has held since coming to the organization in 2014.  Prior to that, Cheung was the Secretary General and Managing Director of International Trade and Foreign Affairs for Los Angeles Mayors Eric Garcetti and Antonio Villaraigosa, and was responsible for managing policies and programs related to the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Airports, International Affairs,  Global Trade and Clean Technology. In these roles, he was the lead organizer for the Mayors’ previous international trade missions to Mexico, China, Korea, Japan, Colombia, Chile and Brazil.  Furthermore, Cheung implemented the city’s strategic plan to make Los Angeles a global capital of clean technology by building the infrastructure to support research, development and manufacturing with key partners.

Concurrently, Cheung was the Director of International Trade for the Port of Los Angeles – the busiest container port in North America, and was responsible for developing programs to increase trade through the Port of Los Angeles, and facilitate goods movement through the Southern California region.

Cheung currently sits on the Board of Advisors of UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, UCLA Extension, Coro Southern California and Sister Cities of Los Angeles, while also serving on the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board.

Allison Clark

Allison Clark

Vice President of Business and International Trade Development

Read Bio

Allison Clark

Allison Clark is a strategic and visionary leader with more than 20 years of business and economic development experience across multiple industry sectors in key international markets. She is currently Vice President for Business and International Trade Development at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and its subsidiary, the World Trade Center of Los Angeles, where she directs business-focused programs and strategies designed to grow an inclusive regional economy.

Prior to joining LAEDC, Allison served as Director, Economic Development and Affordable Housing, with the Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office. Before moving to Los Angeles, she was the Managing Director of Business Development with the Washington State Department of Commerce, overseeing business development, outreach, and international investment initiatives on behalf of communities statewide. She also managed regional economic and workforce development programs throughout the Seattle metro region, first with the King County Executive’s Office and later with a community college where she was also an adjunct faculty member.

Before arriving in Los Angeles and Seattle, Allison coordinated rural electrification and energy projects throughout the developing world on behalf of a Washington, DC–based trade association. Allison is a returned Peace Corps volunteer, having served in Thailand for three years. She holds a BA in political science from Pennsylvania State University and an MA in international economics and Southeast Asian studies from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

William Powles

William Powles

Senior Director of International Trade, WTCLA

Read Bio

William Powles

William Powles is the Senior Director of International Trade at the World Trade Center Los Angeles (WTCLA), the international arm of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). He is responsible for directing programs to attract foreign investment and businesses into the Los Angeles area, promoting international trade and partnerships in the region.

Originally from the United Kingdom, William has a depth of experience in the field of international trade and diplomacy having held various senior positions within the British Government. Prior to joining WTCLA, he served as First Secretary in the British Consulate General Los Angeles, responsible for leading the UK’s economic relationships with the Southwestern United States. In London, he served as Chief of Staff to the UK’s first Chief Trade Negotiator, shaping and implementing the UK’s first independent trade policy in 40 years.

A lifelong advocate of inclusive economic growth, William has worked throughout his career to improve access to economic policymaking for underrepresented groups. He holds a BA in International Politics with courses from both King’s College London and Georgetown University in Washington D.C.

Olivia Zhang

Olivia Zhang

Program Coordinator, WTCLA

Read Bio

Olivia Zhang

Olivia Zhang serves as the Program Coordinator of the World Trade Center Los Angeles (WTCLA) at the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). With a deep passion for sustainable economic development and international trade, Olivia is dedicated to fostering global trade relationships and promoting economic growth in Los Angeles. Olivia is responsible for managing the daily operations of the various programs of WTCLA, representing WTCLA at domestic and international events, offering advisory and transactional consulting to trade-ready businesses, and support job creation by attracting foreign investments to Los Angeles County.

Throughout her academic career at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and Claremont Graduate University (CGU), Olivia has pursued and conducted research on sustainable economic development, foreign direct investment, game theory, and the importance of convening in the realm of policymaking. Olivia’s interests in economic development budded at UCI, and then – as she was finishing her time at CGU – bloomed when she interned at the WTCLA. Olivia supported a variety of responsibilities, including her contribution to the 2022 Select LA Foreign Direct Investment Summit as well as the 27th Annual Eddy Awards.

Olivia received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Minor in Economics at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), and her Master of Arts in Public Policy from Claremont Graduate University (CGU).