Stephen Cheung

Stephen Cheung serves as 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). In this dual role, Stephen leads the organization’s vision to build a Coalition of One – Economy for All to benefit all Angelenos.

Since assuming the role in 2023, Stephen has spearheaded a comprehensive reimagining of the organization’s mission and strategies. Under his leadership, LAEDC has adopted a dynamic 5-pillar approach to economic development, focusing on business assistance, workforce development, international trade, strategic engagement, and actionable research. This strategy is driving the creation of thriving and competitive industry clusters, such as bioscience, space commercialization, sports & entertainment, and trade & logistics, that support good-paying jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities across Los Angeles County.

Stephen’s tenure has been marked by a steadfast commitment to addressing the region’s most pressing economic challenges. By advancing initiatives like Together for LA, the Los Angeles Digital Equity Action League (LA DEAL) and California Jobs First, Stephen has positioned LAEDC at the forefront of efforts to uplift small businesses, institutionalize collaborative economic infrastructure, eliminate the digital divide, and promote sustainable economic growth. Over the last 10 years with LAEDC and WTCLA, his leadership has been instrumental in forging non-traditional partnerships and securing the resources necessary to build a more inclusive economy.

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Stephen’s exceptional contributions to the region have earned him widespread recognition. In 2024, he received the prestigious Coro Southern California Crystal Eagle Award and was named Regional Champion of the Year by the National Small Business Advocacy Council for his tireless advocacy on behalf of small businesses and economic mobility in Los Angeles County.

Before joining LAEDC, Stephen held several key leadership roles in the public sector. He served as Secretary General and Managing Director of International Trade and Foreign Affairs for Los Angeles Mayors Eric Garcetti and Antonio Villaraigosa, where he 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. Concurrent to his roles in the Mayor’s Office, Stephen served as the Director of International Trade for the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest container port in North America.

Stephen’s career began in the non-profit sector serving as a Children’s Advocate at a shelter for survivors of domestic violence and as a Community Advocate at a legal aid organization. A product of the public education system, Stephen holds a Master of Social Welfare and a Bachelor of Psychobiology from UCLA and is a proud Angeleno whose career journey—from working as a busboy and garment worker to representing Los Angeles on the global stage—underscores his unwavering belief in the power of opportunity and the importance of building an inclusive, resilient economy that benefits every Angeleno.

Stephen’s contributions to the region extend beyond his professional roles. He actively engages with numerous civic and educational organizations and currently serves on the Boards of Advisors or Directors for:

Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass’s Small Business Cabinet
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed)
Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board
LA28 Business and Procurement Working Group
LAUSD Superintendent Business Advisory Council
Coro Southern California
UNITE-LA
Sister Cities of Los Angeles
International Economic Development Council
Center Theatre Group
UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs
UCLA Extension
Loyola Marymount University Center for International Business Education
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) Nazarian College of Business