Dedicated to developing VICA’s membership base, the Ambassador Committee is responsible for identifying and reaching out to businesses that would benefit from membership in VICA. In addition to assisting the staff in greeting and introducing guests and members at VICA events, the committee also explains the benefits of VICA membership to prospective members and encourages existing members to take full advantage of their investment in the organization’s work. 

2023 Chair
Andrew Sisolak, Verdugo Hills Council, Boy Scouts of America

2023 Co-Chairs
Pam Berg, Minuteman Press                                                                       
Curtis O’Shaughnessy, Leavitt Group

Focused on Los Angeles area airports and their stakeholders, the Aviation Committee deals with issues related to the general and business aviation industries. Membership includes aircraft manufacturers, local businesses that serve the airports, and consultants specializing in the aviation industry. Meetings include regular updates from leadership at the Valley’s airports – Van Nuys (VNY), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and Los Angeles International (LAX) – as well as discussion of FAA, Congressional and municipal policymaking.

2023 Chair

Pamela Marcello, Hollywood Burbank Airport

2023 Co-Chairs
Peter Aarons, Burns & McDonnell                                 
Niall Mulcahy, Signature Flight Support
Ruben Zaragoza, Southwest Airlines

The DEI Task Force advances VICA’s mission by promoting broader economic success through increased diversity equity and inclusion of individuals, businesses, and organizations within VICA and across the greater Los Angeles region.

2023 Chair
Carmen Bowen, Saybrook University 

2023 Co-Chairs
Samona Caldwell, State Farm  
Ross Pendergraft, Leavitt Group

Covering a broad range of issues affecting early education, K-12, higher education and workforce development programs, the Education Committee focuses on state budgeting for LAUSD, CSUs, LACCD and UCs, as well as regulation of private postsecondary education institutions. Federal regulation of K-12 curriculum and linked learning are also frequently discussed.

2023 Chair
Barry Gribbons, Los Angeles Valley College

2023 Co-Chairs
Humberto Estratalan, UNITE-LA

Jordan Duke, Granada Hills Charter High School
Robert Brown, University of West Los Angeles

The EEM&U Committee provides organizational guidance on manufacturing, environmental regulation, utility ratepayer protection, and public investment in clean and green technology. The committee focuses on protecting and advancing the interests of local and regional public and investor-owned utilities and the telecommunications and manufacturing industries.

The Government Affairs Committee is the catch-all committee for public policy matters with the potential to impact the overall business community. Meetings feature discussions on major local, state and federal legislation related to tax policy, worker relations, government efficiency, election regulation and legal reform, among others. Consideration of ballot initiatives also originates in this committee.                                                           

Covering issues facing the relationship between employers, the health insurance industry and hospitals, the Healthcare Committee deals with major state and federal legislation and interprets the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and medical litigation. Meetings typically feature decision leaders from government agencies and nonprofit organizations on the implementation of PPACA, as well as discussion of state and federal legislation that impacts employer insurance coverage.

The International Trade Committee focuses on domestic and international policy priorities that affect foreign economic development or diplomatic relations. The Committee hosts discussions with Consul Generals and business leaders on ensuring strong international business and foreign affairs.

2023 Chair
Jeff Daar (Daar & Newman)

The Labor & Employment Committee deals with labor regulations and policies that affect employers at a city, state and federal level, including wage, hour, scheduling, worker’s compensation, and other issues.

2023 Chair
Sue Bendavid, Lewitt, Hackman, Shapiro, Marshall & Harlan

2023 Co-Chairs
Mark Davis, Sun Hill Properties/Hilton Universal City

Randy Moberg, LBW Insurance

The Land Use Committee provides policy guidance on community planning and development-related legislation. With major reforms underway at the local and state level, meetings feature prominent officials from local and state planning agencies, as well as discussion of major zoning code changes, redevelopment agency successor programs and California Environmental Quality Act amendments. The committee also recommends commercial, industrial and residential projects of regional significance for VICA support.                                            

The Not-for-Profit Committee is focused on the unique operating and policy challenges for non-profit organizations in the Valley.

2023 Chair

Matthew Swearman, Valley Village

2023 Co-Chairs
Holly Rasey, New Horizons

Barry Cohn, Jorgensen HR

Pegi Matsuda, Onboard Business & Community Consulting

The Sports, Entertainment, Tourism and Hospitality Committee deals with local and state issues that affect film and television production, including prop houses and media providers. It also focuses on promoting the San Fernando Valley as a destination for visitors. Meetings feature discussions with local and state officeholders and their senior staff, as well as ongoing advocacy on the industry’s core issues.

2023 Chair

Marie Lloyd, Amazon

2023 Co-Chairs
Scott Mills, The Garland
Juan Camacho, Fox Corp.

Pam Elyea, History for Hire

Tasked with consideration of mass transit and roadway planning, the Transportation Committee discusses local, regional, state and federal legislation and rulemaking affecting the L.A. Metro System, the 101, 405 and 5 freeways, and the municipa­­­l arterial street systems of the Los Angeles region. Leadership from Metro frequently presents to the committee on the progress of Metro projects and the implications of legislation to the system construction financing.                                               

2023 Chair
Coby King, High Point Strategies

2023 Co-Chairs
Francine Oschin, Oschin Partners
Talin Espinoza, Flatiron Construction