SBDN Presents

PROCon 2025

Orange County's
PROCUREMENT Conference

Thursday, September 18, 2025

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM PST (8:00 AM Check-in)

Location: DELHI Center, 505 E Central Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92707

The Event Begins in:

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What to Expect

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Exhibitors
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MEET THE BUYERS

Engage & Connect in the

Exhibitor Hall

SCHEDULE

We carefully curated a dynamic program with featured programming alongside our full Exhibitor Hall.

"How to do business with..."
Panel Sessions

10:10 AM

Disney

10:30 AM

Non-Profits

11:00 AM

Utilities

11:30 AM

Primetime with OCTA

1:00 PM

Resources

1:30 PM

GSA Federal Presentation

1:40 PM

Orange County Cities

2:00 PM

Orange County

2:30 PM

CA State

Expand Your Reach

Open Networking

Grow your professional sphere and build impactful relationships.

Speakers & Panelists

Featured Special Program

Fireside Chat:

"How to do business with The Walt Disney Company:

Ariel Elias is a Category Manager, Strategic Sourcing at The Disneyland Resort and supports Facilities Operations and Services, within The Walt Disney Company’s, Disney Experiences segment. While in Strategic Sourcing he has worked to drive innovation, protect the brand, drive the company’s supplier inclusion strategy, and reduce the total cost of ownership.

Prior to joining Disney, Ariel held several Leadership positions as an Officer in the U.S. Military. During his 20 years in the U.S. Military, he spent multiple years working and living overseas, while traveling to over 20 countries. Ariel is a native of Los Angeles, California. Where he attended the Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California, and received a Master’s degree in business administration

Non-Profits Procurement Panel

Kristle Duran

Boys and Girls Club
Central Orange Coast

Laurie Peterson

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Chrislynn VanSkiver

Second Harvet Food Bank

Shelley Hoss
(Moderator)

Orange County Community Foundation

Utilities Procurement Panel

Rick Duarte

Metropolitan Water District

Timothy Mclaughlin

San Jose Water

Anne Muchiri

SoCalGas

Alexus Russell

American Water
California

Saul Viramontes

Orange County Power Authority

Drisha Melton
(Moderator)

California Public Utilities Commission

OCTA-Transportation Panel

Steve Agor

Skanska USA Civil

Dina Rochford

HDR

Darrell Johnson
(Moderator)

CEO, OCTA

Resource Panel

Amil Aaron

Genesis Foundation

Chris Earl
(Moderator)

GSA Presentation

Anthony Caruso

Small Business Specialist

For the past twenty (20) years, Anthony has served as a Small Business Specialist with the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization at the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). In this role, he facilitates workshops across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Hawaii (Pacific Rim Region), helping businesses learn how to successfully navigate the government contracting process.

As the GSA Pacific Rim Region SBTA and lead instructor for monthly Procurement Business Networking sessions, Anthony provides valuable opportunities for small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses to exchange critical information. He shares proven strategies, techniques,  and insights designed to help these businesses compete for and secure government contracts.

Anthony earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles(UCLA). He is married and has two children.

OC Cities Procurement Panel

Sandy Segawa

City of Garden Grove

Ngoc-Long Le

City of Santa Ana

Chris Earl
(Moderator)

Orange County Procurement Panel

April Alvarez

OC Waste & Recycling

Janine Boutte

OC Procurement

Wayne Hsiao

OC Public Works

Monica Rodriguez

John Wayne Airport

CA State Procurement Panel

Marcus Delfin

CA Military Department

Dalia Demian

Caltrans

Tara Hicks

Department of Civil Rights

Doreen Tannenbaum

UCI Procurment

Chardena Valley

CA High Speed Rails

EXHIBITORS

Afghan American Business Alliance (AABA)

Arab American Business Chamber (AABC)

Arab American Business Council - CA (AABA-CA)

Asian Business Association of Orange County (ABAOC)

American South Asian Network (ASAN)

American Business Women's Association (ABWA) Windsong

Black Chamber of OC

Business Link Solutions

CA Dept of General Services (DGS)

CA High Speed Rails

California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)

CA Military Department

CA Rainbow Chamber

CALTRANS

City of Garden Grove

City of Santa Ana

The Walt Disney Company

Diversity Business Forum (DBF)

Edward Jones

Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of OC (FACCOC)

Filipina on the Rise

Fogo de Chao

Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce

Genesis Bank

GO BIZ

GSA

IKEA

John Wayne Airport

JP Morgan Chase Bank

La Palma Chamber of Commerce

Metropolitan Water District (MWD)

Mo Jones Productions

OCBIZ

OC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (OCHCC)

OC Iranian American Chamber of Commerce (OCIACC)

OC Power Authority

OC Probation

OC Procurement

OC Public Works

OCTA

Pangea Biological

RIMAN

Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce

Santa Ana College

SBDC

SBA

SBDN

SCAG

SCORE

SoCalGas

Supplier Clearinghouse

TASTE

US Bank

UCI Procurement

Office of Vicente Sarmiento

WBEC-West

Wells Fargo

Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce (VACOC)

Ticket Pricing

Business Member
Ticket

General Session
FREE
  • NO MEAL PROVIDED
  • Keynote Session
  • Panel Sessions
  • Breakout Sessions
  • Exhibitor Hall

Business Member
VIP Ticket

General Session with Meal
$ 35
  • Includes Boxed Lunch
  • Keynote Session
  • Panel Sessions
  • Breakout Sessions
  • Exhibitor Hall

Business Member PLUS VIP Ticket

General Session with Meal
FREE
  • Includes Boxed Lunch
  • Full-access to Entire Event

Non-Member
Ticket

General Session with Meal
$ 50
  • Includes Boxed Lunch
  • Full-access to Entire Event

Event Flyers

Registration Form

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Kristle Duran, MBA

Chief Operations Officer
Boys & Girls Club of Central Orange Coast

Contact Information:
Kristle Duran, MBA
Chief Operations Officer
kduran@boysandgirlsclub.com
(714) 543-5540 ext. 305

Kristle Duran serves as Chief Operating Officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, where she oversees all direct service models across the organization. In this role, she is responsible for ensuring the quality and impact of programs, fostering strong relationships with community stakeholders, and driving the implementation of the
organization’s long-term growth strategy.

Since joining the organization in 2013, Kristle has been a catalyst for growth and innovation. Under her leadership, the Club has expanded its footprint from five to eight cities, increased its impact from serving 9,000 to more than 13,000 youth annually, and grown operational revenue to account for 40% of the organization’s overall budget – contributing to a more diversified and sustainable funding model. Her expertise lies in aligning organizational development with strategic execution to ensure scalable, high quality programming that meets the evolving needs of youth and families.

Kristle earned her Executive MBA from Chapman University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Literary Journalism from the University of California, Irvine. She was initially drawn to the Boys & Girls Club movement by a desire to make a meaningful difference—and the promise of strong mentorship. Today, she pays that forward by helping shape the next generation of mission-driven leaders.

Laurie Peterson, CPA

Chief Financial Officer
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire

Laurie is the Chief Financial Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire, a $12 million dollar youth mentoring nonprofit where she has proudly and passionately dedicated over 14 years. A CPA with more than 35 years of experience spanning public accounting, private industry as well as non-profit, Laurie oversees all financial operations, risk management, insurance, and compliance. Her work encompasses budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, audit and tax, financial reporting, investment oversight, and contract negotiations.

Contact Information
Laurie Peterson, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Office: 714.619.7012
Mobile: 714.296.9099
Address: 1801 E. Edinger, Suite 101 · Santa Ana, CA 92705

Chrislynn VanSkiver

COO
Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is pleased to announce that Chrislynn VanSkiver has been named Chief Operating Officer. In her new role, VanSkiver will lead a team of 68 employees.

VanSkiver brings 17 years of leadership experience in operations, volunteer engagement and fund development. In her most recent role as Second Harvest’s Director of Operations, she was responsible for overseeing land development, construction, facility upgrades and repairs for the organization’s 121,000-square-foot facility. She helped launch and direct the workflow, resources, and labor management of the 40-acre Harvest Solutions Farm. VanSkiver spearheaded facilities expansions, preventative maintenance, emergency projects, and programs for continuous efficiency improvements and compliance. Prior to her position in Operations, VanSkiver managed Second Harvest’s Volunteer Engagement team and restructured it for maximum efficiency, all while elevating a culture of philanthropy. Additionally, she led record fundraising years for fiscal years 2017-2019 for the Harvesters Fashion Show & Luncheon.

VanSkiver holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Chapman University. She is Six Sigma Black Belt certified and is a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Certified Preventive Controls Qualified Individual and a certified American Institute of Baking (AIB) International Food Defense Coordinator.

Shelley Hoss

Chief Executive Officer
Orange County Community Foundation

Since May 2000, Shelley M. Hoss has served as president and chief executive officer of the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF)–one of the largest and fastest growing community foundations in the nation, fueled by a mission to transform our community’s heartfelt intention into greater impact for good.

Under Hoss’ leadership, OCCF’s impact has grown dramatically. OCCF community initiatives have addressed issues ranging from the needs of veterans and military families transitioning to civilian life, to building a strong, resilient Orange County workforce with opportunities for all to thrive.

During Hoss’ tenure, OCCF’s grant and scholarship awards have surged more than twenty-fold, from $5 million annually when she joined OCCF, to more than$100 million annually now. This dramatic growth has distinguished OCCF as a stand-out among more than 800 U.S. community foundations, making OCCF one of the most active grant makers in the nation and bringing the Foundation’s cumulative granting to more than $1.1 billion since its inception.

Under Hoss’ leadership, OCCF has become recognized as a “center of gravity” for philanthropy in Orange County–and its asset growth has also been dramatic. Assets stewarded by the Foundation have increased from $42 million in 2000 to nearly $800 million today, placing OCCF in the top 7% in assets among U.S. community foundations.

Prior to joining the Community Foundation, Hoss served at the helm of Girls Incorporated of Orange County, leading programs that inspire girls to be strong, smart and bold. She started her career with 10 years at the Orangewood Children’s Foundation, leading programs to help children in the foster care system transition successfully to independent life.

Hoss served as founding chair of Orange County Grantmakers, chaired and served on the board of the League of California Community Foundations, and has been a regular guest lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Merage School of Business at UC Irvine. She is frequently sought for her insights about the nonprofit community by regional media, and contributes thought leadership editorials to the Orange County Business Journal, Forbes Nonprofit Council, and national philanthropic publications. She is a Phi Beta Kappa scholar with a joint Master’s Degree in Business and Public Administration from the University of California, Irvine.

Rick Duarte

Construction & Engineering Sustainability Program Manager
Business Outreach Community Engagement

Rick Duarte advocates, implements, and manages the Small Business Requirement (SBR) for Southern California’s Metropolitan Water Districts (MWD) Business Outreach & Community Engagement Team. MWD’s Capital Investment Planning (CIP) budget is $600 million. Rick analyzes every CIP Construction and Engineering contract over $100,000 and establishes the Small Business Requirement, usually 25% of the awarded contract going towards SBE/DVBEs.

Rick has over 30 years of water engineering, construction, and design experience. He has a Master’s in Sustainability (MSL) from Arizona State University (ASU). Rick enjoys spending time with his wife, five boys, and family; you might find him on the links during his spare time.

 

Contact Information:
Rick Duarte, MLS
Construction & Engineering Sustainability Program Manager
Business Outreach Community Engagement
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
700 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Email: rduarte@mwdh2o.com
www.mwdh2o.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-duarte-mls-mwd/
Work: 213-217-7329
Cell: 909-800-3704

Timothy Mclaughlin

Director of Supplier Diversity

Tim is responsible for developing, maintaining and administering San Jose Water’s(SJW) Utility Supplier Diversity Program (USDP) andsupportsH2O America’s Supplier Diversity Programs in Connecticut, Maine and Texas.

Tim currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Business Enterprise Council–Pacific and the National Utility Diversity Council’s (NUDC) Advisory Committee. Tim has served on multiple Boards, including past President of the Industry Council for Small Business Development (ICSBD) and Board Chair of the U.S. Pan-Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC)-Western Region. He has also served on the Institute of Supply Management’s (ISM) Diversity Committee and the Disabled Veteran Business Alliance Advisory Council.

Tim has over 20 years supplier diversity experience, leading programs and initiatives at San Jose Water, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE) and AT&T. He has extensive experienced in Supply Chain and Procurement through various Program/Project Management roles.

Tim earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from The Ohio State University and his Masters of Science in Computer Integrated Manufacturing from Brigham Young University. He is a Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD), through the Institute of Supply Management (ISM).

In his spare time, Tim enjoys creating memories around golfing, skiing, Ohio State football and basketball, and spending as much time as possible with his family and friends.

Anne Muchiri

Supplier Diversity Project Manager

Anne Muchiri serves as a Supplier Diversity Project Manager within the Supply Chain Management/Supplier Diversity department at SoCalGas. In this capacity, she supports the Company’s supplier diversity program within the framework and requirements of General Order 156. This program is dedicated to fostering community relations, providing education resources to develop new and existing small, local, & diverse businesses, and preparing them for potential contracting opportunities while promoting sustainable practices in the utility industry.

Anne holds a Master’s Degree in Jurisprudence (Laws), specializing in Energy Law/Energy Policy, and Environmental Law from Texas A&M University’s School of Law, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology, Law & Society (magna cum laude) from the University of California, Irvine.

Throughout her nearly nineteen years at SoCalGas, Anne also held the position of Project Manager in the Environmental Services department’s Planning & Project Support group. In this role, Anne acted as the environmental lead for numerous major capital, transmission, distribution, & storage projects. Additionally, as the lead contract delegate for Environmental Services, she played a principal role in the implementation of multiple key environmental sourcing initiatives-from the initiation of request for proposals (RFP) processes, oversight of bidding and selection to the generation of multiple contracts utilized company wide.

In her free time, Anne is an avid reader, loves to travel, enjoys watching new and old movies with her sons, and indulges in her passion for cooking and baking for her sons and friends.

Alexus Russell

Program Manager, Supplier Diversity

Alexus Russell is Program Manager, Supplier Diversity for California and Hawaii American Water Company. Alexus serves on the Veterans in Business Corporate Advisory Board and is a mentor for the BRAVO Mentor Protégé Program. Alexus attended the University of San Diego where she studied International Business and Supply Chain Management. In her free time, she loves enjoying the beautiful scenery San Diego has to offer and Pilates.

Saul Viramontes

Administrative Services Manager

Over a decade of experience in government administration in federal and local programs with a majority of that experience in management working with government procurements, contracting, and managing vendors. Currently, overseeing all of the Orange County Power Authority’s non-energy contracting and the Supplier Diversity Program.

Drisha Melton

Southern California Supplier Diversity Liaison

Drisha Melton is the Southern California Supplier Diversity Liaison for the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Her responsibilities include promoting the CPUC’s programs and providing education and outreach necessary to raise awareness of various regulatory and legislative policies. She is committed to promoting consumer needs and protecting the public interest. She is utilized as a resource to build relationships with local government groups and to promote GO156,the CPUC’s supplier diversity program, which encourages greater economic opportunities for women, minority, and disable veteran business, LGBT, and Persons with Disabilities enterprises. Ms. Melton attended Grambling State University and completed her studies at California State University San Bernardino earning a bachelor’s degree in public administration. She represents the CPUC as a member of the Statewide Coalition on Diversity Initiatives, the Workforce, Education, and Training Task Force, an Operation Lifesaver trained Volunteer for Rail and Safety, and a member of the Utilities Supplier Diversity Roundtable, which facilitates the development of Diverse Business Enterprises in the wholesale power market.

Diane Lydon

Assistant Deputy Director and Northern California Regional Advisor

As Assistance Deputy Director, Equity in Procurement, Diane serves as the Office of the State Advocate lead on all procurement-related and supplier diversity programs and initiatives. Prior to joining the Office of Small Business Advocate, Diane was the Business Outreach Manager for the Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services where she led a team empowered to help California small businesses thrive in state contracting.

 

Contact:
Diane Lydon
Assistant Deputy Director and Northern California Regional Advisor
California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA)
1325 J Street, Suite 1800 | Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 465-0571 

Craig Russom

Craig has been self-employed for more than 27 years. He started in specialty sporting goods and later ventured into the world of finance in 2004. Craig has been a licensed California broker since 2006 and a business financial, cash flow, and access to debt capital specialist.

Paul Smith

Economic Development Specialist

Paul Smith is an accomplished professional with thirty years’ experience in business development. His career encompasses both the private and public sectors. His experience includes sales management, direct marketing, export promotion, and matchmaking, for markets worldwide. As an Economic Development Specialist and District International Trade Officer for the U.S. Small Business Administration, Mr. Smith is responsible for outreach to the business community for the Orange County/Inland Empire District office. His expertise focuses on International Relations, High Tech industries & Native American outreach. He works closely with private industries, trade associations, state /federal agencies, and local chambers to promote international trade.

Mr. Smith received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and also conducted his post-graduate studies at Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Smith has received certificates in International Marketing & Sales, International Finance, Investment Specialist, U.S. Customs Broker, and Import/Export Compliance.

Dr. Pamela S. Williamson

President & CEO

Dr. Pamela S. Williamson is the President & CEO of the Women’s Business Enterprise Council–West (WBEC-West), where she leads efforts to connect certified Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs) with major corporations through certification, education, and targeted networking. With over 25 years of senior leadership experience, she is recognized for her expertise in change management and organizational transformation, having successfully guided multiple organizations through fiscal and programmatic turn arounds using mission-driven, servant leadership principles.

Her career includes serving as CEO of SABA 7 Consulting, Vice President of a National Behavioral Health Care Organization, and Deputy Director overseeing psychiatric urgent care quality control. Dr. Williamson holds a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration, an MBA, and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work and Psychology.

A nationally recognized leader in supplier diversity, she has been honored with numerous awards including the Business Journal’s Diversity Champion Award and induction into the Women’s Hall of Fame. She is also the author of several books on supplier diversity and corporate contracting and has been a guest on Anderson Copper 360.

April Alvarez

Procurement Contract Manager

I serve as the Procurement Contract Manager for the County of Orange’s Waste & Recycling Department (OCWR), bringing 18 years of public procurement experience across a range of county agencies—including OC Community Resources, OC Public Works, the Health Care Agency, and now OCWR. My background is rooted in managing construction and architectural engineering contracts, along with a broad scope of commodities and services procurement. Outside the office, I’m a devoted plant mom and spend weekends exploring new coffee spots. I’m currently working toward my CPPB certification and actively encouraging our entire OCWR team to pursue theirs as well. The goal is to have my entire team certified within the next two years.

Contact Information:
April Alvarez
Procurement Contract Manager
OC Waste & Recycling
601 N. Ross St.,5
th Floor
Office: (714) 834-4145
Cell: (714) 430-7775

Helen Hernandez

Senior Procurement Manager, Strategic Programs

Helen Hernandez is a Senior Procurement Manager with the County Procurement Office. Helen holds a bachelor’s degree in human services and brings over 25 years of dedicated service to the County of Orange. She has contributed to several departments throughout her career, with the past 21 years focused on Procurement. Her experience spans various contract types, including commodities, professional services, architectural and engineering, construction, and human services.

Currently, Helen serves as the Strategic Program Manager at the County Procurement Office, where she leads the County’s Supplier Engagement Program. In this role, she is responsible for educating and guiding suppliers on how to effectively do business with the County, fostering greater transparency and collaboration.

Contact Information:
Helen Hernandez, Deputy Purchasing Agent
Senior Procurement Manager, Strategic Programs
County Executive Office | Procurement & Contract Services
County Administration North
400 W. Civic Center Drive, 5th Fl.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Office: (714) 567-7596
Cell: (949) 301-6255

Marcus Delfin

Procurement Equity Program Advocate

Marcus Delfin currently serves as the Procurement Equity Program Advocate (PEPA) at the California Military Department (CMD) Headquarters office in Rancho Cordova. In this role, he is the key contributor to the development and maintenance of the department’s procurement equity program to include: Small Business/Disabled Veteran Enterprise (SB/DVBE), Microbusiness, Community Based Rehabilitation programs (CRP) and the Economic Equity First Programs, with a focus on managing, developing, writing and/or revising policies and representing the department as the CMD statewide SB/DVBE Advocate and SB Liaison. Mr. Delfin represents his agency as a member of the DGS Advocate Steering Council, providing support and mentorship to fellow advocates statewide.

Dalia Demian

Manager
Office of Civil Rights
Statewide Outreach Branch

As the leader of the Statewide Outreach Branch within the Caltrans Office of Civil Rights, I am committed to empowering SBs, DVBEs, and DBEs. My mission is to enhance their participation in contracting and procurement by equipping them with the essential tools and resources for success. We focus on providing education and training to help them navigate the certification process, enabling these businesses to navigate the complexities of state procurement and uncover valuable contracting opportunities. Additionally, we actively engage in outreach and advocacy, collaborating with community organizations that share Caltrans’ strategic vision. Together, we work to expand the reach of these firms and connect them with the vital resources they need to thrive. Your success is our mission!

 

Contact Information:
Dalia.demian@dot.ca.gov
(916) 240-6086

Doreen Tannenbaum, MBA

Strategic Initiatives and Communications Manager
UC Irvine Procurement Services

Doreen Tannenbaum is the Strategic Initiatives & Communications Manager for Procurement Services at UC Irvine, where she leads supplier diversity, sustainability, strategic communications, and campus-wide training. She oversees UCI’s Small Business First program, driving efforts that help direct 25% of campus spend to certified small businesses and disabled veteran business enterprises. She also manages the university’s annual Supplier Showcase, connecting diverse suppliers with campus buyers and fostering new business opportunities. Her career spans entertainment and hospitality, including roles at MTV Networks, Warner Bros. Pictures, Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, and Umami Burger. Doreen holds an MBA and a Certificate in Women’s Leadership and is recognized across the UC system for advancing supplier diversity and sustainable procurement.

Contact Information:
Doreen Tannenbaum, MBA
Strategic Initiatives and Communications Manager
UC Irvine Procurement Services
doreen.tannenbaum@uci.edu

Joann Patty

Business Outreach Manager
Office of Small Business and DVBE Services Procurement Division

Joann Patty serves as a Business Outreach Manager for the California Department of General Services, Office of Small Business and DVBE Services. She leads statewide outreach, strategic partnerships, and the SB/DVBE Emergency Registry, ensuring certified firms have access to resources and contracting opportunities with the State of California. With over a decade of experience in public and nonprofit leadership, Joann is dedicated to advancing equity, strengthening business engagement, and driving results that expand opportunities for small and diverse businesses.

State of California » Department of General Services
707 Third St.
West Sacramento, CA 95605
www.dgs.ca.gov/
PD-OSDS Phone (279) 799-4024
Email Joann.Patty@dgs.ca.gov