
Board of Directors FY 25-26
Board of Directors
FY 25-26
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Nicholas Szczedrin
President
Founder of NIXSYS, delivering custom industrial and legacy computer systems for over 20 years, and NIXY Sports, a leading brand for premium inflatable paddleboards and outdoor gear. Nicolas combines technical expertise with a passion for adventure and innovation, building businesses that empower people both at work and in the outdoors.
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Kevin Wall
President Elect
Kevin is the Founder and CEO of KWALL, a pioneering creative agency specializing in the development of innovative and user-friendly systems that empower organizations to excel in the digital landscape.
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Alex Yu
Membership Chair
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Steve Zehngut
Forum Chair
Founder of Zeek, a leading digital agency for web, SaaS, and mobile development. Steve has 30+ years proven experience advancing digital strategy, technical leadership, and business development for multimillion dollar software projects.
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Michelle Doan
Forum Chair
Founder, Creator, and CEO of Emani Vegan Cosmetics since 1998. Michelle Doan conceptualized the idea of clean, high-performance cosmetics.
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Lisa Nguyen
Engagement Chair
CEO of Custom Nest, a boutique interior design and renovation company, focusing on restoring vintage character homes in the Southern California area. Their goal is to mindfully create magical spaces for busy families to come together to build memories and spread joy.
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Lorraine Francis
Learning Chair
Founder of Cadiz Collaboration, a boutique architecture and interior design firm specializing in hospitality and boutique hotel design. With a passion for storytelling through space, Lorraine creates memorable environments that blend beauty, wellness, and sustainability. She's also the host of Elevate: Hotel Design podcast and an advocate for creative entrepreneurship and growth.
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Vince Moiso
Social Chair
Principal and Chief Revenue Officer at Oceanside Glass & Tile, a 30+ year company that manufactures and distributes glass tile and related products worldwide. Vince is also the founder and President of VIS Business Group LLC, a consulting and coaching firm focused on small businesses in the tile industry that recently purchased Ceramic Tile and Stone Consultants, an Expert Witness and Quality Control service company. Vince published the Complete Guide on Developing Tile & Stone Specifications with Architects and his 2021 book, How to Survive the Wilderness: The Playbook for the Entrepreneur and High Performer. You can also catch his podcast on Apple or Spotify, The CEO Podcast (Conversations Entrepreneurs and Opportunities).
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Robert Pelletier
Marketing & Communications Chair
Robert Owns Pacific Hardwood which is the Nations Largest Manufacturer of custom wood products. He has been with his wife for 25 years and resides in Yorba Linda where they are Raising Three Children. Robert Enjoys Auto Racing, Boating and basketball. He is the in process of opening up his latest venture Elevate Your LYFE (living Your Fulfilled Existence) as he has a passion for coaching.
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Ryan Gaytan
Finance Chair
CEO of The Label Shoppe – a leading producer of labels and packaging for the Food & Beverage, Health & Beauty, and Chemical & Industrial industries. In 2017, Ryan negotiated a successful exit from his snack food business to a leading middle-market PE firm.
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Todd Ausherman
MyEO Chair
Todd is a seasoned entrepreneur who is currently developing Notaroo, a B2B platform offering Notary as a Service. As an attorney in California, he possesses a robust legal background with expertise in Employment Law, Federal Lending Regulations, Real Estate Transactions, and Corporate Acquisitions.
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Karima Gulick
SAP Chair
Karima Gulick is a registered patent attorney. She helps clients protect and defend their intellectual property. Before becoming a patent and trademark attorney, Karima spent eight years as an aerospace engineer building aircraft pilot controls, electro-mechanical systems, and designing software for in-flight entertainment. Karima is a polyglot and loves learning new languages. She enjoys continuously learning new things, and in her spare time, you can find her reading, flying single engine aircrafts, or traveling and exploring new places.
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Zack Bartell
EOA Chair
Founder of SoCal Powerlifting, one of Southern California’s premier strength training facilities specializing in powerlifting, online coaching, and advanced training systems. Zack Bartell has over a decade of experience in gym ownership, fitness business strategy, and athlete development, helping hundreds of clients achieve elite performance through structured programming and a results-driven training environment.
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Dan Brinderson
Mentorship Chair
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John Manion
GSEA Chair
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Ale Szczedrin
Significant Life Partner (SLP) Representative
Children's book illustrator and creator of Aleart LLC's Daily Journals for mental health. She also co-manages NIXY Sports, an outdoor/water-sports company, with her husband Nicolas. Passionate about helping others find mental health balance through mindfulness and nature.
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Jessica Raczka
Chapter Director
Jessica has been working with EO Orange County for over 2 years as the Chapter Director, supporting the Board and Members in their pursuit of connection and learning. Born and raised in Orange County, Jessica earned her Bachelors in History at UC Irvine and JD at Chapman. Before joining EOOC, Jessica practiced as a criminal defense attorney and volunteered on the board of several non-profits.
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Ashley Martinez
Chapter Manager
Ashley has been part of EO for over seven years, serving as a Chapter Manager where she supports the board, manages social media, and helps promotes chapter events. She earned her degree from Cal State Fullerton and is proud to call herself a Titan alum. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys taking interior design classes, exploring flea markets, and hunting for vintage furniture treasures. A true foodie, she loves spending weekends with her husband and daughter trying out new restaurants and sharing great meals together.