NBindy_11.25.22 | Page 12

Municipal Finance Veteran Jason Al-Imam to Join City ’ s Management Team
12 newportbeachindy . com NOVEMBER 25 , 2022

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

Orangewood Foundation Raises $ 469K at Ambassador Luncheon at Renaissance Hotel in Newport Beach

By NB Indy Staff Orangewood Foundation , a nonprofit that serves nearly 2,000 foster and community youth annually , hosted its 25th annual Ambassador Luncheon on Friday , October 28 at the Renaissance Hotel in Newport Beach .
The event recognized Orangewood ’ s individual and collective accomplishments from the past year while honoring the foundation ’ s “ Ambassadors ,” the volunteers and donors who support the Foundation ’ s efforts .
This year , the event raised a total of $ 469,277 which will help the organization support community youth in Orange County .
“ It is all in thanks to our generous donors and sponsors that we are able to provide such a high level of support to foster and community youth in Orange County ,” said Orangewood Foundation CEO , Chris Simonsen . “ This support changes the lives of hundreds of youths in our communities , by giving them resources , opportunities , and connections that pave the way for a successful future .”
This year , guests were able to experience an interactive new event format as the luncheon featured an “ Innovation Station Tour ” comprised of nine stations designed and built by Samueli Academy students .
Each station showcased a different innovative program created by Orangewood Foundation , providing information and background on the Guardian Scholars Program , Orangewood Children ’ s Home , Rising Tide Program , Advanced Studies Fund , Samueli Academy , The Lighthouse Project , Young Adult Court , General William Lyon Workforce Academy , and the Orangewood Grove highlighting the future of Orangewood .
The luncheon honored 25-year Orangewood staff member and Resource Center Supervisor , Lisa Evans , with the General William Lyon Crystal Vision Award , which recognizes worthy individuals who have given generously of their time and resources and who reflect the unending commitment to Orange County youth that was demonstrated by Founding Board Chairman , General William Lyon .
CEO Chris Simonsen & Honoree Lisa Evans
Longtime Orangewood supporter and steadfast kitchen volunteer , Kelly Bozza , was also honored , receiving the William G . Steiner Heart of Service Award which recognizes individuals who have an unwavering passion for helping young people , and that go above and beyond in supporting the organization .
Established in 1981 , Orangewood Foundation is a privately funded 501 ( c )( 3 ) nonprofit that serves nearly 2,000 foster and community
youth annually . The organization is committed to helping youth prepare for independent adulthood , providing various programs and services that focus on health & wellness , housing , life skills & employment , and education .
Orangewood Foundation ’ s mission is to strive for equity for its youth by valuing and supporting the life that each individual envisions .
To learn more , please visit orangewoodfoundation . org .

BIZ BUZZ

Municipal Finance Veteran Jason Al-Imam to Join City ’ s Management Team

Jason Al-Imam
Jason Al-Imam , a municipal finance executive with nearly 20 years of experience in local government , has been named as the finance director / treasurer for the City of Newport Beach , City Manager Grace Leung announced this week .
Al-Imam has served in financial management positions for four fullservice cities in Southern California : Fountain Valley , Los Alamitos , Riverside and Tustin , where he is presently the finance director / treasurer .
Al-Imam will begin his new position on November 28 . He succeeds Scott Catlett , who left the City in September for a position in the private sector .
“ Jason brings the combination of leadership skills , city government experience and financial savvy we were looking for in a new finance director ,” Leung said . “ His extensive background with city budgets , and a successful track record of building relationships with internal and external stakeholders , makes him a great fit for this position .”
As the City ’ s finance director , Al- Imam will oversee Newport Beach ’ s $ 404-million budget , ensure compliance with finance and investment policies , manage a staff of 33 full-time employees and work closely with the City Council and Finance Committee .
The finance director is also responsible for managing the City ’ s debts and investment portfolio , accounting and financial reporting , forecasting , purchasing , payroll and billing .
Al-Imam , a resident of Irvine , is a member of the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers and a graduate of Vanguard University of Southern California .
For more information on the city ’ s Finance Department , visit https :// www . newportbeachca . gov / government / departments / finance .