OCBC Senior Vice President and COO Paul Simonds recently spoke with Cal State Fullerton's ‘Leadership in Public Service’ students, sharing insights from his experience working alongside local, state and federal government leaders.  

“The future is bright,” Simonds said. “These students are thoughtful, motivated and clearly on their way to becoming tomorrow’s leaders.” 

He emphasized that workforce development remains a core priority for OCBC, recognizing the contributions of California State University, Fullerton and OCBC’s education partners in preparing the region’s future leaders.

For more information, please contact Paul Simonds, Senior Vice President and COO.

Photo courtesy of OCBC

Community leaders recently gathered for the release of the Orange County Community Foundation's Orange County Economic Opportunity Report, where Dr. Wallace Walrod, Chief Economic Advisor for OCBC, emphasized the importance of aligning education and workforce strategies with industry needs.

The report highlights the region’s talent pipeline as essential economic infrastructure and calls for focused, equity-driven investments. Key recommendations include expanding health care training, strengthening high-skill pathways and scaling earn-and-learn models. All of which are consistent with OCBC’s continuing work across policy, business and education sectors. 

For any questions, please contact Dr. Wallace Walrod, Chief Economic Advisor. 

Photo courtesy of OCBC

OCBC investor Shopoff Realty Investments, which recently acquired full ownership of Westminster Mall, a 57-acre site, plans to demolish the current structure by the end of March to make way for the Bolsa Pacific at Westminster project.

The development will include 2,250 housing units, 220,000 sq. ft. of retail space, a 120+ room hotel and 15 acres of open space with walking trails, creating a vibrant mixed-use community in the heart of Westminster. 

Read more about this mixed-use space.  

Rendering courtesy of AO Architects