The Orange County Public Affairs Association (OCPAA) was created in 1993 as a forum for the growing ranks of OC public affairs professionals, elected officials, corporate executives and policy makers to connect, network and share best practices.

With nearly 150 members from diverse sectors, organizations and industries, we educate our members on the latest techniques, issues and strategies. We hold frequent educational events and provide numerous resources, including our renowned Public Affairs Directory, the only publication of its kind in Orange County. We also connect professionals with prospective clients and potential employers.

In order to ensure a bright future for our profession, we give back to and support students interested in public policy careers through the Randall G. “Randy” Smith Memorial Scholarship.

Interested in becoming a member? Learn more about how to join and the many benefits of membership in the Orange County Public Affairs Association.

Board of Directors

The Orange County Public Affairs Association is governed by a 20-member Board of Directors. The Board, responsible for the programming and policies of OCPAA, meets on the 3rd Monday of each month. Board members come from diverse backgrounds, including corporations, consultancies, government agencies and non-profit organizations.

Co-Chairs

Headshot of Jill Kanzler

Jill Kanzler
Kanzler Public Affairs

Headshot of Cori Takkinen

Cori Takkinen
Townsend Public Affairs

Advisory Board

Headshot of Jennifer Bullard

Jennifer Bullard
Cox Communications

Headshot of Veronica Carpenter

Veronica Carpenter
CalOptima Health

Headshot of Karalee Darnell

Matt Cunningham
Pacific Strategies

Headshot of Debbie Daly

Debbie Daly
Strategies360

Headshot of Karalee Darnell

Karalee Darnell
The Disneyland Resort

Headshot of Roger Faubel

Roger Faubel
Faubel Public Affairs

Headshot of Juan Gonzalez

Juan Gonzalez
So Cal Gas

Headshot of Steve Greyshock

Steve Greyshock
The Irvine Company

Headshot of Matthew Hicks

Matthew Hicks
H&S Ventures

Headshot of Lance Larson

Lance Larson
OCTA

Headshot of Kelley Lee

Kelley Lee
SoCal Edison

Headshot of Christie McDaniel

Christie McDaniel
The Advocacy Group

Craig Reinhardt
Smith Public Affairs

Headshot of Dave Simpson

Dave Simpson
Herzog

Headshot of Phil Tsunoda

Phil Tsunoda
Innovative Integrated Health

Headshot of George Urch

George T. Urch
George Urch & Associates

Amanda Walsh
Orange County Business Council

Headshot of Peter Whittingham

Peter Whittingham
Whittingham Public Affairs Advisors