Dean's Leadership Society
Executive Committee
Senior Founding Partner, Guardian Financial Partners, LLC
Pat has been a financial services professional since 1986, beginning his career with Kidder, Peabody and Co. In 1994, he moved his practice to Wells Fargo Advisors where he served as a Managing Director of Investments of the Guinet & Nguyen Wealth Advisory Group. With partners Hung Nguyen and Casey Bartels, he founded Guardian Financial Partners in 2017, to serve his clients as a fiduciary – always acting in their best interest.
Pat earned a bachelor’s degree in economics with an emphasis in international trade from the University of California, Irvine. He also received the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) designation by completing coursework through the Investment Management Consultants Association and the Wharton School of Business. The CIMA® designation focuses on all aspects of the investment management consulting process and requires ongoing continuing education and professional development.
Pat lives in Coto De Caza, California with his three boys; Brennan, Elliot and Evan, and their two dogs; Buddy and Bear. He has been involved in several philanthropic organizations: President Northwood Little League (2 yrs.), President, Beckman Baseball Boosters (2 yrs.), and President, Beckman High School Super Boosters (2yrs.)
Currently he serves as the Chair of the Dean’s Leadership Society (DLS) for the UCI School of Social Sciences.
Senior Vice President, Jones Lang LaSalle
Janice Cimbalo assists tenants/users of office space locally, nationally and internationally with strategy and implementation of real estate locations. She provides value-added business services including workplace strategy development and implementation and incentive negotiations. She is also a lawyer with more than two decades of experience providing her legal expertise to maximize her clients' outcomes.
Co-Founder & CFO, Providence Capital Funding, Inc.
Ofer Horn is a seasoned finance executive with over 30 years of experience in equipment financing, encompassing leadership roles in sales, credit, and asset management. As the co-founder and CFO of Providence Capital Funding, Inc., established in 2004, he has been instrumental in originating over $3 billion in leased assets, assisting thousands of small and mid-sized businesses in acquiring essential equipment.
At Providence Capital Funding, Ofer oversees operations, credit, funding, and portfolio management, driving the company's success through client-focused solutions. The firm specializes in providing tailored equipment financing solutions across various industries, including medical, IT, manufacturing, and more .
A proud UC Irvine alumnus and former water polo player under the legendary Coach Ted Newland, Ofer remains deeply engaged with the campus community. He supports scholarships, faculty research, and student-athlete mentorship through his role as a Dean’s Partner and Executive Committee member of the Dean’s Leadership Society. Additionally, he serves on the boards of several water polo organizations, advancing opportunities for young athletes in the sport he loves.
VP, Strategic Planning and Business Development, Paramount Pictures
Howard Hsieh drives new business opportunities and innovative monetization strategies for Paramount Pictures as VP of Strategic Planning & Business Development. He transforms how audiences consume content into profitable business models, working across global content creation, distribution, and immersive technologies. Recently, Howard launched Paramount's podcasting division, earning a Webby Award and two Ambie Awards for their debut show.
Previously, Howard spent seven years at The Walt Disney Company across Internet Group and Parks & Resorts, where he spearheaded high-impact growth initiatives including Family.com's launch, next-generation fireworks development, global sourcing strategies for Imagineering, and Hong Kong Disneyland's opening—including setting the park's marquee ticket pricing.
An accomplished photographer, marathoner, and triathlete, Howard aims to leverage his entertainment industry expertise in future public service.
Partner, Kesselman Brantly Stockinger LLP
David Kesselman is a business litigator with particular expertise in antitrust and unfair competition law. He represents plaintiffs and defendants -- from small and mid-sized companies to Fortune 500 companies -- in state and federal courts. Mr. Kesselman has trial experience and has argued cases in both federal and state appellate courts. Mr. Kesselman serves as an adjunct professor of Antitrust Law at Loyola Law School.
Co-President and Chief Financial Officer, LTC Properties
Pam Kessler is the Co-President and Chief Financial Officer of LTC Properties (NYSE: LTC), a $2 billion publicly traded health care REIT (real estate investment trust) that invests in seniors housing and skilled nursing properties throughout the United States. With over 25 years of real estate experience, Pam has demonstrated expertise in developing, leading and executing capital markets and financial planning and analysis activities. She joined LTC Properties in 2000 as the company’s Controller and has served as the CFO since 2007.
Prior to joining LTC Properties, Pam was the Corporate Controller for a privately held commercial and multifamily real estate developer. She was also the Director of Financial Reporting for Irvine Apartment Communities, a Southern California apartment REIT spun out from The Irvine Company. Pam also served as the Assistant Controller of the Inland Empire division of KB Home (NYSE: KBH), one of the nation’s largest publicly traded homebuilders. She began her career as a certified public accountant in the real estate group of Ernst and Young LLP.
Currently, Pam serves as an independent director and member of the audit committee of Physician’s Realty Trust (NYSE: DOC) a $5 billion health care REIT that acquires, owns and manages medical office buildings and other health care properties that are leased to physicians, hospitals and other health care providers throughout the United States. Pam also serves on the Board of Governors and is a member of the real estate committee of Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center Foundation in Tarzana, California. Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana is a 249-bed hospital serving the San Fernando Valley since 1973 and is part of Providence St. Joseph Health, a national not-for-profit health system comprised of 50 hospitals and 829 clinics throughout the western part of the United States. Additionally, Pam is a member of the Executive Council of UC Irvine’s School of Social Sciences Dean’s Leadership Society.
Pam and her husband, Steve, live in Thousand Oaks with their two children.
Executive Director and Banker, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Chris Lee is an Executive Director and Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. Chris works with some of the most prestigious individuals and families across Orange County, whose complex planning needs benefit from sophisticated wealth management. A native of Southern California, Chris focuses on tapping the thought leadership and platforms of an industry powerhouse and delivering them at a local level so that clients can focus on their important priorities.
Chris recognizes that when individuals share the intimate details of their finances, they welcome him to a very personal aspect of their lives. He listens carefully to their goals, with an eye toward their challenges, family dynamics and aspirations for generational legacies. Chris orchestrates a team of specialists to deliver tax and estate strategies, investing, lending, banking, business succession, charitable gifting and other essential services. As a client’s go-to point of contact along their wealth journey, he keeps everything in motion and pays attention to the small facets of every relationship.
Throughout a two-decade career in private banking, Chris has built a reputation for his engaging manner and ability to foster an easy rapport. He has a deep network among stakeholders and centers of influence in the community, and connects likeminded individuals to share synergistic ideas. Chris began at Wells Fargo and has risen to senior positions at notable firms such as Merrill Lynch and City National Bank. He has a particular interest in the private trustee industry and works closely with licensed professional fiduciaries.
Chris earned a B.A. in Political Science from UC Irvine, where he was a member of the NCAA Division I tennis team. He is the former President of the Board of Trustees for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, an organization with a dream of curing cancer, a topic of personal meaning to his family. Residents of Ladera Ranch since the city was formed, Chris and his wife are raising their three young children to understand that health and family are gifts to be appreciated. He enjoys competing in ironman endurance races, tennis and golf.
Senior Advisor, Southern California Edison
Andre Ramirez is a Senior Advisor at Southern California Edison, one of the largest electric utilities in the US, where he leads residential pricing and policy including supporting the transition of millions of Californians to time-based electric rates. In his 10 year career at SCE he has worked on regulatory and business strategies in the areas of electric vehicles, energy storage, and R&D. He was recently named to the Public Utilities Fortnightly “Under 40 List.” Andre earned a MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management and bachelor degrees in Economics and Political Science from UC Irvine.
Executive Director with Wells Fargo Commercial Bank
Roger W. Whitenhill is an Executive Director with Wells Fargo Commercial Bank, serving as a Senior Relationship Manager for the Southern California market. In this role, he partners directly with CEOs and senior executives to deliver customized commercial lending solutions and strategic consulting for privately held middle-market companies with revenues up to $500 million.
Prior to his current role, Roger held similar positions at J.P. Morgan Chase and City National Bank, where he managed client relationships across the Orange County and Los Angeles regions. Earlier in his career, he served as a Portfolio Manager with Wells Fargo, overseeing a diverse commercial credit portfolio, and as a Fixed Income Credit Analyst with City National Rochdale Asset Management in Beverly Hills, where he co-managed a $4 billion municipal bond fund. His experience also includes working on Wall Street as an Agency Bond Trader with Banc of America Securities in New York and beginning his banking career as a Licensed Banker with Citibank in Orange County, advising retail clients on investment strategies.
Prior to his current role, Roger held similar positions at J.P. Morgan Chase and City National Bank, where he managed client relationships across the Orange County and Los Angeles regions. Earlier in his career, he served as a Portfolio Manager with Wells Fargo, overseeing a diverse commercial credit portfolio, and as a Fixed Income Credit Analyst with City National Rochdale Asset Management in Beverly Hills, where he co-managed a $4 billion municipal bond fund. His experience also includes working on Wall Street as an Agency Bond Trader with Banc of America Securities in New York and beginning his banking career as a Licensed Banker with Citibank in Orange County, advising retail clients on investment strategies.
A dedicated mentor and community leader, Roger actively seeks to give back and "plant trees whose shade he may never sit in." He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer for the Western Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Chief Investment Officer of the AWIC Investment Club, board member and treasurer of Youth Action Project, and sits on the Executive Committee of the Dean’s Leadership Society at UC Irvine's School of Social Sciences. He is also a member of the Executive Council of the Black Management Association at UCI’s Merage School of Business.
A dedicated mentor and community leader, Roger actively seeks to give back and "plant trees whose shade he may never sit in." He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer for the Western Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Chief Investment Officer of the AWIC Investment Club, board member and treasurer of Youth Action Project, and sits on the Executive Committee of the Dean’s Leadership Society at UC Irvine's School of Social Sciences. He is also a member of the Executive Council of the Black Management Association at UCI’s Merage School of Business.
Attorney, Retired
Michelle Williams began her career as a political appointee in the U.S. Department of Justice, specializing in speechwriting and legislative analysis. She graduated from University of San Diego law school and specialized in director and officer liability, premises liability and bad faith defense litigation. After practicing a number of years, she took time off to raise her 3 sons and engage in various charitable endeavors. She has served in numerous capacities, including the Advisory Board for the Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley, the Executive Board for the PTF of St. Margaret's Episcopal School and as a District Committee member for the Boy Scouts of America. She currently chairs the Board for the Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley. She has also chaired the Dean's Leadership Society and Executive Committee since 2016. An Order of Merit recipient, Michelle graduated with honors with a degree in political science from UCI. She was a 2017 recipient of UCI's Lauds and Laurels Distinguished Alumni award jointly with her husband, John.
Intellectual Property Partner, O’Melveny & Myers, LLP
Brett Williamson is an intellectual property litigation partner at O’Melveny & Myers, handling cases for clients in a wide variety of industries, including computer hardware and software, telecommunications and media, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. He is recognized among the most skilled IP litigators in the country, named among the top 75 intellectual property lawyers in California by the Daily Journal and as one of only 500 Leading Litigators in America by Lawdragon. Brett is also a longtime member of O’Melveny’s administrative leadership team, having co-founded the firm’s Intellectual Property and Technology practice group and served as managing partner of the Newport Beach office. Brett has maintained a robust pro bono practice for more than three decades, most recently securing major victories for clients in the areas of low-income housing and homeless rights, criminal justice reform, equal protection, and data privacy. He currently serves as O’Melveny’s firmwide partner in charge of pro bono.
CMO & Head of Marketing Engine, Satisfi Labs
Danika Wong is the CMO and Head of Marketing Engine at Satisfi Labs, a conversational experience platform, where she leads marketing efforts and oversees the launch of a new business unit designed to create a more comprehensive conversational technology platform. By integrating inbound and outbound capabilities, the Marketing Engine expands Satisfi’s offerings, solidifying its position as a leader in conversational AI. Over the past six years, Danika has been instrumental in establishing Satisfi Labs as a trailblazer in the space through impactful branding and product positioning.
Danika’s career spans diverse industries, including ad tech at GroundTruth and e-commerce/retail marketing at Macys.com. Her work has consistently focused on leveraging emerging technology to drive revenue and innovation. She holds a degree in Political Science and International Studies from the University of California, Irvine.
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