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23rd Annual Special Section to The Signal October 2026

Recognizing Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential of 2026!

SANTA CLARITA SMILES We know leadership begins with service to others. THANK YOU for shaping the future of our community with integrity, compassion and purpose.

Dr. Harleen Grewal

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Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal 5

Table of Contents PAGE 7 No. 1

PAGE 20 Laurene Weste

PAGE 8 No. 2 Jason Gibbs No. 3 Ken Striplin

PAGE 9 No. 4 Pilar Schiavo No. 5 Larry Rasmussen No. 6 Kathryn Barger

PAGE 10 No. 7 Suzette Martinez Valladares

From The Publisher

No. 8 Joe Messina

No. 25 Scott Wilk No. 26 Selina Thomas No. 27 Don Kimball

PAGE 21 No. 28 Marlee Lauffer No. 29 Erin Wilson No. 30 Lisa Eichman

PAGE 22 No. 31 Bill Cooper No. 32 Sandy Sanchez No. 33 Jason Crawford

PAGE 24

Welcome to this year’s list of The Signal’s “Top 51 Most Influential” people in the Santa Clarita Valley.

No. 9 Mike Vierra

I would like to personally Congratulate the 51 who made this year’s list. You are all remarkable in helping to make Santa Clarita great. You are the doers and not the talkers that make this valley a great place to live.

PAGE 12

No. 34 Kevin Klockenga No. 35 Stephanie Stelnick No. 36 Harleen Grewal

No. 10 Marsha McLean

PAGE 26

No. 11 Captain Brandon Barclay

PAGE 14

No. 37 Di Thompson No. 38 Liz Hopp No. 39 Kevin Strauss

No. 13 George Whitesides

PAGE 28

No. 14 Bill Miranda

No. 40 Greg Amsler No. 41 Ondré Seltzer No. 42 John Musella

Santa Clarita is one of the safest and finest communities to live in America. The biggest reason is because of its people; we have literally thousands of people making a difference every day in our valley. Everyone on this list is caring and compassionate. They all have one trait in common, they take great pride in our community and in making Santa Clarita one of the greatest communities on earth to live, work and raise a family. Your hard work and efforts are greatly appreciated. The “Top 51 Most Influential” list has the same purpose today as it did when I started the list 23 years ago, to recognize all of you, and all your combined contributions to this valley. You may not agree with one or even all the people on this list, and that’s fine. This is not a science; and we encourage disagreement and debate but in the opinion of The Signal, these ARE the “51 Most Influential” in our city in 2026, making our valley a great place to live, work and play.

No. 12 Frank Oviedo

No. 15 Patrick Moody

PAGE 15 No. 16 Randy Wrage No. 17 Patsy Ayala No. 18 Fred Arnold

PAGE 16 No. 19 Jasmine Ruyes

PAGE 29 No. 43 Ivan Volschenk No. 44 Kathy Norris No. 45 Mike DeLorenzo

PAGE 30

Congratulations and Thank You to you all, and especially to the new members on this years’ list.

No. 20 Mark Blazer No. 21 David Hegg

All 51 will be receiving an invitation to our congratulatory luncheon on November 12th, at Salt Creek Grill.

No. 46 Gloria Mercado-Fortine No. 47 Jon Hatami No. 48 Missy Carter

PAGE 18

PAGE 31

No. 22 Nikki Buckstead No. 23 John Shaffery

No. 49 Denise Lite No. 50 Dennis Verner

No. 24 Carrie Lujan

No. 51 Cary Quashen

Richard Budman

6 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2026 • The Signal

Signal Publisher/Owner

1 “Mayor Laurene Weste is a strong voice of Santa Clarita who has fought for this city since its inception and has never stopped fighting for it. A tireless protector of open space, history and quality of life, she has shaped the city for decades.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner Weste describes herself as one of the early visionaries who fought for cityhood, and her record since the city incorporated in 1987 shows why. First elected to the City Council in 1998, she has been returned to office again and again, and she has served as mayor repeatedly since 2001. In December, she was sworn in at City Hall to lead the council once more. Before joining the council, Weste served on the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission, where she helped establish new parks, preserve thousands of acres of open space and build the crosstown trail system that residents use every day. Today the city boasts more than 13,000 acres of open space and more than 100 miles of trails, a legacy she has championed for decades. She continues to push for a complete green belt around the city and for protection of the Santa Clara River, one of the region’s last unchan-

neled rivers.

Laurene Weste

Much of that landscape exists because of the Open Space Preservation District. After a 2006 attempt failed, Weste chaired the campaign that persuaded voters to approve the district in 2007, with residents agreeing to tax themselves to buy land. She has called it a first of its kind in the country and compares the slow work of piecing together parcels to “quilting.” The results include Elsmere Canyon, once slated to become a massive landfill, whose remaining 842 acres the city bought in 2010 as permanent open space. She has also pushed the city to keep adding land to the east, near the contested Cemex site. Her vision reaches beyond city limits. Weste testified before a congressional subcommittee in support of the Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act, which aimed to protect the ring of mountains around the region’s valleys. The National Parks Conservation Association honored her for that leadership. An equestrian and animal lover, Weste is also the valley’s best-known guardian of its history. As a member of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Advisory Board, she led

the effort to save the 800-acre Mentryville, the first oil town in California. She has supported the local historical society and its events, and she was a leading voice against the proposed CEMEX mine in Soledad Canyon on the city’s eastern border.

The past year has been a significant one for the parks she loves. The city welcomed its 39th and 40th parks, Pioneer Oil Refinery Park and William S. Hart Park, the latter transferred from Los Angeles County. At Hart Park, residents can now tour the barnyard, camp, hike and attend events such as the Cowboy Festival, which celebrated its 30th anniversary and was scheduled to be held at the park for the first time since the city took ownership. Weste has also pointed to the reopening of Old Orchard Park, the River of Lights at Central Park and the expansion of David March Park as examples of how the city keeps investing in neighborhoods. Looking ahead, she has highlighted the 720-acre Haskell Canyon Bike Park, with more than 15 miles of trails, as the city’s second bike park, and The Rink Sports Pavilion as a place designed for skating, sports and time together. She has also kept her focus on local control, maintain-

ing infrastructure and keeping Santa Clarita among the safest cities in the nation. “Every dollar collected here stays here,” she said recently, reminding residents why cityhood mattered. Weste’s community commitments go beyond City Hall. She is a director of the Santa Clarita Valley Committee on Aging, where she helps with fundraisers and programs that make sure older residents have the resources they need, and she is a regular presence at traditions such as the Fourth of July Parade, which predates the city itself. Weste has long been a voice for residents, whether the issue is cleaning up a neighborhood or alerting the community to a concern coming from Los Angeles or Sacramento. She has also helped guide the continued revitalization of Old Town Newhall, which benefits from the city’s stewardship of Hart Park nearby, and her commitment to a safe, green and welcoming community has guided her work through every term. Few leaders can claim a legacy so visible in the landscape: every trail, park and preserved hillside is a reminder of her work, and of the vision that created a city worth protecting for generations.

Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2026 • The Signal 7

Jason Gibbs

“Santa Clarita City Councilman Jason Gibbs is among the valley’s most visible and dedicated public servants, a hard-working leader who is always out in the community, listening to residents, families and local businesses. His engineering background, thoughtful approach and genuine care for his neighbors make him a truly positive force as Santa Clarita continues to grow.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner Gibbs was first elected to the Santa Clarita City Council in 2020 and served as mayor in 2023, leading the third-largest city in Los Angeles County. He represents District 3, which includes much of Saugus, and in 2024 his colleagues unanimously appointed him to another four-year term after no one filed to run against him, a vote of confidence from the neighborhoods he serves. Residents know him as a regular at not only council meetings but community events throughout the valley, always willing to listen, and he is known for thoughtful invocations at council meetings. His stated priorities are fiscal responsibility, job retention and growth, and preserving Santa Clarita’s quality of life, and he has been part of a council that kept the city financially stable while adding

parks, including Pioneer Oil Refinery Park and William S. Hart Park, the city’s 39th and 40th. Gibbs brings real-world expertise to City Hall. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Cal Poly and spent his career as a senior principal engineer for West Coast operations at GP Strategies Corp., supporting aerospace launch programs including the Delta II, Delta IV and Atlas V rockets. That gives him a practical understanding of the challenges facing local employers. His service extends beyond the council. Gibbs serves on the city’s Board of Library Trustees and on the North County Transportation Coalition. He has supported local after-school programs as a member of the Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club advisory board and has served on the executive boards of the Valley Industry Association and the WiSH Education Foundation. He has also nominated residents to the city’s Planning, Parks, Arts and audit panels, helping bring new voices into city government. Gibbs has been an enthusiastic supporter of the valley’s outdoor life, especially in his own district. He promoted the Haskell Canyon Bike Park, a free, $7.4 million trail network in the open space north of Copper Hill Drive in Saugus.

8 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2026 • The Signal

Ken Striplin

“City Manager Ken Striplin is the steady hand behind Santa Clarita’s success, a career public servant whose thoughtful leadership, financial discipline and genuine commitment to residents have helped the city thrive. Under his guidance, Santa Clarita remains one of the most livable, safe and well-run communities in California, and his staff is a model for others across the region.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner Striplin has worked for the city of Santa Clarita since 1996 and has held leadership roles in every city department, including department head and division manager. He has also served as the city’s personnel officer and labor negotiator. That broad experience has made him the city’s guiding administrator, overseeing an organization that serves more than 220,000 residents. His peers have recognized his work. Striplin received the 2021 Award for Career Excellence in Memory of Mark E. Keane from the International City/County Management Association, and earlier earned the League of California Cities’ John H. Nail Award as assistant city manager. A mentoring program he helped develop received the league’s Helen Putnam

Award. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in public administration from California State University, Northridge, and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Pepperdine University. This year, Striplin guided the city through a careful budget process, forecasting “small but steady growth” and a “stable economy with mild potential for growth.” The capital improvement portion totals $96.7 million, supporting projects such as Via Princessa Park, the city’s 41st park, which broke ground in January, a second downtown Newhall parking structure and upgrades across the city. Under his leadership, the city also welcomed William S. Hart Park as its 40th park. Local jobs grew about 4% over the past year to more than 100,000, and the city issued 5,200 permits for just under $500 million in new construction. Striplin’s ties to the community run deep. He started with the city as a management intern and worked his way to the top job. Residents often see him volunteering at community events, supporting local nonprofits and cheering on students and athletes. The longtime Santa Clarita resident is the father of four.

Pilar Schiavo

Larry Rasmussen

Kathryn Barger

“Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo has used her time in Sacramento to deliver real results for the Santa Clarita Valley, from legislation protecting veterans and survivors to budget dollars for seniors, youth and public safety. A nurse advocate turned lawmaker and former small business owner, she chairs the Assembly’s Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and stays closely connected to the residents she serves.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Developer Larry Rasmussen of Spirit Properties has helped shape the Santa Clarita Valley with his professional accomplishments that surrounds the valley with top-notch facilities and projects creating a legacy that will last forever. He has made generous donations to most if not all the non-profits in the SCV, with his philosophy of ‘doing the right thing.’ His influence shapes what happens in the Santa Clarita Valley much more than most people could even realize. — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Supervisor for the 5th District, has always treated the Santa Clarita Valley as a priority. She shows up, she listens and she delivers, from Hart Park to the neighborhoods of Val Verde and Castaic. Our valley is fortunate to have a champion who fights for us downtown.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

Schiavo, D-Chatsworth, represents the 40th Assembly District, which includes most of the Santa Clarita Valley. Elected in 2022, she went to Sacramento with a background as a nurse advocate who helped more than a million people access health care, a small business owner and single mother. Her 2026 session was especially productive. Her Faster Services for Veterans Act, Assembly Bill 2219, was signed into law at the end of September, strengthening the network of county veterans service officers so that veterans and their families can reach benefits more quickly. As the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee chair, she has worked hard to protect veterans from predatory practices. In the 2026-27 state budget, Schiavo secured millions for the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys including $180,000 for the Santa Clarita Senior Center to add Meals on Wheels vehicles; $900,000 to help Finally Family Homes purchase a permanent facility for young adults leaving foster care; public safety equipment for the Sheriff’s Department; and horse trailers for LA County Animal Control to speed wildfire evacuations. For a community that depends on state action for veterans, seniors and safety, Schiavo has been a consistent, effective and accessible voice in Sacramento.

The sheer number of significant community projects that Rasmussen has guided through the development process speak to his influence and importance in the SCV, which ranges from features found on the College of the Canyons’ Canyon Country campus on the east side of the SCV to the Centre Pointe Business Park to the crown jewel of the William S. Hart Union High School District in Castaic.

Barger has represented the Santa Clarita Valley on the county Board of Supervisors since 2016 and chaired the board in 2025. Each year, she returns to deliver her State of the County address to the community. She was central to one of the city’s biggest recent wins. Barger authored the 2022 motion that opened negotiations to hand William S. Hart Park and Museum to Santa Clarita. She also wrote the 2024 motion setting the terms of the transfer, which the board approved unanimously. City leaders have repeatedly credited her partnership.

He’s someone who always prefers to work behind the scenes to accomplish his goals, which are always aimed at making the SCV a better place to raise a family. That’s not just because that’s Rasmussen’s business, but that’s what he believes in as a longtime resident and part of the community.

In Val Verde and Castaic, she has worked on behalf of residents affected by Chiquita Canyon Landfill. She pressed the operator to help relocate families, pursued property tax relief for nearby homeowners and backed the county’s lawsuit, including a 2025 push for stronger odor controls.

He never seeks out credit or attention for this community service, but he’s someone who’s always willing to help out and give back as a benefactor to an area he’s done so much to help develop.

She has also steered county money to everyday needs. That includes $250 million for The Old Road and $200,000 for a new SCV dental and wellness center. It also includes a $50,000 van that takes Boys & Girls Club kids to field trips, sports and summer programs.

He’s also willing to speak out on behalf of what he believes in, an advocate for family values and for parents to have a voice in our schools, especially at a time when that seems to be constantly under attack by legislators in Sacramento.

From parks to public health, Barger makes sure the valley’s voice is heard at the Hall of Administration. Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal 9

Suzette Martinez Valladares

Joe Messina

Michael Vierra

“State Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares, R-Santa Clarita, has used her time in Sacramento to deliver on affordability, public safety, health care and economic opportunity for the Santa Clarita Valley, with a collaborative style that has earned her bipartisan respect and leadership roles in the Senate. — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Joe Messina, president of the William S. Hart Union High School District governing board, has been a longtime advocate for expanding career technical education in the Santa Clarita Valley, working to make sure students leave school ready for college, careers and a successful future.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“A longtime leader within the William S. Hart Union High School District, Michael Vierra has spent decades shaping programs, guiding policy and ensuring that Hart district schools remain a cornerstone of the Santa Clarita Valley’s success.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

Suzette Martinez Valladares was elected to the state Senate in November 2024, representing the SCV, parts of the Antelope Valley and the High Desert. She serves as Senate Republican Caucus Whip and as co-chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Problem Solvers Caucus. She sits on eight committees, including as vice chair of Governmental Organization, Health, and Revenue and Taxation. Her 2026 agenda has focused on affordability. She introduced bills to raise the state dependent tax credit, create a new medical expense deduction and require the California Air Resources Board to analyze the economic impact of new regulations. Her public safety package, which includes a bill named for survivor and advocate Kayleigh Kozak, human trafficking and illegal dumping measures, passed the Senate with bipartisan support. Her SB 1174 would give a bid preference on Caltrans projects to companies with employee stock ownership plans and cleared the Senate Transportation Committee unanimously in April. She also was a co-author of AB 1138, the state film and television tax incentive, which supports jobs in a signature SCV industry, and in late September joined colleagues urging Congress to pass a federal film tax credit. Her Homes for Heroes Act would exempt the primary residences of 100% disabled veterans from property taxes. 10 · Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal

Messina’s leadership reflects a belief that education must go beyond traditional academic tracks and prepare students for a variety of futures. Under his guidance, the district has made marked strides in aligning student skills with the demands of local business and industry. The importance of that work can’t be overstated, as the Hart district serves more than 20,000 students through its junior highs, high schools and alternative programs. One of Messina’s signature contributions has been pushing for career technical education pathways that respond directly to the labor market, including robotics and manufacturing, as well as skilled trades, health care and information technology. Messina, who now leads the board as president, received wide support and encouragement from teachers and others in the community during his most recent campaign. His continued involvement in one of the largest districts here helps the SCV maintain its reputation for amazing schools. The Hart district now offers dozens of pathways, including junior high exploratory programs, and state-of-the-art facilities, updated equipment and strong partnerships with local businesses are hallmarks of his involvement. Messina bolsters the local economy by producing graduates ready to fill critical, wage-earning roles in the region.

Before being named William S. Hart Union High School District Superintendent, Vierra spent decades in the Hart district, holding leadership positions that gave him firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities facing today’s educators. His appointment marked both a new chapter, and a continuation, of a career built on service to students. The Hart district serves more than 20,000 students across its junior highs and high schools and is widely regarded as one of the SCV’s greatest assets. Its reputation for academic excellence, strong extracurricular programs and innovative career pathways is a key reason families and businesses choose Santa Clarita. As superintendent, Vierra has emphasized maintaining high academic standards while preparing students for life beyond graduation, whether that means college, the workforce or military service. He works closely with the governing board, whose members include trustees Joe Messina and Erin Wilson, as well as business and community partners who support career technical education. For the Santa Clarita Valley, Vierra’s leadership means the Hart district will remain a driving force behind the community’s growth, stability and future success.

your leadership points the way forward

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Congratulations to the Top 51! Your commitment to our community t ty strengthens the Santa Clarita Valley.

Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal 11

Marsha McLean

Capt. Brandon Barclay

Frank Oviedo

“Santa Clarita City Councilwoman Marsha McLean has been a fixture at City Hall since her election in 2002. She is a four-time mayor who has guided the city’s growth while fighting to protect open space, improve roads and preserve the quality of life that makes the SCV special.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“As captain of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, Brandon Barclay is the valley’s de facto chief of police, a respected career lawman who is committed to transparency, community partnerships and keeping the SCV one of the safest places in Southern California to live, work and raise a family.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Frank Oviedo has been a critical figure in the success and steady growth of Santa Clarita as assistant city manager, a career public servant whose financial discipline, innovation and leadership of landmark projects have helped make the city a model for the region.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

McLean’s long tenure is coming to a close. The councilwoman announced in December that she will not seek re-election in November, noting she lives in the same district as Councilwoman Patsy Ayala. Her departure, along with Mayor Bill Miranda’s, will bring significant change to the council next year. Her record is a substantial one. Over multiple terms, including mayoral stints in 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019, she advocated for development balanced with environmental preservation. She founded the SCV Canyons Preservation Committee, which helped secure legislation and funding to save Whitney, Elsmere and Placerita canyons and protect thousands of acres from development, and she fought plans for what would have been the world’s largest garbage dump at Elsmere Canyon. McLean also pushed for hundreds of millions of dollars in road improvements, signal synchronization and traffic circulation enhancements, and she supported expansion of parks, community and senior centers and the library system. Her regional leadership includes serving as chair of the San Fernando Valley Council of Governments and on the North LA County Transportation Coalition. Her legacy is one of managing growth responsibly. 12 · Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal

Barclay was named captain in August 2025, after leading the station on an acting basis since April, succeeding Justin Diez. A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department veteran with nearly two decades on the job, he previously served as the station’s operations lieutenant for almost four years, and earlier worked as a field sergeant, detective, crisis negotiator and member of a mental health evaluation team. Since taking the post, Barclay’s overall crime numbers continues to decline, while he works to increase its number of deputies. He has pointed to the arrest of a high-tech burglary ring that used drones and WiFi jammers to target homes. His stated priorities include homelessness outreach and curtailing the rise of e-bike and e-motorcycle accidents along with juvenile curfews. In February, he accepted a $1 million federal grant for a new mobile command center, which will give deputies satellite communications and real-time data during wildfires and other major emergencies. In August, he led the ceremony marking the station’s 100th anniversary, honoring generations of deputies who have served in the SCV. Barclay has called serving as captain “an honor” in the community he calls home.

Oviedo plays an integral role in the city’s budgeting process, helping Santa Clarita maintain a reputation for timely, balanced budgets, healthy reserve funds of 20% and a AAA credit rating from Standard & Poor’s. He also oversees the organizational work behind the city’s open-space acquisitions, including purchases that expand greenbelt and trail connectivity. One of his most recognized accomplishments is receiving the John H. Nail Memorial Award from the League of California Cities, which honors innovation, leadership and mentorship. Among the notable projects he has led are the Trek Bike Park of Santa Clarita and the transformation of the former Ice Station into The Cube, a facility that was renovated to offer safe, socially distanced recreation during the pandemic. His role carries added weight this year. The city is preparing for a significant changing of the guard on the City Council, with council members Bill Miranda and Marsha McLean leaving at the end of the year, which puts a premium on the institutional knowledge of senior staff. His ability to manage across departments, secure grant funding, mentor staff and execute large projects helps keep Santa Clarita positioned for long-term stability, growth and quality of life.

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Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal 13

George Whitesides

Bill Miranda

Patrick Moody

“Since taking office, Congressman George Whitesides, D-Agua Dulce, has worked to bring federal resources home to the Santa Clarita Valley, from public safety to clean water to road improvements. This is all while serving on the House Armed Services Committee, where his background in aerospace brings a unique perspective on a region tied closely to that industry.”

“Santa Clarita Councilman Bill Miranda brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his leadership role. He is someone who supports responsible growth and development of the third-largest city in L.A. County and sees big potential in its future.”

“Through his role as spokesman for Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Patrick Moody has become one of the most trusted and respected voices in the Santa Clarita Valley, leading communications and outreach for the SCV’s only full-service hospital with transparency, empathy and accessibility.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

— Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner Whitesides, a former NASA chief of staff and Virgin Galactic CEO, earned his seat in the 27th District in 2024 and spent his first full year in Congress focused on local priorities. His office has been able to tout significant local investment, more than $15 million in federal funding for the Santa Clarita, Antelope and San Fernando valleys, including $1 million for a mobile command center for the SCV Sheriff’s Station, presented at a February ceremony, and $1 million for the SCV Water Agency’s PFAS treatment vessels. A further $1.2 million is going toward traffic and pedestrian safety improvements at three busy Santa Clarita intersections, and $1 million toward a Boys & Girls Clubs opioid and substance use prevention initiative. He led a May roundtable with BizFed leaders to highlight local economic growth. After a tragic crash involving the Santa Clarita Lady Flyers youth hockey team, he honored the girls on the House floor and wore their jersey at the Congressional Hockey Challenge. 14 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2026 • The Signal

— Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner Miranda was appointed to the City Council in 2017 and elected in 2018 and 2022. He served as mayor in 2025, handing the gavel to Laurene Weste in December, and recommended Patsy Ayala as mayor pro tem, a move he said was meant to encourage continuity of leadership in the city. His experience with Fortune 500 companies like IBM and Xerox, and as a small-business owner, informed his work as CEO of the SCV Latino Chamber of Commerce, where he advocated for minority-owned businesses. A military veteran, he has supported inclusivity and employment opportunities for all, including the Mayor’s Committee for Employment of Individuals with Disabilities. During his tenure, the city opened projects that improve public services and engagement, including the Laemmle Theater, The Cube, the new Sheriff’s Station and the Canyon Country Community Center. His leadership on the council has been a real benefit to the city of Santa Clarita. Miranda is also known for his public speaking and writing on leadership, and for hosting local radio and television programs that highlight community leaders. His departure will leave a significant void on the dais.

Moody ensures that residents stay informed, connected and confident in the care provided by Henry Mayo. His steady leadership and professionalism have helped shape the hospital’s reputation not just as a medical facility but as a cornerstone of the community. He oversees the hospital’s public relations, media relations and community outreach programs, guiding messaging with clarity, accuracy and empathy. Whether communicating vital updates during a public health emergency, promoting new services or highlighting patient success stories, his approach is grounded in transparency and service. That work has plenty of news to share this year. The 357-bed hospital implemented a new FDA-approved therapy to reduce muscle damage during heart attacks, making it one of the first in Southern California to do so. Moody’s balance of professionalism and genuine care strengthens the hospital’s visibility through outreach initiatives developed in collaboration with schools, nonprofits and local businesses. From heart health and cancer awareness programs to the stories of Henry Mayo’s dedicated medical professionals, his work reinforces the hospital’s mission of compassion and excellence.

Randy Wrage

Patsy Ayala

Fred Arnold

“As a project manager, real estate developer and community leader, Randy Wrage of Spirit Properties has played a central part in shaping Santa Clarita Valley commercial, educational and civic projects that have had real impact for residents.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Patsy Ayala brings public service experience, business leadership and a deep commitment to community to the Santa Clarita City Council. Her selection as mayor pro tem reflects the respect she has earned as a voice for development, families and the Latino business community.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“As a governing board member for the Santa Clarita Community College District, Fred Arnold has built a successful business in the community and then used much of that success to give back to nonprofit organizations for decades.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

One of Wrage’s most visible contributions is his role in the development of Castaic High School. As project manager, he coordinated the school’s design, schedule and construction, and community events like the One Year Countdown before its 2019 opening showcased his willingness to keep the public informed and involved. Beyond schools, Wrage is active with major commercial and mixed-use developments. His firm is behind the Centre Pointe Village shopping center in Canyon Country, and he has represented Spirit Properties in proposals to subdivide large commercial parcels there to facilitate better management, increased leasing activity and improvements. These properties anchor local retail and service ecosystems, giving SCV residents access to shops, restaurants and jobs close to home. Wrage is concerned not just with the brick-and-mortar of a shopping center or school campus, but with the fabric of the community around it, and his involvement helps build trust with local stakeholders. He also contributes through civic and nonprofit work, including the Senior Center Foundation, Bridge To Home, and the Boys & Girls Club and hospital foundation efforts. His mix of development expertise and community commitment ensures that projects align with local needs and that infrastructure, retail, schools and public spaces work together.

In December, Ayala was named mayor pro tem for 2026, a role that traditionally puts a council member in line to become mayor. The recommendation came from Mayor Bill Miranda, who said it was meant to encourage continuity at a time when he and Councilwoman Marsha McLean are both leaving the council. Ayala’s seat is not up for election until 2028. Before joining the council, Ayala spent years in outreach work for both the California Assembly and Senate, working on policy issues from water management to public safety and helping communities through challenges like the Aliso Canyon gas leak, the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires. She served as a representative for state Sen. Scott Wilk and later for Assemblywoman Suzette Martinez Valladares. Ayala is an influential force in the business community, as a small-business owner and leader of the SCV Chamber’s Latino Business Alliance. She came to the United States from Mexico, and she is a regular voice on Spanish-language broadcasts and in Spanish publications, helping many others stay informed. She champions the preservation of green space, improvements to parks and protection of Santa Clarita’s natural landscapes.

Arnold has built his practice at American Family Funding for more than 30 years, closing well over a billion dollars in loan volume and helping thousands of families realize the dream of homeownership. His business success is matched by his civic involvement. He has served as chair of the SCV Chamber of Commerce, helped lead the California Association of Mortgage Brokers and served as treasurer of the National Association of Mortgage Professionals. As a member of the Santa Clarita Community College District governing board, Arnold is helping guide College of the Canyons at an important time for one of the area’s most important educational institutions, serving the students and workers who rely on the college to prepare for new careers. He also gives back through many nonprofits, including the Child & Family Center, the College of the Canyons Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Single Mothers Outreach and Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. Arnold has taken active roles in coordinating care packages for troops, toy drives and projects for disabled veterans, and in helping families in distress. His company culture stresses support for employees, community engagement and helping people beyond closing transactions. Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal 15

Jasmine Ruys

Mark Blazer

David Hegg

“Superintendent-President of College of the Canyons Dr. Jasmine Ruys has given a quarter century to this college, and it shows. When COC needed a steady hand, she provided one, and the trustees were right to make her permanent. She knows every corner of the campus, cares deeply about students and has earned the respect of the people she leads. The college is in good hands.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Rabbi Mark Blazer of Temple Beth Ami exemplifies what makes the Santa Clarita Valley special. For more than a quarter-century, he has been a humble spiritual leader who dedicates his life to service, inclusion and bringing people together. He’d rather talk about the good work of others, which is exactly why so many people in this valley are grateful for his.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Pastor David Hegg brings decades of experience to his role as senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Saugus, where his leadership has mobilized faith into action across the Santa Clarita Valley, and he is known for his thoughtful voice on issues facing our community.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

After casting a wide net in looking for new leadership at College of the Canyons, the Santa Clarita Community College District found the answer right at home. Ruys was named acting superintendent-president in September 2025, following David Andrus’ resignation. In March 2026, the board picked her following a nationwide search for a new superintendent. Ruys joined COC in 2001 as a student services specialist. She worked her way up through admissions and enrollment services, and in 2021 she became vice president of student services. In that job she oversaw more than $50 million in budgets and programs serving 30,000-plus students a year. She helped launch the Canyons Promise program and has championed Guided Pathways, dual enrollment for high schoolers and the college’s Intercultural Center. She now leads a two-campus institution that enrolled nearly 41,000 students in 2024-25 and has a general fund of about $170 million. Trustees cited her fiscal stewardship and the stability she brought during a turbulent stretch. Her next tests are a board with two seats on the November ballot and the question of how COC adapts to AI and a fast-changing workforce. 16 · Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal

For more than 25 years, Blazer has led Temple Beth Ami and his influence reaches well beyond his congregation. In 2023, the Academy for Jewish Religion, a nondenominational seminary, recognized him nationally for a quarter-century of service. In 2024, more than 100 people filled the SCV Senior Center at Bella Vida to celebrate the milestone. Under his leadership, the temple has expanded Jewish learning for everyone from ages five to 95, and Blazer has taken more than 500 people to Israel. He is equally proud of the cooperation he has fostered among the valley’s synagogues across denominational lines. His work extends to the wider community. Blazer helped start Albert Einstein Academy, a public charter school that operated for seven years under the Hart district and served families of every background. He also helped launch the local Family Promise, which began as a way for churches and synagogues to respond to homelessness. He has taken on an expanded role with JLTV, the Jewish Life Television network founded by his father, Phil Blazer.

Under Hegg’s leadership, Grace Baptist has grown into a church that is deeply involved in the social and spiritual life of the SCV, engaging both the faith and secular communities in significant ways. Beyond worship and teaching, one hallmark of Hegg’s leadership is the church’s commitment to community service and care. Grace Baptist runs a food pantry, supports those experiencing homelessness through partnerships such as Union Rescue Mission and the Hope Gardens Family Center, and hosts programs that bring members into direct service with neighbors in need. The church also cares for veterans and works with community partners to expand its impact. Hegg encourages smaller group connections through Grace Groups that meet in homes around the valley, which helps builds a congregation that feels deeply local, supportive and close-knit. In a valley where growth and changing demographics create both opportunity and need, Hegg’s leadership is significant not only in shepherding a large congregation spiritually but in channeling its resources, energy and care toward real, tangible improvements in people’s lives. Whether through food assistance, discipleship or community partnerships, Grace Baptist plays an important role in helping the SCV remain a place where neighbors care for and support one another.

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Nikki Buckstead

John Shaffery

Carrie Lujan

“As president and CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Child & Family Center, Nikki Buckstead has led a nonprofit organization that strengthens community partnerships and creates a better model for community care every day under her leadership.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“For more than three decades, attorney John Shaffery has been a trusted adviser to businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond as a co-founder of Poole & Shaffery, a firm recognized for its expertise in business, employment and litigation matters.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Carrie Lujan, communications manager for the city of Santa Clarita, has been instrumental in shaping the city’s public image and fostering engagement, with work that has made city government more visible, more accessible and more responsive to the residents it serves.”

Buckstead took the helm of the SCV Child & Family Center in November 2022, bringing more than 30 years of experience in social services, behavioral health, substance use treatment and family homelessness services. Under her leadership, the center expanded access to mental health counseling, substance use treatment, domestic violence support and behavioral therapy, and operates an emergency 30-day domestic violence shelter. Its services are available to Medi-Cal recipients and those who are underinsured or uninsured. This fall, the center celebrated a major milestone, its 50th anniversary, with a Golden Legacy celebration in September, a reminder of how long the organization has been a lifeline for local families. Buckstead has built strong partnerships with the government and the community. She was appointed to the Los Angeles County Interagency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect and has held leadership board roles locally, statewide and nationally. In August 2023, the center was named Nonprofit Organization of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter, Region G. Her emphasis on prevention and early intervention makes the Child & Family Center stronger every day. 18 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2026 • The Signal

Shaffery is a co-founder of Poole & Shaffery, a firm recognized for its expertise in business, employment and litigation matters. He has played a pivotal role in guiding companies of all sizes through the legal complexities of growth and innovation. His work has helped build the SCV’s reputation as a thriving business hub. As co-chair of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, he helps shape the region’s economic strategy, working with civic leaders, industry partners and community stakeholders. The SCVEDC’s 2026 annual report showed the results: the retention or expansion of hundreds of local jobs, far above what had been projected. He has been instrumental in initiatives that encourage collaboration between the private sector and local government, recognizing that economic development is a shared effort. His firm is the one most often called on when an important local project needs guidance, a trusted source for legal advice and consultation on how to get things done. Through both his legal practice and his economic development leadership, Shaffery has become an indispensable figure in Santa Clarita’s ongoing success story, measuring achievement in cases won, deals closed and opportunities created for the region.

— Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner Carrie Lujan is the voice of the city of Santa Clarita, but much of her impact happens off the clock. She sits on the board of Bridge to Home, the nonprofit that serves the valley’s unhoused residents. She also chairs the Salvation Army Santa Clarita Corps, supporting its outreach to local families in need. Since joining the city as its public information officer in November 2016, Lujan has kept residents informed through Seasons Magazine, social media, press releases and updates during emergencies. Under her leadership, the city has launched award-winning public safety campaigns, introduced its beloved mascot, Sammy Clarita, and revamped longtime city events. In 2021, the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA) named her Communicator of the Year. Her division had already earned a statewide crisis communication leadership award in 2020, and she now serves on 3CMA’s national board. Lujan, her husband, Manuel, and their two sons have called Valencia home since 2017.

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Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal 19

Scott Wilk

Selina Thomas

Don Kimball

“Former state Sen. Scott Wilk’s legacy will be that he was the dedicated leader the people of the Santa Clarita Valley could count on, a stand-up public servant whose understanding and care for his community made him an example for public office, and who remains a go-to figure on housing and water issues.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Selina Thomas is a business owner, advocate and podcast host who has become a go-to resource for small businesses across the Santa Clarita Valley, using her human resources expertise to help employers stay compliant, grow and thrive while giving a voice to the entire community.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Newhall Land and its successor, FivePoint, have been the most influential forces in shaping the Santa Clarita Valley, and business leaders like Don Kimball continue that proud tradition of building not only homes but community.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

After a successful career in communications, Wilk entered public office through an appointment to the Santa Clarita Community College District board in 2006, was elected to the Assembly and later served in the state Senate from 2016 to 2024. He was leader of the Senate Republican caucus, which helped him earn the respect of both sides of the aisle. No piece of legislation will define his legacy more than Senate Bill 634, which consolidated the valley’s local water agencies into the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency. That legacy was in the spotlight this summer when SCV Water, which launched in January 2018, welcomed new General Manager Steve Cole, who as assistant general manager collaborated with partners for two years to support the passage of SB 634. Wilk has also been a constant voice for transparency, whether on the state budget or the highspeed rail project. Since leaving the Senate, Wilk has joined the Building Industry Association of Southern California as senior executive vice president for its Los Angeles/Ventura Chapter, where he represents builders in the public and private sectors and promotes what he calls common-sense housing solutions. He remains a go-to person for the SCV’s housing industry. 20 · Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal

Thomas founded 6 Degrees HR Consulting in 2014 and has helped hundreds of small businesses locally, nationally and internationally manage their human resources needs. A nationally certified HR professional with a master’s degree in human resources, she works closely with employment attorneys and insurance brokers to ensure compliance and infrastructure, and she has been recognized a number of times by local outlets. She shares that expertise on the Signal’s podcast, “Selina Thomas: SCV’s HR Guru,” where she speaks with local business owners about the challenges of today and tomorrow. She also lends her time to the Workforce Development Center at College of the Canyons, the SCV Chamber of Commerce and the Valley Industry Association, where she has served on the board, and is active in the Santa Clarita chapter of the Professionals in Human Resources Association. Thomas has also engaged in local politics, becoming the first woman of color to be a candidate for the council and receiving more than 14,000 votes during her last run. She has also been honored with a place in a book celebrating African-American trailblazers in Santa Clarita. A mother of three daughters and a former social worker, Thomas continues to champion the businesses of the SCV.

Kimball oversees Valencia operations for FivePoint, whose subsidiary, The Newhall Land and Farming Co., has built the master-planned communities that define the region. As he told business leaders at a Valley Industry Association event, the Newhall Land name still exists. The company simply brands itself under FivePoint now. The long-term vision for Valencia by FivePoint, the westside community that grew from the Newhall Ranch entitlement, comprises up to 21,500 homes, roughly what the company built on the east side of Interstate 5 over the decades. Kimball’s leadership has helped the developer consider and accommodate the needs of the community, whether its education or infrastructure, and FivePoint has always welcomed community feedback on what residents would like to see in the villages still to come. Beyond his professional achievements, Kimball is known for his deep commitment to giving back. He has served on the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital board for nearly two decades, including several terms as chairman, and he was honored as the SCV’s Man of the Year in 2023 for his volunteerism and leadership. Through his professional excellence and civic dedication, he continues to shape both the landscape and the heart of the valley.

Marlee Lauffer

Erin Wilson

Lisa Eichman

“The influence of Marlee Lauffer, former president of the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation, can be seen throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, where she has generously given her time and support to the health care resources and community organizations that make the valley a better place to live.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Erin Wilson is a lifelong Santa Clarita Valley resident whose service on the William S. Hart Union High School District governing board continues years of dedication to local schools as a parent and advocate for students, with a particular focus on those who are most vulnerable.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Lisa Eichman, a member of the Santa Clarita Planning Commission, has spent more than a decade helping steer the city’s growth, bringing a business owner’s practicality, a tax professional’s eye for detail and a coach’s patience to decisions that shape every neighborhood in the Santa Clarita Valley, all while giving generously of her time to the community’s young athletes.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

Lauffer helped cultivate countless community relationships and partnerships at Newhall Land & Farming before moving to Henry Mayo for a similar role, and both organizations thrived with her help. She was a founding director of the Bank of Santa Clarita and has held leadership roles at local nonprofits, including the Zonta Club of the Santa Clarita Valley. Her work was especially important at a time of growth for the hospital, the SCV’s only full-service hospital. Henry Mayo has expanded with a $151 million patient tower, and its fundraising efforts have been focused on a capital campaign toward a $25 million goal, supporting essential services such as the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center, the NICU and the Cardiovascular Center. This year, the hospital became one of the first in Southern California to implement a new FDA-approved heart attack therapy. Lauffer’s own service has earned her recognition as the 2025 Silver Spur Community Service Award winner from the College of the Canyons Foundation and a past recipient of state Sen. Scott Wilk’s Woman of the Year for his Senate district. Lauffer is one of the many who work behind the scenes to make the SCV special, she is an example for so many to follow.

Wilson attended Sulphur Springs Elementary, Sierra Vista Junior High and Canyon High School, and all of her children graduated from Hart district schools. She uses that experience to help children and parents see better outcomes on campus, and her community involvement includes leadership roles in women’s and youth groups and years of volunteering in classrooms. Since joining the Hart board in 2023, Wilson has expressed particular interest in ensuring equity of resources, such as identifying homeless students in the district and connecting them with services.

Eichman has served on the Santa Clarita Planning Commission since October 2010, and her fellow commissioners chose her as chair in February 2025. A Valencia resident since 1986, she co-owns Eichman & Eichman Tax and Accounting and, with her husband, Craig, owns Gymnastics Unlimited, the largest and longest-standing gymnastics school in the city.

Her governing style emphasizes unity. She says she is willing to bridge differences among parents, teachers, students and community stakeholders, drawing on her family’s experience and her years of service. That approach is valuable and adds another perspective to an experienced board that’s perennially brought successful outcomes to a district serving more than 20,000 students.

That background shows how she approaches the commission’s agenda. Eichman has repeatedly stood up for the interests of the community, never afraid to ask questions. She’s someone who puts in hours of time to prepare for discussions at City Hall, which is clear to anyone in attendance when it’s time to discuss projects. Her questions, from evacuation routes to whether proposed commercial projects could later be converted to housing, reflect a careful, practical approach to development.

Wilson’s involvement across education, family, nonprofit service and policy reflects a commitment to strengthening support for students and engaging community members in the district’s goals.

Away from City Hall, Eichman is head coach of the Santa Clarita Special Olympics rhythmic gymnastics team, one more way she gives back. Her current term on the commission runs through December 2026. Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal 21

Bill Cooper

Sandy Sanchez

Jason Crawford

“For decades, the Santa Clarita Valley has benefited from the leadership and expertise of Bill Cooper, a Navy veteran and respected member of the SCV Water Agency board whose nearly 40-year career in the water industry has helped ensure reliable water for the region’s families and businesses.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Sandy Sanchez is one of the key figures shaping the future of the Santa Clarita Valley as FivePoint’s vice president of policy and community development, a respected leader who bridges the company’s ambitious plans and the community’s expectations on housing, infrastructure and responsible growth.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Jason Crawford, the city of Santa Clarita’s director of community development, is a big reason the city remains a thriving, business-friendly place to live and work. As a certified planner whose background is in planning and economic development, he shapes the area’s success on a daily basis.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

Cooper has been instrumental in ensuring the region’s water reliability, infrastructure improvement and responsible management of one of the community’s most essential resources. Before joining SCV Water, he worked at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, overseeing operations and maintenance of treatment plants that supply drinking water to millions of Southern Californians. He has shared that expertise as an adjunct professor of environmental technologies and water treatment.

At FivePoint, Sanchez leads strategy in government relations, policy advocacy, community outreach and communications for the company’s westside developments, turning complex landuse proposals into narratives that resonate with residents, stakeholders and elected officials. At an event for the Valley Industry Association, she shared updates on the Valencia by FivePoint community, which is planned to include up to 21,500 homes, and welcomed community feedback on what residents want to see in the villages to come.

Crawford leads the city’s planning efforts at a time when Sacramento is looking to remove local control over housing and development decisions. Even so, year after year Santa Clarita produces responsible, sustainable, transit-friendly developments that move the city forward.

Elected to the former Castaic Lake Water Agency board in 1993, Cooper served as its president for five years before helping lead the historic consolidation of local water agencies into SCV Water in 2018. He later served as the new agency’s first board president. Today, he continues as vice president of the board, providing oversight for critical infrastructure and water treatment projects.

Her approach offers reassurance to longtime SCV residents: a developer that doesn’t just build, but aims to listen and partner. Before FivePoint, Sanchez served as the director of government affairs for the Los Angeles and Ventura chapter of the Building Industry Association.

Under his leadership, the city has been named the Most Business-Friendly City in Los Angeles County by the Greater Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp., an award honoring its efforts to minimize red tape. Crawford has also expanded programs that helped businesses grow, including startups and creative-technology companies, and during the pandemic helped expand outdoor dining so local restaurants could survive.

His experience is especially valuable this year, as the agency undergoes its first leadership transition since its formation. General Manager Matt Stone retired July 31 after 10 years, and Steve Cole, a longtime assistant general manager who helped create SCV Water, took over Aug. 1.

She has also stepped into leadership in business-advocacy circles, serving as BizFed chair for the Los Angeles County Business Federation and now holding a position within its Strategic Leadership Council. She is a member of the governing board of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation and holds a seat on the board of the SCV Chamber of Commerce.

His strategy emphasizes growth in target industries and spreads job opportunities throughout the city, with retail, industrial and mixed-use developments such as Needham Ranch, Skyline Ranch and Newhall Crossings. With several important projects on the horizon, including the former Whittaker-Bermite site and mall renovations, his leadership will continue to shape the city’s future.

Beyond water policy, Cooper is deeply involved in the community, serving for years on the board of the Child & Family Center and supporting College of the Canyons.

As a policy voice, Sanchez adds momentum to infrastructure, housing and land-use decisions and helps ensure new neighborhoods arrive in coordination with transit, jobs, schools and services.

Whether it’s the Film Office keeping Santa Clarita a friendly location for productions or staff working to give businesses an easier time, Crawford’s department is central to local success.

22 · Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal

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The Valley Industry Association CONGRATULATES SANTA CLARITA VALLEY’S MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE as the 2026 Signal’s

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Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal 23

Kevin Klockenga

Stephanie Stelnick

Harleen Grewal

“As president and CEO of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, Kevin Klockenga leads the Santa Clarita Valley’s only hospital and its trauma center, a vital resource that touches nearly every family in the valley, and he has focused on expanding care, investing in staff and keeping the hospital connected to the community it serves.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Attorney and entrepreneur Steffanie Stelnick has built a reputation as one of the Santa Clarita Valley’s most dynamic business leaders, and her willingness to invest time, expertise and energy in local nonprofits shows what it means to be a leader who is deeply rooted in her hometown.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Dr. Harleen Grewal has built a thriving dental practice in the Santa Clarita Valley and used her success to give back, supporting local nonprofits,veterans, families in need and causes close to her heart, and making sure everyone in her community can smile with confidence.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

Klockenga has led the 357-bed nonprofit community hospital since March 2023, after more than 10 years as a system president in Northern California. His tenure has been defined by growth. Klockenga has pushed for expanded outpatient services, new programs and continued investment in physicians and staff as the SCV’s population grows. This year, Henry Mayo became one of the first hospitals in Southern California to implement an FDA-approved therapy to reduce muscle damage during heart attacks, and Klockenga has also brought in additional leadership that well positions the hospital for even more growth in the future. This year, Klockenga was named to the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Valley 200 and last year he joined the board of the Hospital Association of Southern California. Klockenga has championed the hospital’s fundraising, including a capital campaign supporting services such as the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center, the NICU and the Cardiovascular Center. For Klockenga, growth is about more than buildings. It is about making Henry Mayo a trusted community partner, now and for the decades ahead. 24 · Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2026 • The Signal

Stelnick has built a career as both a skilled lawyer and a business leader, overseeing several growing businesses while providing strategic guidance to local companies. Her legal background gives her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs in the SCV, and she has drawn on it to expand her own ventures and mentor others. Stelnick is known as a thoughtful, strategic and highly driven professional who focuses on results and relationships. She balances professional achievement with civic engagement, raising a family in her hometown while taking on a hands-on role in the nonprofit community. From supporting youth initiatives to helping organizations secure funding and implement effective governance, Stelnick brings more than financial contributions to the groups she supports. She leverages her expertise and her network to strengthen the programs that serve local residents, especially at a time when many nonprofits are stretched thin. For Stelnick, success is measured not only by business growth but also by the positive impact she can have on the community she calls home. By integrating her professional expertise with a commitment to service, she exemplifies the idea that leadership carries responsibility, and her influence in both the business and philanthropic worlds is only growing.

As the owner of a successful local dental practice, Grewal has earned a reputation not only for clinical skill but for generosity. She regularly donates services to underserved families, veterans, organizes free dental checkups for children and supports initiatives that promote oral health awareness. Her belief that “everyone deserves to smile with confidence” extends well beyond her office, inspiring her staff and patients to join her outreach efforts. Grewal also uses her voice to advocate for causes that matter to her through her leadership in the local and regional Lincoln Club, an organization focused on civic engagement and a better future for California. Beyond dentistry, she has become a familiar face in the SCV’s nonprofit landscape, serving with organizations that focus on health, education and community well-being. Whether helping raise funds for cancer research, sponsoring local youth programs or volunteering with groups that support families, she has built a wide network of impact. Her community events are known for drawing a crowd, and her blend of professional success, political engagement and philanthropy exemplifies the kind of leadership that is making the SCV healthier and stronger.

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Di Thompson

Liz Hopp

Kevin Strauss

“Realtor and community leader Di Thompson has quickly become one of the Santa Clarita Valley’s most dynamic advocates, using her platform in business and city government to amplify local voices, support small businesses and help more families achieve the dream of homeownership.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Few people have done more to connect the Santa Clarita Valley’s business community with its nonprofits than retired banker Liz Hopp, the chief banking officer at Bank of Santa Clarita, whose decades of lending, leadership and volunteer service have helped businesses and charities alike grow and thrive.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“The Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency consistently shows it can provide a safe, reliable water supply at competitive rates, and Kevin Strauss, who leads its communications team, plays an important role in making sure residents know what their agency is doing and why.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

A longtime Santa Clarita resident and mother of two, Thompson is a Realtor with eXp Realty who has become increasingly influential in local business and government circles. She serves on the board of directors of the SCV Chamber of Commerce, which also picked her to chair its inaugural Black Business Council. As leader of that council, Thompson works to amplify the efforts of Black-owned businesses by providing support, advocacy, awareness and consultation and by addressing issues unique to Blackowned businesses, professionals and their families. The council is part of the Chamber’s broader effort to bring together a more diverse business community, alongside its Latino Business Alliance. Thompson also serves on the city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission, where she is an outspoken supporter of the city’s programs and services, which she has appreciated since her daughters were in the city’s preschool programs. She often tells business owners and homebuyers how the city’s focus on parks and community services supports quality of life and property values. State Sen. Scott Wilk recognized her during Black History Month for her efforts to make the SCV a more inclusive and welcoming place, and for helping families build generational wealth through home ownership. 26 · Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal

Hopp’s service to the community is notable. Named the SCV Woman of the Year in 2013 for her work with the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for children’s cancer, Hopp has led the SCV Boys & Girls Club as president, chaired the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation board and served on the boards of the SCV Senior Center and the SCV Chamber of Commerce. She has also helped out with the Child & Family Center and the Betty Ferguson Foundation. She has been instrumental in helping the Santa Clarita Valley grow, she was a driving force in the Bank of Santa Clarita when it was founded in October 2004. When she served as executive vice president and chief banking officer, she was instrumental in the bank’s growth and in its relationships with local businesses and families, roles that gave her a front-row seat to the valley’s thriving economy. Hopp has continued to champion women in business, helping to facilitate the SCV Chamber’s EmpowerHER event with colleagues from the local business community. Her work in the banking industry, rooted in personal relationships and community trust, has made her a go-to leader for those who want to invest in the valley’s future.

Strauss quickly distinguished himself after taking over communications for SCV Water, and his peers named him the Press Information Officer of the Year for the state’s leading professional organization in the field. He was recognized for the transparent, accountable communications residents can rely on from his office, as well as his willingness to pick up the phone or answer an email whenever there is a question about a new program. His skill set has been valuable at a time of change for the agency. General Manager Matt Stone, who helped build SCV Water, retired July 31 after 10 years, and Steve Cole took over Aug. 1. The agency also announced a $1 million federal investment to remove PFAS from drinking water, and its 2026 customer opinion survey found customers remained satisfied, though it identified opportunities to better educate customers on the true cost of water and on water potability. Strauss leads a team that can be counted on for clear, informative campaigns whenever the agency needs to make sure the public is aware of something. He also has experience in broadcast and is a former member of the city’s award-winning communications staff. Responsible management of our local water supply will be critical in the decades to come, and it’s good to have someone with Strauss’ skill set to get the word out.

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Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal 27

Greg Amsler

Ondré Seltzer

John Musella

“Greg Amsler is more than the proprietor of Salt Creek Grille in Valencia, he’s a highly visible part of the Santa Clarita Valley whose restaurant is known for excellent food, hospitality and a deep-rooted commitment to the nonprofits and families who need a helping hand.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Ondré Seltzer has quickly become a driving force behind economic growth and opportunity in the Santa Clarita Valley, leading the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation as it attracts high-quality employers, supports local businesses and works to make sure residents can find good jobs close to home.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“John Musella is a central figure in Santa Clarita Valley’s business community, known for his dual roles as a communications strategist and as a business advocate who helps shape how private industry and government collaborate.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

Since opening the restaurant in 1999, Amsler has made it a priority to give back to the community that has supported his business. He has survived and thrived in one of the toughest industries through a reputation for quality food and service, and he was named SCV Man of the Year by those who work in local nonprofit circles. He has served on the board of the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation since 2000, including as chair during an early capital campaign that raised about $17 million, and he has held longstanding roles with the Boys & Girls Club of SCV, the Michael Hoefflin Foundation and the Child & Family Center. Every year, he donates food and staff time to an event that provides free food and toys for those in need during the holidays. Salt Creek Grille has repeatedly partnered with nonprofits on food donations, meals for essential workers and special offerings, and it has hosted the Bringing It Home fundraiser for the SCV Veteran Services Collaborative, with proceeds helping local veterans. Amsler’s willingness to give has been recognized by the City Council, state lawmakers and the House of Representatives. His guiding philosophy is straightforward: Success is not fully realized without giving back. 28 · Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal

Seltzer, who became the SCVEDC’s permanent president and CEO in October 2024 after serving as interim CEO, continues to make an impact as the organization marks its 15th year. In March, the SCVEDC reported to the City Council that it had supported the retention or expansion of 896 jobs in the valley last year, 732 more than the net gain that had been expected for the area. He has also pointed to double-digit gains in the city’s target industries, including aerospace, medical devices, digital media and manufacturing, led by Logix Federal Credit Union, which added 160 jobs, and the Vallarta Supermarkets headquarters, which grew to nearly 500 positions. Earlier wins on his watch include IQVIA’s relocation to the former PerkinElmer facility and the arrival of Nycote Laboratories.

As president of The Musella Group, a local public affairs and corporate communications firm, Musella specializes in land use, media and government relations, crisis communications and strategic planning. Musella helped revive the SCV Chamber of Commerce when he was elected chair of its board of directors. Since then, the Chamber has modernized its operations, relocated to a better space and crafted a strategic plan for the future. He has remained active in the Chamber’s work, including a congressional roundtable with leaders to discuss economic growth in the SCV.

Seltzer’s workforce focus includes partnering with schools, supporting apprenticeships and aligning training with the needs of growing industries. His leadership has also been recognized with the Strategic Engagement Award from the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp.

The local business community regularly hosts forums and programming to connect business leaders with government officials to discuss policies that affect them, from workforce development to land use and regulation, and Musella has been a regular participant. He also uses his communications experience to promote campaigns such as Small Business Saturday, helping make sure more of the community is aware of and involved in efforts that drive local economic activity.

Seltzer was also named to the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2026 Valley 200, recognizing the most influential leaders across the greater valley region.

The importance of Musella’s work lies in its bridging of business, government and media, and in the way it helps Santa Clarita maintain a business-friendly environment.

Ivan Volschenk

Kathy Norris

Mike DeLorenzo

“Ivan Volschenk is a respected leader for the local business community, having made the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce a powerful force for advocacy, networking and spreading the word about the positives that happen here every day.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“With economic recovery and community success still on the forefront of the minds for so many, organizations such as the Valley Industry Association and leaders like Kathy Norris are an important part of the local business network that makes the Santa Clarita Valley such a great place.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Since founding Santa Clarita Studios in 1987, Michael DeLorenzo has been a central force in the Santa Clarita Valley’s claim as Hollywood North, with the vision and persistence that has helped transform the region into a destination for major films, television and commercial productions.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

Volschenk represents an important part of what makes this area so special: an individual driven to improve his environment and promote the area’s business-friendly reputation. The SCV Chamber was there as a resource for businesses during the pandemic and in the recovery that followed, with programs and resources reaching tens of thousands of workers. He has also done a remarkable job bringing together the valley’s existing chambers into one more powerful organization that works on everyone’s behalf, helping create the Latino Business Alliance and the Black Business Council, among other groups that share the Chamber’s messaging and influence. These groups not only bring people together to meet and greet but also work on issues and solutions to make the SCV stronger. Volschenk has guided the chamber through modernization, advocacy expansion and deeper community engagement. Under his leadership, the SCV Chamber has amplified its role as a voice for local business, and developed programs that directly benefit Santa Clarita’s economy.

The Valley Industry Association is dedicated to being there for its members, providing networking opportunities and making sure that local businesses are aware of changes they need to know in the business environment, whether it’s a new trend or a change to a law. As one of the leaders for local efforts to build lasting partnerships in the SCV, Norris has been recognized as a role model for her work as a local leader among women in business. In addition to leading VIA’s signature events each year, she also makes sure there are networking opportunities available for the next generation of business leaders.

Volschenk was also named to the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2026 Valley 200, an annual list recognizing the 200 most influential leaders across the greater Valley region.

The CEO Forum and regular advocacy meetings are just a few of the events that VIA has made a massive success for attendees. Norris’ history of nonprofit leadership is part of why VIA is so well-positioned to support its membership. And it’s one of the many reasons why the region is lucky to have business-to-business organizations like VIA and leaders like Norris to bring them together and help everyone move forward together in achieving their goals.

With plenty of challenges to navigate running a business in California, local businesses are lucky to have Volschenk and the chamber as a resource.

Beyond events and programs, Norris plays a critical role in advocating for policies and funding that benefit the community.

Santa Clarita Studios has grown from an independent facility into a full-service production campus with dozens of soundstages and offices, routinely attracting major shows, films and commercials. Located firmly within Hollywood’s Thirty-Mile Zone, it anchors a local entertainment industry that generates demand for catering, construction, set design, transportation, hospitality, retail and technical labor, and that keeps revenue circulating through the valley. That anchor role is especially important this year. Sacramento recently approved a state film and television tax incentive, AB 1138. Local lawmakers including state Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares have urged Congress to pass a federal incentive to keep productions in the U.S., making DeLorenzo’s industry a focus of statewide policy attention. DeLorenzo has not confined his influence to commerce. He sits on the board of the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation, supporting public safety initiatives, and supports local veterans organizations with their fundraising efforts. The SCV Child & Family Center is another beneficiary of his time and resources. His impact also extends to mentorship, as he uses his decades of industry experience to help emerging producers, technicians and creative talent in the SCV. Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal 29

Gloria Mercado-Fortine

Jon Hatami

Missy Carter

“Gloria Mercado-Fortine is a lifelong Santa Clarita Valley resident whose decades of volunteer leadership in education, health care and public safety have made her one of the most respected nonprofit voices in the valley, someone who has never stopped giving back to the hometown she credits for so much of her success.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Deputy District Attorney Jon Hatami is one of the reasons Santa Clarita remains one of the nation’s safest cities, a fearless prosecutor and child advocate who has taken on the county’s most difficult cases and was willing to speak up when he believed the system was failing victims.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Missy Carter, who grew up in the Santa Clarita Valley and has made it her life’s work to give back to it, is a tireless fundraiser and volunteer for women, children and families, and her selection as the 2026 SCV Woman of the Year reflects the sweat equity she has put into the community she loves.”

A former president of the William S. Hart Union High School District governing board, Mercado-Fortine has supported local classrooms for years through the WiSH Education Foundation and also serves on the governing board of the Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, where her fundraising and organizational work helps those less fortunate get care. She has long supported the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation as well. The chief executive and president of her consulting firm, Global Education Solutions Inc., she is a 2018 SCV Woman of the Year honoree, and that honor now comes with responsibility. As president of the SCV Man & Woman of the Year organization, she helped lead the selection process that named Missy Carter and Scott Hoolahan the 2026 honorees at a May 1 banquet at the Hyatt Regency Valencia. She described the choice as incredibly difficult each year, noting that what set the winners apart was “sweat equity.” Mercado-Fortine continues to stay heavily involved in the community through her work with a number of nonprofits and civic-engagement efforts. Her record of recognition includes the Empowering HeArts honor from Single Mothers Outreach and community leader awards from the former SCV Latino Chamber of Commerce and the SCV Chamber of Commerce. 30 · Santa Clarita’s Most Inﬂuential 2026 • The Signal

Hatami, a Valencia resident and a product of local schools like Sierra Vista Junior High and Canyon High School, has called the area home for more than three decades. He was promoted in January 2025 by District Attorney Nathan Hochman to assistant head deputy of the Family Violence Division, which oversees the office’s Complex Child Abuse Section. He has handled thousands of child-abuse cases and helped win convictions in several high-profile cases involving murdered children. His rise followed a long fight. Hatami was the first prosecutor to speak out against then-District Attorney George Gascón’s blanket policies, which he said led to crimes going unprosecuted, and he sued over alleged retaliation. A recent candidate for the top spot in his office, Hatami placed third in the March 2024 primary, and then endorsed Hochman, who went on to win. In March, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors acknowledged those claims with a significant settlement that closed a yearslong battle Hatami faced on behalf of the community he serves, which includes child victims and surviving families. An Army infantry veteran and survivor of child abuse himself, Hatami also is a community advocate who helps those less fortunate. SCV residents are fortunate to have him in their corner.

— Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner Carter was named the 2026 Santa Clarita Valley Woman of the Year on May 1 at the annual SCV Man & Woman of the Year banquet at the Hyatt Regency Valencia. alongside She was nominated by Carousel Ranch, the equine therapy nonprofit where she joined the board in 2018 and now serves as president and chair of the annual Crystal and Cowgirls event. Carter has also been a longtime member of Soroptimist International of Valencia, where as cochair of Bras for a Cause, she helped grow fundraising from $14,000 to more than $100,000 a year for local women facing breast cancer. She has volunteered at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital for years and has supported local schools with her fundraising efforts. She also led a charity event supporting a local man diagnosed with ALS. Professionally, she has spent more than 27 years in the golf industry and currently works as the director of membership and marketing at The Saticoy Club. Carter also volunteers for Carousel Ranch’s annual Heart of the West event.

Denise Lite

Dennis Verner

Cary Quashen

“Denise Lite is an attorney, a family legal advocate and one of the hardest-working volunteers in the Santa Clarita Valley. She does her homework, asks tough questions and never stops showing up for this community. Whether she’s raising money for local women fighting breast cancer or digging into a planning file, Denise brings real heart to everything she does.”

“Dennis Verner is the kind of leader every community hopes for: a successful businessman who gives his time, energy and connections to causes that lift others. From youth programs to economic development, his fingerprints are on much of what makes Santa Clarita a strong, caring place to live and work.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

“Cary Quashen is the Santa Clarita Valley’s bestknown voice on substance abuse, a straight-talking counselor who has spent more than three decades helping young people and families find their way back. His honesty, humor and compassion have changed countless lives and made the whole community safer, healthier and more hopeful.” — Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

— Richard Budman Signal Publisher/Owner

Verner has called Santa Clarita home since 1989 and founded SCV Commercial Real Estate in 2006, specializing in industrial property and land development. His deals have helped shape the valley’s growth, including the sale of 75 acres for the Vista Canyon community.

Quashen founded Action Family Counseling, which provides drug and alcohol treatment and counseling for teens, adults and families, and has become the valley’s most recognizable advocate for prevention and recovery. For more than 30 years, he has worked with schools, law enforcement, the city and local nonprofits to confront the problems of addiction before they take hold.

Lite is a family-law attorney and legal advocate who practices alongside her father in their family-owned firm. As a city planning commissioner, she was known for detailed questions on development, traffic and housing. Her platform centers on transparent, ethical local government, responsible growth, a strong partnership with the Sheriff’s Department, and investment in roads and water infrastructure. Her civic résumé runs deep. She is a longtime member of Soroptimist International of Valencia, where she has chaired its signature Bras for a Cause fundraiser for local women battling breast cancer, and she has served on several nonprofit boards. After spending time on the Santa Clarita Planning Commission, she is stepping up her involvement in a City Council election that completes the city’s switch to district-based voting. Her campaign has drawn an energetic volunteer corps, bringing in supporters from outside District 2 who are knocking on doors for her.

His influence extends well beyond real estate. Verner serves on the boards of the SCV Chamber of Commerce and the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp., is a member of the Valley Industrial Association and has served on the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation board. He also is a past chairman of the Old Town Newhall Association. Nowhere is his impact clearer than at the Boys & Girls Club of the Santa Clarita Valley. Verner and his wife co-chaired the annual benefit auction in 2022, 2023 and 2024, helping relaunch it after the pandemic; those auctions raised more than $1 million for youth programs. He chaired the club’s Festival of Trees in 2025 and is leading it again this year, and he serves on the club’s advisory board. His service has been noticed: he was a 2026 nominee for SCV Man of the Year and has served as grand marshal of the city’s Fourth of July Parade.

His reach is felt well beyond the counseling room. Quashen is a familiar presence in local media, hosting, “ In The Trenches”, a television show on The Buzz, The Signal’s streaming television station, where he brings listeners frank conversations about substance abuse, mental health, parenting and the pressures facing young people today. He is unafraid to say what others hesitate to say. Before launching his own practice, Quashen led a hospital behavioral health unit, giving him a perspective on treatment that spans the clinic and the classroom. The partnerships he built with school districts and public agencies continue to give families a place to turn when a crisis hits. At a time when the community continues to deal with the effects of the opioid and fentanyl crisis, Quashen’s steady, practical advice and willingness to speak up are more important than ever. Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2026 • The Signal 31

Santa Clarita’s Most Influential 2026 • The Signal 32