David Bryan Coulter and Gary Lu have been recognized as finalists in the 2026 Orange County Leadership Awards, highlighting their significant contributions to the region’s business landscape. These awards honor executives demonstrating exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and the ability to drive transformative results within their organizations and industries.

Coulter and Lu join a distinguished group of finalists who embody commitment, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership, qualities that extend impact beyond their individual companies to benefit Southern California’s broader business community.

Among the finalists is Ramona Agrela, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at UCI Health and vice chancellor of human resources at the University of California, Irvine. Agrela is noted for her leadership in human resources strategy across both institutions, overseeing talent acquisition, workforce planning, total rewards, onboarding, and organizational culture. In 2024, she led a complex workforce integration involving the onboarding of 4,300 employees following UC Irvine’s acquisition of four hospitals, expanding UCI Health from a single hospital to six. Recognized for her expertise, Agrela holds certifications as a SHRM-SCP and Certified Compensation Professional and was named a Becker’s Hospital Review CHRO to Know for 2025 and 2026. She has advanced through roles including associate chancellor and chief of staff, and was honored as a Distinguished Leader by the Orange County Business Journal in 2023.

The finalists represent a broad spectrum of industries and leadership styles but share a common thread of driving excellence and innovation. One highlighted company, Bridgeford Trust Company, exemplifies a collaborative approach to trust planning and fiduciary services. Operating from South Dakota with education and planning support based out of Newport Beach and other key markets, Bridgeford provides conflict-free trust administration and fiduciary services nationwide.

The 2026 OC Leadership Awards underscore the achievements of these leaders who continue to shape Orange County’s economic environment through vision, dedication, and the cultivation of strong organizational cultures. Their leadership demonstrates how purposeful management can foster growth and elevate the region’s status as a dynamic business hub.