Profiles of Tech and Business Leaders in Orange County

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 18, 2026

Several seasoned executives in Orange County are leading transformative initiatives across technology, finance, nonprofit, and professional services sectors, driving digital innovation and organizational growth. Their efforts have resulted in measurable improvements such as increased customer engagement, expanded service reach, enhanced financial products, and stronger community partnerships that position these organizations for future success.

Orange County's business and technology sectors are witnessing significant leadership contributions from seasoned executives spearheading transformative initiatives across diverse industries.

Jon Asher, Chief Technology Officer at Nékter Juice Bar, has played a pivotal role in overhauling the brand's digital presence. His multi-year effort included rebuilding the company’s mobile app and loyalty program, transitioning from a legacy loyalty provider to a phone number-based platform seamlessly integrated with online ordering and payment systems. This shift resulted in an approximately 15-point increase in loyalty participation, with some locations reporting member sales as high as 70 percent. Asher also enhanced customer engagement through a simultaneous relaunch of the app, website, and email interfaces, aligning the brand experience across all digital touchpoints. The company's new API-driven infrastructure now connects point of sale systems with marketing tools to facilitate AI-powered upselling and improved data management, while cutting redemption errors by nearly 80 percent.

Eric Brady, Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President at Eagle Community Credit Union, has overseen a broad modernization of technology infrastructure, digital banking services, payments, and information security. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in financial technology, Brady implemented advanced systems including Verafin, Darktrace, Posh AI, Zelle, and Plaid, as well as digital account opening platforms like WithClutch. Under his leadership, Eagle Community Credit Union became the first credit union in California to offer buy now, pay later options. The institution was also advanced to Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) Tier 2 audit status, with controls designed to support multi-billion-dollar growth trajectories.

In digital insurance, Lev Barinskiy, co-founder and CEO of SmartFinancial, continues to expand his Newport Beach-based marketplace. SmartFinancial connects consumers in-market for insurance with agents and carriers by leveraging a proprietary real-time bidding platform. Barinskiy, an immigrant from Uzbekistan, has amassed over 25 years in insurance, starting as a top-selling agent before founding InsuranceAgents.com and later launching SmartFinancial with co-founder Nate Kropp. He remains active in the insurtech ecosystem as both advisor and investor.

LaVal Brewer, President and CEO of South County Outreach, has expanded the Orange County nonprofit’s services addressing hunger, homelessness, and financial hardship. Since assuming leadership in 2020, Brewer grew annual client reach from around 5,500 to more than 8,000. His tenure has seen the transformation of the organization into a data-driven operation emphasizing sustainable solutions. Brewer increased fresh produce distribution by 33 percent, doubled pantry staff, and implemented a grocery-style client choice approach. He also strengthened community partnerships with over 300 local entities and enhanced rental and utility assistance programs to prevent evictions. Under his guidance, South County Outreach eliminated operating debt and built nearly six months of financial reserves.

In the financial and technology sectors, Ommid Bavarian, Chief Financial Officer of Revolv3, has managed complex corporate transactions including a triple reverse merger that led to a Nasdaq listing. He brings nearly 25 years of experience spanning public accounting, capital markets, and operational roles across multiple industries. Bavarian’s leadership has driven a nearly 600 percent increase in monthly recurring revenue at Revolv3 in 2025 compared to the previous year. His extensive background includes audit work at Ernst & Young and senior finance roles with companies such as Raytheon and Dover Corporation.

Ruby Keys Boulanger serves as Chief Marketing Officer at Fortra Law, shaping the firm’s strategic branding and market positioning. Starting her career at the firm fresh out of college, she developed the marketing department from the ground up and launched a conference series that has become a key platform in private lending. Over the past two years, Boulanger led the comprehensive rebranding from Geraci LLP to Fortra Law, revamping brand identity and digital presence without disrupting client relationships. She also co-founded Women in Private Lending in 2021, working to expand representation in a traditionally male-dominated sector. During her tenure, the firm grew from 15 to nearly 100 employees.

Together, these leaders are driving innovation and growth in Orange County's technology, finance, nonprofit, and professional services sectors through modernization, inclusivity, and digital transformation.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.