Woman talking into microphone
Mike Merchant receiving an award
Woman with teddy bear

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 7:30am
Hyatt Regency Irvine
17900 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92614

The Conference on Business & Ethics is a much-anticipated event in Southern California that brings together faith-filled influential business, religious, academic and philanthropic leaders. In partnership with Farmers & Merchants Bank, The Orange Catholic Foundation has provided this forum for 22 years to inspire leaders to perform best ethical practices, both personally and professionally.

Presenting Partner

F & M Bank logo
James Wahlberg

Keynote Speaker:
Jim Wahlberg

Jim Wahlberg aims to serve God by writing, speaking, filmmaking and serving our community. He is a producer, writer, and director of films, and uses his talents and experiences to raise awareness about opioid addiction and point to the hope found in Christ. He is the author of “The Big Hustle” and Executive Producer of the number one documentary film, across all genres, of 2022 “Mother Teresa: No Greater Love” & most recently “Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist.” Jim has been married to his lovely wife, Benny for 30 years and they have three children.

Emcee: Lucy Dunn

As CEO Emeritus, Orange County Business Council, Lucy Dunn led for 16 years a dynamic organization of business, academia and government, to ensure the region’s economic prosperity and high quality of life. In retirement, she now serves as ex-officio “Business Representative” to the Regional Council of the Southern California Association of Governments, representing over 18.5 million people and mandated by the federal government to research and plan transportation, housing, air quality, and more.

Before joining OCBC, she was the first woman president of the Building Industry Association of Southern California in its 80-year history. She served as Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development under Governor Schwarzenegger, who also appointed her to the California Transportation Commission in 2008. Governor Jerry Brown reappointed her two more terms.

Dunn was honored with the Bishop’s Award for Exemplary Leadership. She serves as director or advisor for numerous non-profit boards including Homeful Foundation, Pacific Symphony, OC Human Relations, Jamboree Housing. She serves as vice-chair of the board of The Orange Catholic Foundation.

OC Register named her as one of “Orange County’s 100 Most Influential.” Endangered Habitats League honored her for protecting habitat and cultural resources, while providing for mobility needs. Orange County Business Journal named her one of OC’s 500 most influential.

In addition, she cantors at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, sings with Meistersingers and Meritage chamber ensembles, and is the proud mother of two sons with accomplished daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren residing in the Bay Area.

Lucy Dunn photo

Honorees

Bishop’s Award for Exemplary Business Integrity

The Bishop’s Award for Exemplary Business Integrity recognizes business leaders who demonstrate ethical practices, both personally and professionally.

To qualify, one must:

  • Be a successfully recognized businessperson in the community
  • Be a current or retired CEO, owner or high‐ranking executive for a company with many employees
  • Be dedicated to ethical business practices
  • Be a positive example of ethical practice in all aspects of his or her life
  • Have a well‐established record of ethical leadership qualities, including treating employees fairly
  • Be a practicing Catholic
Past Honorees
Farmers & Merchants Lifetime Achievement Award
History

Farmers & Merchants Bank has graciously partnered with The Orange Catholic Foundation and supported the Conference on Business & Ethics as a Presenting Sponsor of the event and the Lifetime Achievement Award since 2012.

Award Criteria

The recipient of the award is an individual, couple, or organization who has made a significant contribution to the community within the Diocese of Orange. Several previous honorees have positively affected communities beyond the scope of our diocese.

Past Honorees
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