Lucy Dunn, president and CEO of the Orange County Business Council, will retire from the helm of the Irvine-based organization after nearly two decades of service. 

With the announcement, Dunn said she will step down in December and is planning on spending more time with her grandchildren and pursuing personal interests. 

Dunn has agreed to a two-year consulting contract with the OCBC following her retirement that will keep her well-known influence and guidance close for the time being, making the transition less abrupt.   

During her career, Dunn has been recognized as one of Orange County’s most influential voices and was named the Woman of the Year by the California State Legislature in 1997 and 2009.   

Over the years, Dunn has worked tirelessly to accomplish countless goals for the benefit of Orange County, including hosting the president of the United States — George W. Bush.

In fact, in just her first month as OCBC’s CEO, Dunn secured a visit from then-President Bush, who presented his comprehensive immigration reform plan.  

In describing Dunn’s character, current OCBC Chair Jena Jensen, Chief Government Relations for CHOC, considers Dunn “a game-changer,” adding that because of her accomplishments, Orange County is recognized across the nation. 

“Orange County today has an enviable reputation statewide, and even nationally, as a special place to live and do business. From infrastructure to research and development, from education to the arts, Orange County gets things done.”

An example of Dunn’s leadership can be seen in her strategizing for the service industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dunn’s expertise helped usher in SafeDineOC, a county-wide program giving restaurants the green light to reopen safely, with added financial support.  

“Orange County is one of the most dynamic marketplaces in the world. It has been an honor to help shape and champion the policies and initiatives that have been instrumental in making this one of the great places to do business,” Dunn said. “This is not only the sixth most populous county in the nation, but it has become a leader in multiple industry sectors from real estate to tourism, healthcare, bio sciences, medical devices and higher education. My objective from day one was to represent the interests of so many who contribute so much to the success and high quality of life in this county.”

Jansen adds that as one of the most recognizable figures in the Orange County business community, Dunn’s reputation has kept the door open for innovation, and prepared the county for future infrastructural growth.  

“Lucy absolutely personifies that spirit, and has been pivotal in our evolution from a bedroom community to a thriving hub of innovation. With her bold and collaborative leadership style, she has tirelessly advocated on behalf of business in this county and region,” Jensen said. “On many occasions, she single-handedly brought together diverse and competing interests for the greater good of this community. She is a true connector.”

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