By Isabel Sami – Staff Reporter, L.A. Business First
Dec 29, 2025
In 2025, Angelenos faced devastation from wildfires, hope around upcoming global sporting events and strong continued activity across its industries. Looking to 2026, the path to recovery in Altadena and Pacific Palisades will coincide with the FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles and new projects coming to the city.
L.A. Business First’s People to Watch list for 2026 highlights rebuilding L.A.’s fire-affected communities, the impact of major sporting events on business and growth in the logistics industry.
Here are six people to watch in 2026:
Traci Park, council member, Council District 11
Council member Traci Park has represented a corner of L.A.’s coastal Westside since December 2022. Part of her district is Pacific Palisades, which was devastated by fires in the beginning of the year.
Since the Palisades Fire, Park has provided tax relief for impacted businesses and sole proprietors, and has made strides to waive rebuilding fees charged by city agencies. Park also spearheaded a measure to expand Mayor Karen Bass’ proposal to exempt Pacific
Palisades homeowners from Measure ULA, a tax on property sales above $5 million. Park’s expanded motion has yet to pass, but would direct city departments to suspend ULA taxes for property owners rebuilding after the fire.
As rebuilding efforts lead to the first revived homes in the Palisades, Park will have more work to do to support her constituents on the path to recovery.
Altadena resident Rebecca Zandovskis has been working with Genesis Builders to help residents rebuild homes after the Eaton Fire.
Rebecca Zandovskis, senior director of business development, Genesis Builders
At the beginning of the year, Altadena resident Rebecca Zandovskis lost her home in the Eaton Fire. Zandovskis was working for L.A.-based development group Cityview at the time, which started a branch dedicated to rebuilding in Altadena: Genesis Builders.
Genesis offers a more affordable rebuilding concept, with preapproved home designs that individuals can then customize as needed to fit their lots and desires at a fraction of the custom-rebuild cost.
Zandovskis joined Genesis as senior director of business development, working alongside families and individuals who experienced the same trauma of losing a home during the Eaton Fire. As Zandovskis helps clients rebuild their homes with Genesis, she too is rebuilding her home with the firm.
People to Watch in sporting events expand
Allen Brooks, senior vice president, On Location
On Location, an organization handling hospitality, ticketing and curated guest experiences for major entertainment events, has been named the official hospitality provider of the LA28 Olympic Games.
Allen Brooks, senior vice president of On Location, is one of the L.A.-based executives overseeing strategic direction and partnership with the LA28 organizing committee. In his role, Brooks has led the planning and delivery of venue operations, sponsor activations and hospitality programs for major events including eight Olympic Games, two FIFA World Cups and the Super Bowl.
In 2026, Brooks and his team are coordinating hospitality experiences for the FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles as well as preparing for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. On Location provides VIP ticketing and multiday experiences for guests and companies looking for a comprehensive itinerary.
Samona Caldwell, director of Business Connect, Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission
Ahead of major sporting events, the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission is connecting local businesses with partnership opportunities at the large-scale sports and entertainment events. Samona Caldwell, director of LASEC’s Business Connect program, identifies and directly connects diverse and experienced Los Angeles County businesses with professional development, networking and subcontracting opportunities at the events.
Caldwell and the Business Connect team match the capabilities of local business owners with opportunities available through sports and entertainment events in Los Angeles. The program offers qualified entrepreneurs professional development, mentorship and resources to expand their businesses and compete for contracting opportunities.
People to Watch in logistics
Laura Clark, incoming CEO, Rexford
Los Angeles-based Rexford Industrial has appointed its COO Laura Clark as its new CEO. Replacing co-CEOs Michael Frankel and Howard Schwimmer next April, Clark will take the helm after an activist investor purchased a stake in the Los Angeles real estate investment trust this summer, leading to a restructuring of the C-suite.
Clark was named chief financial officer at Rexford in 2020 and was appointed chief operating officer in 2024.
Rexford, which invests in industrial assets in infill Southern California, executed 3.3 million square feet of new and renewal leases in the region in the third quarter. The firm stabilized 14 repositioning and redevelopment projects, totaling nearly 1.5 million square feet, in 2025 as of Q3, a $492 million investment.
Noel Hacegaba, incoming CEO, Port of Long Beach
Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero announced plans to retire at the end of the year, leading to the election of Noel Hacegaba, the port’s chief operating officer, as CEO. In the role, Hacegaba will direct operations at the port in 2026, including green initiatives and furthering the port’s digital Supply Chain Information Highway.
Hacegaba, also one of our People to Watch in 2022, has served in senior management roles at the Port of Long Beach for 15 years, overseeing daily operations and strategic advocacy at the port. The California Association of Port Authorities also named Hacegaba as president of the organization.
