Business Advocacy Speakers Series: OC Supervisors Board Chairman Don Wagner

The Business Advocacy Speaker Series monitors legislation, environmental statutes, and political issues of concern that may impact the business environment in Irvine and neighboring cities. Speakers provide insight on issues and projects affecting businesses, members, and residents in greater Irvine. 

Orange County Supervisors Board Chairman Donald P. Wagner

Orange County Supervisor Donald P. Wagner was voted to serve as Chairman of the Board in 2023. Chairman Wagner is honored to serve the County’s Third District, representing over 630,000 diverse residents in the communities of Anaheim Hills, Irvine, Lake Forest, North Tustin & Tustin, Orange, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, the unincorporated canyons, Villa Park, and Yorba Linda.

Chairman Wagner currently serves on several committees, including the Orange County Fire Authority Executive Committee; The Orange County Transportation Authority: Legislative Committee and SR-91 Advisory; The Transportation Corridor Authority: Joint External Affairs Committee, Joint Capital Programs & Project Committee, and the 241/91 Express Connector Ad Hoc Committee; Southern California Association of Governments: Transportation Committee, Regional Council, Executive and Administrative Committee, Legislative/Communications & Membership Committee and Joint Policy Committee; Orange County Council of Governments: Bylaws Committee, Steering Committee, and the Executive Management Committee Meeting; Chairman Wagner is also a Member of the Orange County Sanitation District, serving on the Operations Committee, and is a recent member of the Orange County Power Authority.

He holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California, Los Angeles, earning a Juris Doctorate in 1987 from the University of California, Hastings College of Law; he joined the California Bar that same year. Chairman Wagner is a practicing attorney and UCLA Bruin for life.

Chairman Don Wagner is a former South Orange County Community College District Trustee for three consecutive terms, balancing every budget and paying off all debts without additionally burdening the taxpayers. This leadership earned him an unprecedented six years as Board President. 

During his six years in the State Assembly, he gained invaluable experience on a wide variety of committees, including Budget, Health, Education, and Revenue and Taxation. As the former Vice-Chair of the Assembly Judiciary Committee, his committee had jurisdiction over the legal profession, the courts, and most state governing codes. On financial committees, he oversaw all state spending and revenue, quickly earning a reputation for expertise in government fiscal affairs, such that he was twice asked by the Association of California Cities – Orange County to teach government finance and budgeting to local elected officials at UCI. He has dedicated his free time to nonprofits and charities, serving as the past president of the American Lung Association of Orange County. He is also the founder and first president of the Orange County Chapter of the Federalist Society, a national organization of lawyers, judges, and law professors that ensure judicial integrity and strict adherence to the Constitution of the United States.

As the past Mayor of Irvine, he ensured the Great Park project bloomed after $200 million was wasted away under prior city council leadership. He brings this level of service to the community at the County level; in 2019, he expanded public resources without raising taxes when he reopened Irvine Lake for shoreline fishing. The Lake was previously closed for three years to the public. Chairman Wagner continues to engage directly with the residents to help address local issues, improve public safety, and enhance the quality of life in Orange County.

He is an active participant in Orange County business and legal communities with prior service on several committees and advisory boards for the Orange County Bar Association, including a Judge Pro Tempore in the Superior Court of Orange County. The Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times, and several local media outlets have published his articles on legal, political, and cultural topics.

Business Advocacy meetings are for Greater Irvine Chamber members and guests who are interested in learning about topics and issues that impact Irvine and Orange County businesses and residents. Registration is required. 
If you are a representative of a government agency, please email Laura Perdew.