SANTA ANA, Calif. -- Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County has welcomed a new director to its board whose extensive background in banking and finance will help steer the nonprofit organization in fulfillment of its mission to the small business community.
Catherine Nguyen
The CEO of Venturezen, Inc., she has joined the Small Business Development Corporation Board of Directors effective April 2023.
Catherine Nguyen, chief executive officer of financial planning and start-up services firm Venturezen, Inc. joined the SBDC-OC board in April, bringing the total number of directors to 12. Nguyen arrives through her connection with Thanh Pham, the development corporation’s board chairman and president of California International Bank in Westminster.
“I decided to join the board due to my years of experience working in lending at various banking institutions,” Nguyen said. “This role means I will be able to make a positive impact in helping fund small businesses along with providing strategic guidance and oversight to the organization.”
Nguyen specializes in commercial lending and international finance with over 20 years of experience. In her position at Venturezen, she advises domestic and international companies in Southern California in traditional banking including commercial and industrial financing, asset-based lending, SBA 504 and 7a loan programs, commercial real estate, mergers and acquisition financing, and global capital markets. Prior to joining Venturezen, Nguyen served as a senior vice president in corporate banking at Umpqua Bank, and previously held senior positions in international finance and global commercial banking respectively with Comerica Bank and Bank of America for Orange County.
She aims to use her experience in banking and finance to help Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County identify potential risk and opportunities, she said, “and to provide guidance on financial matters that may impact the organization’s long-term success.”
Nguyen also serves the broader community through her position as chairwoman and chief executive officer of the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce in Fountain Valley. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Cal State Fullerton, is fluent in French and can converse in Vietnamese. Through her various posts she aids in supporting and growing the region’s and the state’s economy. However she considers her most important role to be that of mother to her two young children, ages 26 months and seven months. Moments of free time may find Nguyen at the beach, on local hiking trails, creating art or visiting museums.
“We are delighted that Catherine has joined the board of Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County,” said Michael Ocasio, president and chief executive officer. “She brings a wealth of experience and skills that will prove invaluable to our organization, as well as a strong commitment to community and an understanding of the needs of small business owners and their families, particularly those that require additional support. We welcome Catherine to the SBDC-OC family.”
