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.
Sister Johnellen Turner, O.P. is a proud native of Los Angeles. Answering God’s call, she entered religious life with the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. Her ministry has been devoted to education, serving as a teacher at several schools, including: St. Ignatius in Los Angeles, St. Callistus in Garden Grove and St. Elizabeth in Oakland.
She has also held leadership roles as Administrator and Principal at St. Callistus in Garden Grove, Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Montecito, St. Anthony in San Francisco, St. Edward in Newark and St. Catherine’s Academy in Anaheim, where she served for 17 years.
In addition to her work in schools, Sr. Johnellen has contributed to the broader educational community. She served as Associate Superintendent for the Diocese of Oakland, as well as Director of Schools and later Director of Sponsored Schools for the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. These roles encompassed oversight of more than 20 schools across California, Oregon and Mexico.
Her expertise has been sought after by numerous boards, where she has served as a member, including: Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, La Cañada Flintridge, Immaculate Conception Cristo Rey Academy, San Francisco, Diocesan School Board for Oakland, Servite High School, Anaheim, Notre Dame High School, Belmont and Strategic Planning Committee and Consultative School Board for the Diocese of Orange.
Currently, Sr. Johnsellen serves as the Mission Advancement Associate for the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. She is also a gifted Retreat Director, leading spiritual reflections for administrators, faculties, small groups, children, young adults and adults.
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.
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.
The Bishop’s Award for Exemplary Business Integrity recognizes business leaders who demonstrate ethical practices, both personally and professionally. Stay tuned! The 2025 Bishop’s Award for Exemplary Business Integrity honorees will be announced in the coming weeks!
To qualify, one must:
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.
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.
Watch our video to learn how you helped make OCF’s 2024 Conference on Business & Ethics a fundraising success for Catholic schools and students in Orange County.
