President, Chief Executive
Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp., World Trade Center Los Angeles
Stephen Cheung is the president and chief executive of the Los Angeles County
Economic Development Corp. and World Trade Center Los Angeles. Since taking on the role in 2023, he has issued $1.2 million in grants to 220 small businesses and non-profits recovering from the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and helped the region secure $24 million to expand the bioscience industry through the California Jobs First Initiative. He received the Crystal Eagle Award from Coro of SoCal in 2024. Before joining LAEDC, Cheung served as secretary general and managing director of International Trade and Foreign Affairs for Los Angeles mayors Eric Garcetti and Antonio Villaraigosa.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychobiology and a master’s degree in social welfare, UCLA
First job: Busboy at a Chinese restaurant in the San Gabriel Valley
Favorite charity or cause: Perfect Pet Rescue in West Los Angeles
Favorite book: “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck
Favorite pastime or hobby: Hiking and golf
Favorite restaurant for fun: Mario’s Peruvian on Melrose
Favorite restaurant for business: Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo
YEARS ON LA500: 3 Years on the LA500
