Stephen Cheung is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and its subsidiary, the World Trade Center Los Angeles (WTCLA). Mr. Cheung leads a team that encompasses key areas such as research, business assistance, industry cluster development, workforce development, and international trade that delivers LAEDC’s critically important, public-benefit mission – Reinventing our economy to collaboratively advance growth and prosperity for all.
Having been elevated to his current role in 2023, Cheung’s leadership has transformed both the LAEDC and WTCLA , aligning them towards a five-pillar approach for economic development, emphasizing equity, sustainability, resiliency and growth for the community. Prior to his role as CEO, Stephen served as the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of LAEDC, concurrently holding the position of President of World Trade Center Los Angeles since 2014. His extensive background includes roles as Secretary General and Managing Director of International Trade and Foreign Affairs for Los Angeles Mayors Eric Garcetti and Antonio Villaraigosa where he was responsible for managing policies and programs related to the Port of Los Angeles, Los Angeles World Airports, International Affairs, Global Trade and Clean Technology. Concurrently, Cheung was the Director of International Trade for the Port of Los Angeles – the busiest container port in North America, and was responsible for developing programs to increase trade through the Port of Los Angeles, and facilitate goods movement through the Southern California region.
A proud UCLA alum with degrees in Psychobiology and Social Welfare, Stephen actively participates on various advisory boards, including LA Mayor Karen Bass’s Small Business Cabinet, International Economic Development Council, UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, Coro Southern California, Sister Cities of Los Angeles, LA Tourism and the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board. In addition to his professional endeavors, Stephen is an avid explorer, enjoying both international and local adventures, particularly hiking through mountainous regions and national parks with his husband and dogs.
