January 2026

As 2026 gets underway, this month’s IMA newsletter highlights the ideas, conversations, and leadership shaping what’s next across innovation, policy, and community impact.

Featured in this issue is the release of the IMPACT 25 White Paper, capturing key insights from leaders and policymakers at the intersection of the New Frontier, alongside a recap of The New Space Economy, National Security, Space Defense and Innovation interview with Omar Pimentel. We also spotlight member and partner updates, from advancements in AI-driven healthcare technology and leadership milestones in design and development, to community impact through mentorship, reflecting the diverse ways our network continues to lead, innovate, and contribute in the year ahead.

Please take a moment to read our partner articles below.

Thank you

IMPACT 25 White Paper:
Capturing the Momentum of the New Frontier

The IMPACT 25 White Paper is now available, offering a comprehensive look at the ideas, dialogue, and strategic insights that emerged from the IMPACT 25 conference.

Held under the theme “Where Leaders of the New Frontier Meet Policymakers,” IMPACT 25 convened forward-thinking founders, investors, executives, and public officials to explore the critical intersections of innovation, leadership, and public policy. The conversations documented in this report reflect a rare and meaningful exchange—one that underscored how collaboration between the private sector and policymakers can shape industries, unlock opportunity, and influence the future at scale.

The New Space Economy, National Security, Space Defense and Innovation: Interview with Omar Pimentel

Industry leaders and innovators gathered at the Pacific Club for an in-depth conversation on the evolving space economy, national security priorities, and the role of innovation in modern defense. The event, The New Space Economy, National Security, Space Defense and Innovation: Interview with Omar Pimentel, brought together founders, investors, and executives focused on the future of space, defense, and emerging technology.

LVIS Showcases Expanded NeuroMatch Capabilities and AI-Driven EEG Advances at AES Conference

LVIS Corporation returned to the American Epilepsy Society (AES) Conference for the third consecutive year, continuing to build momentum around the evolution of its NeuroMatch platform through live software demonstrations and clinician engagement.

Building on its growing presence at AES, LVIS highlighted meaningful advances in EEG technology and physician-focused innovation.

Economos DeWolf Principal David Economos Completes Newport Beach Foundation’s Distinguished Citizen Program

Newport Beach’s future depends on engaged residents who understand how the city works and are willing to invest their time in it. That guiding belief shaped David Economos’ recent completion of the Newport Beach Foundation’s Distinguished Citizen Program (DCP): a civic leadership experience designed for community-minded professionals who want to contribute in meaningful ways.

Ware Malcomb Announces Matt Kuehn, PE, Promoted to Regional Director, Civil Engineering in Phoenix Office

Ware Malcomb, an award-winning international design firm, today announced Matt Kuehn has been promoted to Regional Director, Civil Engineering, based in the firm’s Phoenix office. In this new role, he will continue advancing the growth and development of Ware Malcomb’s civil engineering practice across the southwest region, while also guiding the expansion of the firm’s civil engineering team in Latin America.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of OC & IE Announces Finalists for 2026 Mentors of the Year Celebration

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & the Inland Empire (BBBS OC/IE) has announced the finalists for its 2026 Mentors of the Year selections in conjunction with National Mentoring Month. Exceptional individuals are nominated from the agency’s Community, High School Bigs and Workplace Mentoring programs, with winners to be announced in late January.