Steve Churm, CEO

Steve Churm owns one of the leading independent regional media companies in Southern California, publishing OC METRO, OC Menus, OC Family, and Southland Golf in print and online. With the magazines’ monthly print circulation of nearly 300,000 coupled with six interactive websites, Churm Media has a total monthly audience of more than 1 million readers and viewers in one of the most dynamic markets in the world.

In addition to managing the overall day-to-day business and team management operations for Churm Media, Steve shares his time, knowledge and expertise speaking at many business conferences and actively participating with many community organizations throughout Southern California. Steve has been recognized as an industry leader in business by local and national media, including FOLIO: Magazine.

Before launching Newport Beach-based Churm Media in 1990, Steve Churm worked as a journalist and editor for four California newspapers, including six years at the Los Angeles Times, where he covered politics and the environment.

Churm currently serves on four nonprofit boards, including The Orange County Business Council, Irvine Chamber of Commerce, The Values Institute and Human Options. Steve is married with three children and lives in Irvine. Churm studied journalism and geography at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Churm’s passions include studying small business, surfing, skiing, geography, the Eastern Sierra and cooking.

Anna Romiti, President

As president of ripeorange, Anna oversees all client relations, employees and day-to-day operations of the company. She is a crucial part of the strategic development of the company’s goals and initiatives. Anna has more than 10 years of experience in marketing and public relations, beginning her career as Churm Media’s director of marketing. While holding the director of marketing position, she created and executed the strategic marketing campaigns for Churm Media, all of its niche brands and renowned annual events such as OC METRO’s Hot 25.

Anna earned her undergraduate and masters degrees in communications from Chapman University. She is married with two sons and lives in South Orange County. She enjoys running, hiking and spending time with her family.

Chelsea Van Arnam, Project Manager

As project manager, Chelsea coordinates event planning logistics and day-to-day projects with all clients. Chelsea joins the ripeorange team after 2 years of advertising and social media brand management experience with OC METRO magazine and Churm Media. Prior to joining the Churm Media team, Chelsea graduated with a BA in Studio Art from UC Irvine where she served as V.P. of Marketing for Alpha Phi. When she’s not in the office, you can catch her Foursquare-ing or tweeting as she scouts a hot new brunch spot. Later you might find her Instagraming a photo or Pinning away dream interiors on Pinterest.

Luke Hodsdon, Director of Design

As director of design, Luke manages all the design processes, from inception to completion, for the firm and its clients. He plays an integral part in the development of ad campaigns, conceptualizing ideas and delivering the final look and feel of the client’s marketing plan. Luke has more than seven years of experience in graphic design and excels at team management. Among his other duties, Luke creates art-related content for company events such as OC METRO’s Hot 25, 40 Under 40 and 20 Women to Watch. Luke lives close to the beach and enjoys bike riding with his fianceé, blogging on his website, ninethreestudio.com, cooking and keeping current on design trends with his Google RSS feed reader.

Jeff Kitchen, Web Development

Jeff Kitchen has been in the web/Internet field for more than 15 years. Jeff started out doing design work, moved to IT consulting and then moved to more advanced web development and design. Jeff has been with Churm Media for more than 13 years. He has worked with a vast array of other companies in numerous industries, including nonprofit organizations. Jeff is an extremely dedicated, hard-working individual with a strong passion and drive for his profession.