Biz News: Area entrepreneurs recognized for innovation

Business leaders from Irvine, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach have been named as finalists in Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year awards program.

The group was chosen by a 15-member independent judging panel. Winners will be announced June 11 at the St. Regis Monarch Beach resort in Dana Point.

The finalists include Jim Conroy, CEO of Irvine-based Boot Barn; Michael Mussallem, chairman and CEO of Edwards Lifesciences in Irvine; Steve Sather, CEO and president of Costa Mesa-based El Pollo Loco; Dan Rodrigues, founder and CEO of Irvine-based Kareo; Amir Neshat, founder, CEO and president of Liberty Dental Plan in Irvine; Brian Meshkin, CEO and president of Irvine-based Proove Biosciences, Inc.; and Joe Duran, CEO of United Capital in Newport Beach.

Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards recognize “leaders who are driving successful, innovative businesses,” according to the firm’s website.