Fred Jung has established a notable presence in the political and community spheres of Orange County, particularly in Fullerton, where his journey reflects a commitment to public service, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Mayor Pro Tem Fred Jung was elected to serve a four-year term representing Council District 1 on the Fullerton City Council in November 2020. Mayor Pro Tem Jung is the first Asian-American Fullerton City Council Member in over 20 years and the first Korean American elected official in the city. He served as the Mayor of the City of Fullerton for two consecutive terms from 2021 to 2023.
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Jung came to the United States at the age of 5. Jung has lived in Fullerton District 1 since 1987. He attended Sunny Hills High School and has volunteered as a Sunny Hills High School football coach for many years. He also attended the University of Southern California.
Mayor Pro Tem Jung has owned many successful small businesses. He also went on to found one of North Orange County’s largest youth sports nonprofit organizations. He started the jazz magazines All About Jazz Los Angeles, All About Jazz Chicago, All About Jazz San Francisco, and Jazz Weekly. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Jazz Journalists Association.
Mayor Pro Tem Jung serves as the Chairman of the Orange County Transportation Authority Transit Committee. He also serves as the Vice Chairman of the important LOSSAN Corridor Agency. He served as the Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District and served as the Vice Chairman of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Currently at the Metropolitan, he serves as the Chairman of the Legislative, Regulatory and Communications Committee to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. He is the current Vice Chair of the Cal Cities Transportation, Communications, and Public Works Committee, Large City Representative on the Cal Cities Board of Directors, and serves on the SCAG Policy Committee for Orange County Council of Governments. Mayor Pro Tem Jung also serves on the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy as the Orange County representative.
In addition to his local government responsibilities, Jung played a pivotal role in regional energy management as a founding member and Chair of the Board of Directors for the Orange County Power Authority (OCPA). Sworn in on December 16, 2020, and beginning his second term on January 17, 2023, Jung’s leadership in the OCPA underscores his commitment to sustainable energy solutions and governance. His involvement in the Risk Oversight and Legislative & Regulatory Committees further exemplifies his dedication to ensuring the integrity and efficacy of OCPA.
Fred Jung’s journey from a young immigrant to a key figure in Orange County’s governance and community development is a testament to his resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to service. As he continues to serve and inspire, his impact on the community, culture, and governance of Fullerton and beyond remains profound.