In a community known for generosity, style and impact, there are moments when something truly special emerges, something that feels bigger than an event, bigger than a title. It becomes a legacy.

This year marks one of those moments.

For the first time in its more than three-decade history, Harvesters, the dynamic group of approximately 50 philanthropic women supporting the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, will be chaired by a mother and daughter duo: Liz McKinley and Madeline McKinley Aschieris.

And if you know anything about these two women, you know this isn’t just symbolic; it’s powerful.

From Humble Beginnings to Half a Billion

Liz McKinley’s story is the kind that defines the American dream, but with a grit and determination that sets it apart.

Raised in Oklahoma, Liz attended Oklahoma State University, where she put herself through school studying finance and marketing. Her early life wasn’t easy. She has spoken candidly about experiencing food insecurity as a child—something that would later deeply shape her commitment to giving back.

Before becoming one of Orange County’s most respected executives, Liz broke barriers as the first woman hired at a commercial level at Koch Industries, stepping into an industry that was—and still is—overwhelmingly male-dominated.

But it was in 1995 that she made her boldest move.

With just three employees and a copy machine famously set up in her bathtub, Liz founded Pinnacle Petroleum from her home. What followed is nothing short of extraordinary. Within two years, she secured a $10 million contract supplying diesel fuel for a major construction project—her “big break.”

From there, she built a powerhouse.

Today, Pinnacle Petroleum delivers fuel nationwide, operating in 33 states, and generating over $500 million in annual revenue. Along the way, Liz has earned accolades including Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, recognition on the OC Business Journal OC500 list and honors from major corporations like AT&T.

But ask Liz what she’s most proud of, and it won’t be the numbers.

It’s the people. The relationships. And increasingly, the legacy she’s building alongside her family.

The Next Generation: Madeline’s Modern Path

If Liz represents the fearless trailblazer, Madeline embodies the evolution of that spirit.

Born and raised in Orange County, Madeline attended the University of Southern California, where she studied Public Relations and Business Entrepreneurship. Even then, her leadership was evident, serving as President of Alpha Phi, leading the Kairos Entrepreneurship Society and sitting on the student board of the university’s largest charity. Swim with Mike.

Her career began far from the oil fields.

At FOX, Madeline worked in global marketing, traveling the world to help launch international campaigns for major television properties. It was fast-paced, creative, and global, yet ultimately, she felt called toward something more entrepreneurial.

That calling led her back to work alongside her mother, where she managed Pinnacle’s Fleet Card Division before launching her own consulting business in the fuel industry.

Today, Madeline runs her own company while continuing to collaborate closely with Pinnacle, bringing a fresh, modern lens to a legacy business. Her experience across media, technology and energy gives her a unique perspective that blends strategy with storytelling.

And like her mother, Madeline is deeply committed to community.

She has been an active member of Harvesters, serving as Silent Auction Chair, Co-Chair, and is now stepping into the role of Event Chairwoman for 2026, a full-circle moment that feels both personal and historic.

Harvesters: Where Heart Meets Impact

For those who may not know, Harvesters is one of Orange County’s most impactful philanthropic groups -- 50 dedicated women who collectively support the mission of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

Their work directly helps provide millions of meals annually to individuals and families facing food insecurity right here in our community.

And this year’s leadership carries a deeper meaning.

For Liz, whose childhood included moments of not knowing where her next meal would come from, this role is profoundly personal.

For Madeline, it represents a continuation of values she grew up witnessing—watching her mother not only build a business, but also give back in meaningful, consistent ways.

Together, they are not just leading an organization.

They are telling a story about resilience, opportunity, and the importance of lifting others along the way.

A Family Built on Vision

The McKinley story doesn’t stop with Liz and Madeline.

It’s a true family enterprise.

Liz’s husband, Peter McKinley, a longtime senior level healthcare executive in Orange County has been a constant source of support, while their twins, Robert and Madeline, are actively involved in different aspects of the business and family ventures. Robert is the winemaker behind Norris Wines, part of the family’s NorrisMcKinley Vineyards, where the family gathers each year for harvest, a tradition rooted in both hard work and celebration.

Madeline, now married to Jeff Aschieris and a mother to her daughter Sloane, is building her own legacy while balancing family, business and philanthropy with remarkable grace.

And yes, there are also the dogs. Diesel, Liz’s poodle, and Phoebe, Madeline's golden doodle, adding just the right amount of personality to an already dynamic household.

More Than a Milestone

Being the first mother-daughter duo to chair Harvesters is certainly a milestone. But what makes it truly meaningful is what it represents. It’s about generational impact. It’s about showing that success isn’t just measured in revenue or recognition, but in how you give back, how you lead, and how you inspire the next generation.

In a world where industries are still breaking barriers and redefining leadership, Liz and Madeline are doing it together, each in their own way, yet completely aligned.

And for Orange County, that’s something worth celebrating.

Because sometimes, the most powerful stories aren’t just about where you’ve been, they’re about who you bring with you along the way.

Tudaloo on the Town!

Jodi Salerno