Former Antioch Chamber executive to be honored with President’s Volunteer Service Award Thursday
UPDATE 2: City manager says it’s not a private event.
UPDATE 3: “The purpose for the…Award is to honor the hundreds of thousands of people across American that have volunteered hundreds, if not thousands of volunteer hours over their lifetime.”
By Allen D. Payton
The former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, Daniel Sohn, is being recognized by President Joe Biden for a 2024 President’s Volunteer Service Award. A community celebration in Sohn’s honor will be hosted by Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe on Thursday, Oct. 17 beginning at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers at Antioch City Hall, 200 H Street.
Led by the AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.
Sohn was the staff leader for the Antioch Chamber from May 2022 until March of this year.
UPDATE 1: Asked why he’s being honored Sohn said, “While I did indeed serve as a paid CEO, my contributions went beyond work hours to support our local community. I dedicated time as a volunteer to many of our nonprofit chamber members, and I believe that’s what this award truly recognizes. Much of my volunteer work paralleled my efforts at the Chamber, as I’ve always believed that supporting local organizations is good for business. That’s why I advocated for the Chamber Board to create the Nonprofit Council – to encourage businesses to give back to the communities that support them. In fact, this is something I have done at each chamber where I’ve been privileged to serve.”
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award, but think it is important to note that I’m also just one of many Americans being recognized with the award this year,” he continued. “The award encourages communities to host local celebrations to acknowledge the positive work happening across the country, and Antioch is just one of many places holding such an event.”
About the Award
In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.
The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation.
Sohn’s Background
According to his LinkedIn profile, he is a former City Councilman for Haverhill, Florida, a Certified Tourism Ambassador, Certified Human Rights and DEI Consultant, Lobbyist and Civics Champion.
Sohn was also nominated by Gov. Newsom and appointed by Director of Selective Service in the name of President Joe Biden to represent California as a local board member of the Selective Service System from October 2021 to June 2024. Since July 2017 he has worked as the Managing Partner & Senior Lobbyist for the Floridian Group, LLC doing business as Pacific Partners.
UPDATE 2: Following concerns from the public about the use of the Council Chambers for a private event, questions were sent to City Manager Bessie Scott, City Attorney Thomas and the mayor asking if the room is rented out for other private events. Scott responded, “To the best of my knowledge this event is not a private event, thus anyone can attend.”
UPDATE 3: During the ceremony, the mayor shared more about the award saying, “The current program…was created by President George W. Bush in 2002. He made this program known during his State of the Union Address.
In January 2003, President Bush created an executive order that the created the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The council was established to recognize the important contributions Americans of all ages are making within their communities through service and civic engagement.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a civil award bestowed by the President of the United States…to honor volunteers that give hundreds of hours per year helping. The award can be granted to individuals, families and organizations located throughout the United States. The purpose…is to honor the hundreds of thousands of people across American that have volunteered hundreds, if not thousands of volunteer hours over their lifetime.”
Sohn was presented with Certificates of Recognition from representatives of Assemblyman Tim Grayson and Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis. He then thanked leaders of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and management staff of Tre Vista Senior Living in Antioch.
Sohn was then presented by Hernandez-Thorpe with the framed letter from President Biden and certificate showing he is a recipient of the Bronze Service Award for 100 to 249 hours of volunteer work.
the attachments to this post:
Daniel Sohn & Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe 10-17-24
President’s Vol Service Award DSohn 101724
