Witt Resigns as Chair, Leaves Fernando Board

Randy Witt has resigned from the Fernando Award Foundation’s board and as its chair and chief executive.Witt, who’s worked with the Fernando board for 15 years in various capacities and became chair about a year ago, said that “serving the Valley through this organization has been an honor and a joy, but after much consideration, I decided not to seek re-election when my term ended, and further decided to resign now.” In explaining the decision to leave, he said only that he wants to focus on his business, Randy Witt Productions, where he can continue serving the community.“I think I’m most effective when working creatively, producing videos that move people emotionally and help clients communicate effectively,” he said.The Fernando Award is given each year – although it missed last year because of the pandemic – to a local standout who exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism. It is broadly considered the San Fernando Valley’s highest civic honor.With the resignation, the vice chair of the Fernando Foundation, Mark Levinson, becomes interim chairman. Levinson said Monday that he expects the board’s nominating committee will meet soon, perhaps this week or next, to begin the process of finding the next chair.He said the foundation hopes to put on its gala in person on Nov. 5 at the Skirball Cultural Center.Witt has long been active in Valley civic affairs. He was chair of the Valley Economic Alliance for 2 ½ years until he resigned in April to devote more time to Fernando. He remains on the economic alliance’s board. The Business Journal recognized Witt last year as one of the Valley area’s “20 Icons of Influence” in the annual Valley 200 list of most influential leaders, a list he has been on for four consecutive years.