The Fernando Award Foundation board of directors announced Monday the election of co-chairs Mark Levinson and Pegi Matsuda.“Mark and Pegi are an excellent leadership team during this time of change and challenge,” David Honda, member of the board of directors and chair of the board’s nominating committee, said in a statement. “They have compatible experience in both business and in community leadership and will be able to lead the board and its community programs effectively.”The Fernando Award Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that promotes volunteerism and civic engagement in the San Fernando Valley. Randy Witt resigned as chairman of the organization earlier this month.Los Angeles resident Mark Levinson, current board vice chair, is a family law attorney. In addition to leadership positions in local chambers of commerce, Levinson has also been a volunteer with the International Child Advocacy Network and recipient of numerous awards for his work, including Board Member of the Year from the United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley. “It’s an honor to be elected as the organization’s co-chair as we embark on a new year during some very challenging times,” Levinson said in a statement.Pegi Matsuda, a resident of Studio City, has owned Pegi Matsuda Consulting, a Sherman Oaks- based marketing and fundraising firm, since 2018. Previously, she was the president of the Valley Presbyterian Hospital Foundation and publisher of the San Fernando Valley Business Journal. She has volunteered her leadership at organizations including Haven Hills, Valley Industry & Commerce Association, San Fernando Valley Bar Association, Meet Each Need with Dignity and the Girl Scouts.“It is an honor to be elected by the board to co-chair with Mark,” Matsuda said in a statement. “We believe this will be an exciting new year for the Fernando Award Foundation and I’m happy to be a part of it.”The 2021 Fernando board members include: Levinson, Matsuda, Paul Davis, David Honda, Marian Jocz, Bruce Miller, Walter Mosher, Mike Quiroga, Thor Steingraber, Dale Surowitz and Mark Villasenor. The 11-member board votes annually to determine the winner of the Fernando Award, considered the highest award presented for volunteer leadership and philanthropy in the San Fernando Valley.
Fernando Award Foundation Names Co-Chairs
