The board of directors of the Fernando Award Foundation announced on Tuesday the five finalists for this year’s award honoring volunteer work in the San Fernando Valley.
Jason Schaff and Marian Jocz, selection committee co-chairs, said that it is always challenging to pick the finalists, but this year was even more so given that there were 16 people to choose from.
“On behalf of the Fernando board of directors, we congratulate the five finalists and thank the members of the Finalist Selection Committee,” Schaff and Jocz said in a statement.
The five finalists are:
Steve Fazio, president and owner, of Fazio Cleaners and Laundry. Fazio has been active since 1981 as a volunteer with more than 12 organizations spanning health services, education, law enforcement and public policy organizations.
Jane Skeeter, founder and chief executive of UltraGlas. Since 2007, Skeeter has been active with 15 organizations serving on the board of directors of business, health, youth and education-related services.
Kathleen Sterling, publisher, Valley News Group. Kathleen started volunteering at an early age and has been involved with many local organizations in the past several decades.
Kevin Tamaki, of Tamaki Consulting. Tamaki has been active in serving business, youth and various non-profit organizations for decades, including chambers of commerce and New Directions for Youth.
Sharon Udkoff, a certified public accountant. Udkoff has been engaged in community and business affairs for decades.
David Honda, a member of this year’s finalist selection committee, said it was an honor to serve on the committee.
“The caliber and accomplishments of each nominee are both impressive and inspiring, and a true reflection of how fortunate the Valley is to have such passionate and selfless people, volunteering and leading by example,” Honda said in a statement.
The Fernando Award will be presented on Sept. 9 at an event at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.