Building Relationships Kevin Cottrell learned from nine siblings how to get along with others

One of 10 children, Kevin Cottrell, 32, learned early in life how to get along with others. As the associate director of San Diego Dialogue, a regional public policy organization focusing on cross-border issues, he uses those skills daily.

Cottrell is responsible for building relationships with elected officials, major corporations and community organizations throughout the San Diego/Baja California region. Especially notable is the Dialogue’s Forum Fronterizo, the region’s signature public education program on binational issues. Cottrell has welcomed guests from around the country to speak on themes from engaging in the global economy to energy. Last year Janet Reno spoke about cross-border law enforcement.

A LEAD San Diego graduate, Cottrell is newly appointed to the Board Action Fund of Riverside and San Diego county’s Planned Parenthood. He regularly participates in community efforts to benefit such organizations as Mama’s Kitchen, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the library at SDSU, where he did graduate work in the political science department focusing on local issues.

He has also received a Club 1000 award for exemplary work, performance and service from UCSD Extended Studies.

Associate director Kevin Cottrell welcomes nationwide guests
at San Diego Dialogue’s Forum Fronterizo programs.