Too often in San Diego, when handing out awards we focus repeatedly on the accomplishments of our most seasoned business and civic leaders. It’s easy to understand why: They’ve been there, done that, and earned it. It’s also an easier sell when it comes to tickets and sponsorships.

But San Diego’s new economy is being driven greatly by a younger crowd. And it’s those folks who we need to serve as the volunteers of today and philanthropists of tomorrow.
In May, San Diego Metropolitan began soliciting nominations for the inaugural 40 Under Forty Awards. With the encouragement of YWCA Executive Director Judy Case, the event was conceived as a benefit for Becky’s House, a 10-unit village-style development Douglas E. Barnhart Inc. is building to shelter domestic violence victims who are trying to rebuild their lives.

We received amazing entries. From that group, the 40 winners were selected by our judges — John G. Davies, a member of the U.C. Board of Regents; Elizabeth Morris, executive director of the San Diego Housing Commission; Randa Trapp, legal counsel to Sempra Energy; Peter Q. Davis, retired chairman of the Bank of Commerce, now with U.S. Bank; Sandy Ehrlich, SDSU Entrepreneurial Management Center; Richard Cloward, executive director of the San Diego Port Tenants Association; Dennis Doucette, partner of Luce Forward Hamilton & Scripps and president of the San Diego Venture Group; and Abi Barrow, director of programs at UCSD Connect.

On the following pages are profiles of the 40. And on Sept. 22 they all will be honored during a luncheon at the Town & Country Hotel. If you’re interested, tickets are $39.99. Call Cyndi Meeves at (619) 233-4060, Ext. 314, for the details. In the meantime, read on to learn more about our inaugural 40 Under Forty class.

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