Mt Soledad Leadership

Mt. Soledad Awarded Nonprofit Achievement Award


Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial was awarded the San Diego Nonprofit Achievement Award at the San Diego Military Advisory Council 16th Annual Achievement Awards. This event is hosted annually by the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) in order to recognize outstanding organizations and members of the San Diego community who work with the military.

This year’s ceremony was held at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Commissioned Officers Club on August 30, 2023. The award was presented by Brigadier General Robert B. Brodie, Assistant Wing Commander, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and introduced by Board of Trustees member Amy Forsythe.

San Diego Non Profit Achievement Award

Several members of the Mt. Soledad team were in attendance, including Executive Director, Neil O’Connell; Events Manager Rebecca Evleth; Operations Director Denise Larkins; Trustees Tom Garcia, Amy Forsythe, Sean Mulrooney, and Paul Pintek; and Board of Trustees President, Phil Kendro. In a statement, Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial Executive Director, Neil O’Connell, said, “We’re very honored to be recognized by SDMAC and the military community as this year’s San Diego Non-Profit Achievement Award winner. Our commitment to honoring our veterans and preserving their legacy is unwavering. We’re humbled to receive this award.”

“We’re very honored to be recognized by SDMAC and the military community as this year’s San Diego Non-Profit Achievement Award winner. Our commitment to honoring our veterans and preserving their legacy is unwavering. We’re humbled to receive this award” – Neil O’Connell, ED, MSNVMA 

“Mt. Soledad was a clear standout, and deserving of this recognition for their tireless efforts upholding the memory and valor of our veterans and military heroes.” – Mark Balmert, President & CEO, SDMAC

Since 2004, SDMAC has supported the local military community by advancing the partnership and communication between the military, elected officials, and the business community while serving as a strong advocate for those who serve, or have served, and their families. It serves as a collective voice for its members, advocating for policies and initiatives that support the defense industry and military community in San Diego.


Posted In - Recognition

John Dadian

John Dadian

John M. Dadian founded Dadian & Associates in 1992 after a successful career in government service. Dadian & Associates specializes in governmental relations and public affairs. Services include community relations, project development, media relations, and special event planning.

John’s government service included serving as Chief of Staff to then-San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding. In Los Angeles, John was Deputy County Supervisor for Mike Antonovich.

A California native, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. Before attending college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was the recipient of numerous awards.

John Dadian

John Dadian

John M. Dadian founded Dadian & Associates in 1992 after a successful career in government service. Dadian & Associates specializes in governmental relations and public affairs. Services include community relations, project development, media relations, and special event planning.

John’s government service included serving as Chief of Staff to then-San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding. In Los Angeles, John was Deputy County Supervisor for Mike Antonovich.

A California native, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. Before attending college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was the recipient of numerous awards.

John Dadian

John M. Dadian founded Dadian & Associates in 1992 after a successful career in government service. Dadian & Associates specializes in governmental relations and public affairs. Services include community relations, project development, media relations, and special event planning.

John’s government service included serving as Chief of Staff to then-San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding. In Los Angeles, John was Deputy County Supervisor for Mike Antonovich.

A California native, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. Before attending college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was the recipient of numerous awards.

John Dadian

John M. Dadian founded Dadian & Associates in 1992 after a successful career in government service. Dadian & Associates specializes in governmental relations and public affairs. Services include community relations, project development, media relations, and special event planning.

John’s government service included serving as Chief of Staff to then-San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding. In Los Angeles, John was Deputy County Supervisor for Mike Antonovich.

A California native, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. Before attending college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was the recipient of numerous awards.

John Dadian

John M. Dadian founded Dadian & Associates in 1992 after a successful career in government service. Dadian & Associates specializes in governmental relations and public affairs. Services include community relations, project development, media relations, and special event planning.

John’s government service included serving as Chief of Staff to then-San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding. In Los Angeles, John was Deputy County Supervisor for Mike Antonovich.

A California native, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. Before attending college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was the recipient of numerous awards.

John Dadian

John M. Dadian founded Dadian & Associates in 1992 after a successful career in government service. Dadian & Associates specializes in governmental relations and public affairs. Services include community relations, project development, media relations, and special event planning.

John’s government service included serving as Chief of Staff to then-San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding. In Los Angeles, John was Deputy County Supervisor for Mike Antonovich.

A California native, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. Before attending college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was the recipient of numerous awards.

John Dadian

John M. Dadian founded Dadian & Associates in 1992 after a successful career in government service. Dadian & Associates specializes in governmental relations and public affairs. Services include community relations, project development, media relations, and special event planning.

John’s government service included serving as Chief of Staff to then-San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding. In Los Angeles, John was Deputy County Supervisor for Mike Antonovich.

A California native, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. Before attending college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was the recipient of numerous awards.

John Dadian

John M. Dadian founded Dadian & Associates in 1992 after a successful career in government service. Dadian & Associates specializes in governmental relations and public affairs. Services include community relations, project development, media relations, and special event planning.

John’s government service included serving as Chief of Staff to then-San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding. In Los Angeles, John was Deputy County Supervisor for Mike Antonovich.

A California native, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. Before attending college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was the recipient of numerous awards.