February 14, 2012 - The Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce (MPCC) is proud to announce Mark Verbonich, Vice President of Community Affairs for the Pebble Beach Company, as the recipient of the 2011 Citizen of the Year Award.

Recognized by many as the public face of Pebble Beach Company, Mark has lived and worked in the Monterey Bay area since the early 1970’s.  He grew up in New Jersey, and received his bachelor’s degree from Temple University in Philadelphia and studied for a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.  He then served in the U.S. Army which culminated in an assignment at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey.

Mark made the leap from military life to a civilian career when he joined Pebble Beach Company (PBC) in 1975 as manager of the Del Monte Shopping Center.  He has been with PBC ever since, advancing to Vice President of Property Management and Property Services, and in 1988 entered his current position of Vice President of Community Affairs.  Mark represents PBC, managing the company’s corporate donations program, serving on the AT&T Pebble Beach Charities grants committee, and serving as vice-president of Pebble Beach Company Foundation.

Verbonich serves on the board of directors and/or committees for an impressive list of organizations, including Community Foundation for Monterey County, Del Monte Forest Community Advisory Board, Del Monte Forest Foundation, Monterey Commercial Property Owners Association, Monterey County Business Council, Monterey County Competitive Clusters Leadership Council, Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Monterey County Hospitality Association, Monterey County Workforce Investment Board, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Natividad Medical Foundation, Pebble Beach Company Foundation, United Way of Monterey County Campaign Cabinet, and World Affairs Council.

Mark has received many honors during his career, including the 1996 Hospitality Professional of the Year from the Monterey County Hospitality Association and the 1995 Robert C. Littlefield Award from the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

On a personal level, Mark and his wife Barbara have demonstrated the importance of community service to their three grown daughters Elizabeth, Sarah, and Amy.  They have made deliveries for Meals on Wheels, raised guide dogs and supported their daughters in community theater – leading by example and making a difference.

The Citizen of the Year Award will be presented at MPCC’s Annual Awards Dinner and Dance on March 24 at the Portola Hotel & Spa. The Annual Awards Dinner is an elegant Chamber tradition that has been celebrated for more than a century, and is expected to draw over 500 Chamber members, local business people, and community leaders from throughout the region to celebrate outstanding contributions to the community. Presented by Monterey County Bank, the program will feature live entertainment and dancing, as well as a silent auction. Four other prestigious awards will also be presented: Robert C. Littlefield Award for Lifetime Achievement, Ruth Vreeland Memorial Public Official of the Year Award, Business of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year. Many sponsorship opportunities are available, which provide enhanced recognition and branding through event promotion, signage, programs ads, and website presence. Contact Jody Hansen at 831-648-5359 or jody@mpcc.com for more information.

Space is limited at this exclusive event, so reserve your seat today 
by clicking here or by calling (831) 648-5350.