SAN DIEGO – Christopher Ward, chief of staff to Sen. Marty Block and candidate for District 3 City Council, has been named the 2015 Volunteer of the Year for his efforts in mobilizing around ballot measures and helping Democratic candidates at every level.
Ward, who has been an active community volunteer for over 15 years, has been particularly active in the last election cycle. He was a leader in campaign efforts for David Alvarez, Scott Peters, Carol Kim, and Sarah Boot, providing both field and fundraising support while mobilizing others to do the same. Ward organized and managed the mid-city satellite operation for Alvarez for Mayor, which delivered the highest number of Democratic votes of any council district.
“Chris’ leadership has been essential to our grassroots organizing for years,” said Francine Busby, chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party. ‘We are grateful for all of his efforts and the efforts of the volunteers he has inspired. Grassroots efforts are the most effective way for Democrats to fight for opportunity, prosperity, sustainability, and equality for all.”
Ward has served as Chief of Staff for State Senator Marty Block since 2008. He is a member and former officer of several Democratic clubs, and sits on the boards of community organizations including the San Diego LGBT Center, San Diego Human Dignity Foundation, and Uptown Planners. Ward lives in University Heights with his partner and small daughter.
Other awardees include Vietnam veteran Michael Johnson, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzales, Labor Council Secretary- Treasurer Richard Barrera, and the Lake San Marcos Democratic Club.
The awards will be presented at the annual Roosevelt Dinner on Saturday, April 11 tho The dinner is a social gathering and celebration of Democratic activists and elected officials. This year’s dinner honors the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.
