Mary Verdin, a community leader who has devoted countless hours toward the community, was named the 2024 Citizen of the Year during the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce‘s Annual Dinner on Saturday, January 18, 2025, in front of nearly 600 attendees. This is the Chamber’s most prestigious honor presented at the Annual Dinner in recognition of unparalleled service to the community of San Luis Obispo.
Mary has had a profoundly positive effect on this region for more than three decades. In every aspect of her life – professional, volunteer, or caring friend – she has improved lives and made the community a better place to live, work and play. From virtually her first day after moving here, Mary has been in constant motion, always giving her time and talent to lift the people around her and strengthen the community. For more than a decade, she has donated her marketing firm, Verdin Marketing’s, time and expertise to an annual give, raising more than $800,000 in donated services to uplift and transform local nonprofits, helping them reach their clients and donors better.
“Mary has had a positive impact in San Luis Obispo through her leadership, generosity and participation in many community organizations,” said David Junke, close friend and colleague of Mary’s. “The determination and spirit through which she gives is done with genuine warmth and enthusiasm. Always giving 110%, the volunteerism organized by Mary never fails to bring people together toward a greater purpose.”
Holding numerous leadership positions on many nonprofit boards, Mary is incredibly active in the community, always graciously giving her time and expertise as part of her everyday living.
“She cares deeply for this community and has supported so many local non-profits through her leadership and generosity, said said Debby Nicklas, a long-time friend of Mary’s. “She gives her time and talent with endless enthusiasm and energy. I have never met a more optimistic person full of such kindness. She loves her family, her work, and this community with a passion. I am honored to be her friend and colleague.”
She has the biggest heart for this community,” said Michelle Starnes, a colleague of Mary’s at Verdin Marketing. “From the way that she has shaped her business to have a positive impact to how she volunteers her time sitting on boards and committees, she is always looking for ways that she can contribute to make a difference.”
Mary’s list of community involvement is long and diverse. It includes serving on the Women’s Legacy Fund Advisory Committee, Assistance League Advisory Committee, Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and the SLO Chamber of Commerce, to name just a few. She has also won several awards for her service outreach including Outstanding Dedicated Service and Support, Cuesta College Women of Distinction and the President’s Award for Philanthropic Leadership.
While staying busy in the community, Mary and her husband, Adam, raise their two boys, building a life centered on family, community and shared values.
“When I moved to San Luis Obispo in 1991, I was so fortunate to get involved with the community”, said Mary upon accepting her award. “I’m so honored to be a part of all the role models, mentors and friends who have won this award before me.”