Mark Emch, vice president of finance at the San Diego Convention Center Corporation (SDCCC), was recently recognized for his philanthropic efforts and outstanding leadership by being named the 2012 CFO of the Year Exemplary Award Winner by the San Diego Business Journal (SDBJ). The Exemplary Award recognizes executives who make exceptional contributions to the workplace through innovation and leadership as well as for exemplary service to the community.
The award was presented on March 15, 2012 at San Diego’s 6th Annual CFO of the Year Awards at the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa. The event recognized San Diego’s most outstanding Chief Financial Officers or heads of finance as nominated by co-workers, employees or clients. In addition to his role at the SDCCC, Emch serves on the board of directors for San Diego Habitat for Humanity, an organization that is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in San Diego and making adequate and affordable shelter available to every man, woman and child. This is the second time Emch has been honored by the SDBJ. The first was in 2010 when he received the SDBJ’s CFO of the Year Award in the non-profit category for his professional achievements.
“Mark is one of the most highly respected CFOs in San Diego, who generously lends his expertise to local non-profit organizations and helps to improve our corporation in ways that are above and beyond his role as vice president of finance,” said Carol Wallace, president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation.
“For example, a process of tracking international attendance statistics at the Convention Center developed by Mark helped the San Diego Airport Authority convince British Airways to reinstate their non-stop flight from London to San Diego. This is important because it makes travel to San Diego quicker and easier for overseas visitors, helping to drive up attendance at events for our clients, and bringing in much needed business tourism dollars into our region.”
A review panel selected Emch based upon his exceptional work in the industry as well as his commitment to community involvement. Emch currently serves on the board of directors for ACCION San Diego as well as San Diego Habitat for Humanity. He previously served on the board of directors for the American Lung Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties.
Emch joined the SDCCC in 1994. He provides overall administrative, planning, supervision and direction for all finance, accounting, procurement and most risk management activities of the SDCCC. Emch graduated in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and received his master’s degree in business administration from San Diego State University in 1984.