United Way of San Diego County Honors Distinguished Philanthropists

United Way of San Diego County will honor Malin Burnham and Steven Northcote for their ongoing commitment to volunteerism and accomplishments as community leaders at the nonprofit’s annual community kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 25, at UC San Diego’s Great Hall. This kickoff highlights the year-round engagement of leaders like Burnham and Northcote as well as United Way’s corporate and individual supporters.

“United Way works to promote social change, harnessing the collective impact of all San Diegans for long-term sustainable solutions,” said President and CEO Kevin Crawford. “Mr. Burnham and Mr. Northcote are model citizens for their contributions to local communities and dedication to the greater San Diego area.”

United Way’s kickoff will also recognize local organizations that have made incredible efforts to give back to the San Diego community through their United Way Workplace campaigns.

Malin Burnham: James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award

Malin Burnham is the recipient of the fifth annual James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award, given to a local leader who has demonstrated long-lasting, exceptional service to the San Diego community. The award is named for James (Jim) Mulvaney who maintained involvement in numerous nonprofit boards and organizations for 50 years.

A native San Diegan and Point Loma resident, Burnham has chaired nine major nonprofits and has co-founded 14 organizations throughout his career. Currently, he serves as chairman of John Burnham and Co. and is an active board member of Cushman & Wakefield of San Diego Inc., Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, The Rady School of Management at UC San Diego and Sorrento Associates Inc. Burnham has also received numerous awards for his altruism and accomplishments, which include Philanthropist of the Year, National Society of Fund Raising Executives, 2000; Civic Entrepreneur of the Year, Economic Development Corporation, 1999; and Mr. San Diego, Rotary Club of San Diego, 1998.

“I’m honored to receive this award,” said Burnham, “and grateful to be able to give back to the community in any way I can.”

Steven Northcote: “Volunteer of the Year” Naish Award

The “Volunteer of the Year” Award, given to Steven Northcote, recognizes an individual who has made a significant and sustained contribution to United Way as a volunteer and commemorates the extraordinary commitment of Jack Naish, a former board member and creative leader.

Northcote is a member of the audit committee for United Way and formerly served as finance chairman and director. A managing partner at Leaf & Cole, LLP and certified public accountant, he is also a member of the audit committee for the San Diego Foundation, board member and former president and chairman of the board of the Scripps Ranch Old Pros.

“United Way is an organization that I have been proud to serve for a long time,” said Northcote, who resides in Scripps Ranch. “I’m grateful for this award and all the great work United Way accomplishes year-round in our community.”