CEO Linda Jacobs’ future retirement announced
Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership announced the recipients of the 33rd Annual Heart of Marin Awards. On Jan. 8, 520 community leaders, volunteers, elected officials and business members gathered to celebrate nonprofits, volunteers and leaders at the Marin Center Exhibit Hall in San Rafael.
The awards luncheon honored and celebrated 92 nominees and recognized award recipients in eight categories, distributing $35,000 in awards.
“In a time when so much feels uncertain and overwhelming, I am continually inspired by the clarity, courage and commitment of our
local nonprofit leaders,” said Linda Jacobs, longtime CEO of CVNL, who was lauded by current and former board members before her upcoming retirement was announced at the event. “This event is a powerful reminder that real change happens close to home, through people who show up every day to meet urgent needs, strengthen our communities, and care for one another. Their work not only responds to today’s challenges, but helps shape a more resilient, equitable, and compassionate future.” 
2025 Heart of Marin Award recipients
Corporate Community Service Award: BioMarin Pharmaceutical
for embedding philanthropy and volunteerism into its company culture.
Volunteer of the Year Award:
Erin Kane for more than a decade of dedicated service to the Alzheimer’s Association, transforming her personal caregiving experience into sustained community leadership.
Excellence in Board Leadership Award: David Neagle for his strategic, values-driven service to Ritter Center during a pivotal period of growth.
Excellence in Innovation: The Marin Alliance to Solve Homelessness (MASH) for its countywide, data-driven approach to ending homelessness through cross-sector collaboration.
Excellence in Leadership Award: Martin Lowenstein for guiding Friends of China Camp through a period of transformation and long-term sustainability, strengthened volunteer engagement and procurement of critical funding and partnerships to preserve China Camp State Park.
Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence Award: Agricultural Institute of Marin for its leadership in advancing food access, sustainable agriculture and community connection across the Bay Area.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Dave Cort in recognition of more than four decades of visionary leadership and service to West Marin.
Five Youth Volunteer of the Year Awards: Alyssa Huang, recognized for founding AspireED, a student-led organization expanding access to STEM education for under- resourced youth across Marin County; Cody Davis, Marin County Search and Rescue, was honored for extraordinary service, volunteering more than 1,700 hours, and deploying on nearly 70 missions; Mira Sridharan, Youth Leadership Institute, was recognized for her leadership advancing racial equity, youth advocacy and civic engagement; Levi Rivera, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, was honored for her advocacy and leadership in expanding equitable access to parks and environmental education for BIPOC youth; and Oliver Rivas Garcia, Marin 9 to 25/Novato High School/OD Free Marin/Youth Transforming Justice, was recognized for his leadership in restorative justice, mental health advocacy and overdose prevention across Marin County.
Heart of Marin award recipients are selected through a rigorous nomination and review process that recognizes both sustained leadership and measurable accomplishments that strengthen our community.
For more information, visit cvnl.org.
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