With characteristic humility Dan Catlin accepted the SVP Network’s Paul Shoemaker Award today saying he doesn’t believe one person should win this award, that rather our successes are a team effort. Those whom have worked with Dan in our quest for community impact know that every team needs a leader like Dan Catlin. In his nomination, John McCorvie, SVP Boulder County Board Chair, wrote,
“Frankly, Dan’s long-standing passion, vision and effectiveness is a lion’s share of why SVP Boulder County has been able to have the impact that we have to date, and, just as importantly, why we will have an even greater impact in the future. Within SVP Boulder County, across (the SVP Network), and personally, I have seen Dan consistently engaged and energized about developing the SVP model at all levels and from all sides. He literally embodies everything that the Paul Shoemaker Leadership Award is dedicated to – amazing. In the SVP universe, in my humble opinion, Dan Catlin is a star.”
Nancy Cannon-O’Connell, Partner in SVP San Diego, highlighted his kindness, tenacity, dedication, and passion when presenting Dan with the Paul Shoemaker Award at the Audacious Philanthropy Conference in Palo Alto. A Partner in SVP since 2003, Dan has been engaged both locally and globally in almost every aspect of the work – from serving on investment committees, to consulting with nonprofits, to leading strategy development, to asking for donations, to advising SVPs in other communities, to serving on the local and international Board, and more.
As a quiet and thoughtful leader, Dan’s efforts are not often witnessed by the larger team and yet he is a driving force behind SVP’s success. “Dan is there every time SVP or I need him. In fact, he is usually in the lead lighting the path forward. Dan is our lighthouse and our headlamp.” Jennie Arbogash, SVP Boulder County Executive Director.
The Paul Shoemaker Leadership Award is named in honor of the Founding President and Emeritus Chairman of Social Venture Partners International. The award honors an individual who has consistently demonstrated commitment to strengthening the Social Venture Partners network. The recipient of the Paul Shoemaker Leadership Award is committed to the SVP model of engaged philanthropy and, through this, contributes to the enrichment of his or her community. In addition to a commitment to engaged venture philanthropy, s/he reflects SVP’s core values of entrepreneurial spirit, philanthropic education, community & collaborative action, mutual respect, and accountability & results.
