MONTEREY, CA – The Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has selected Dr. Jim Tunney as its Ruth Vreeland Public Official of the Year for 2009. Having served three consecutive four-year terms to the elected Board of Trustees of Monterey Peninsula College (MPC), Jim stepped down at the end of 2009.
A lifelong educator, Dr. Tunney received his Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California. Before coming to the Peninsula, Jim was principal of three large inner-city high schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District and Superintendent of Schools of the Bellflower Unified School District. In Monterey, he served as a Headmaster of York School and then a member of its Board of Trustees for 10 years.
In 1993, he created a foundation which he still heads — the Jim Tunney Youth Foundation — which supports community programs and resources that work with youth to develop leadership, work skills, wellness and self-esteem. Jim is a widely known professional speaker and author of several books on leadership and T.E.A.M. building. Also known as the "Dean of Referees" for his 31-year career as an NFL referee, Jim officiated some of the most famous games in NFL history including three Super Bowls. He has also been nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Jim will be honored at the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce's 102nd Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday, February 27, 2010, at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey, California.
