Coronado Celebrates David Lowenberg as Rotarian of the Year

Coronado Honors David Lowenberg as Rotarian of the Year

Coronado, CA – David Lowenberg has been recognized as the Rotarian of the Year by the Rotary Club of Coronado, an honor awarded based on a commitment to club and community service, ethical business practices, and the advancement of Rotary ideals. This prestigious recognition underscores Lowenberg’s significant contributions to both the local community and beyond.

Criteria for Award and Recent Engagements

The Rotarian of the Year award considers various factors, including participation in Rotary activities, ethical standards in business, and efforts to promote the core values of Rotary within the community. David Lowenberg’s active role in numerous initiatives, including the popular Rotary Santa program and the Low Tide Ride & Stride fundraising event, played a pivotal role in this recognition. Lowenberg has exhibited a deep commitment to soliciting donations from private equity firms to support first responders and initiatives for wounded warriors, further cementing his position as a community leader.

A Life Dedicated to Service and Leadership

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Lowenberg’s desire to explore the West was ignited by cowboy movies, leading him to accept a partial football scholarship to the University of Arizona. He graduated with a degree in Public Administration and later pursued a master’s degree in criminal justice in San Diego. His career began in crisis intervention social work in Phoenix, AZ, where he developed the first federally funded Victim-Witness Advocate Program in the country, providing crucial resources to victims of crime.

Professional Accomplishments

Lowenberg transitioned to Harvard to obtain a master’s degree in Government Management, aiming to redirect his career. His vast experience includes working for four Arizona governors while he served as Executive Director for the Arizona Welfare Department. In this role, he managed a workforce of 6,000 employees responsible for children and family services. A significant achievement during this time was negotiating a healthcare support agreement for Native Americans, which included discussions at the White House.

In the corporate sphere, Lowenberg served as the Chief Operating Officer at Express Scripts, a prominent pharmaceutical firm, commuted between Phoenix and St. Louis for 15 years, and contributed his expertise until his retirement. Post-retirement, he took on a consulting role and later became an Operating Partner at Waud Capital Partners, focusing investments in the healthcare and technology sectors.

Community Impact After Retirement

After relocating to Coronado in 2008 with his wife, Janice, Lowenberg embraced community engagement by joining the Rotary Club in 2009. Since then, he has been an active participant and volunteer, both within Rotary and with various local organizations. Some of his notable contributions include co-raising scholarship funds for the Barrio Logan College Institute, aimed at supporting low-income students in obtaining bachelor’s degrees.

Lowenberg also collaborates with organizations like the Coronado Historical Association, Coronado Hospital Foundation, and the San Diego Food Bank. His community work exemplifies the spirit of ROTARY, showcasing his dedication to helping others in meaningful ways.

Personal Life and Interests

Outside of his professional and community endeavors, Lowenberg remains active and fit and enjoys reading and sports, particularly supporting the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Diego Padres. He cherishes quality time with his family, including his three children and multiple grandchildren who live nearby. His connection with community service was sparked when he met Janice while volunteering as Santa at a juvenile detention center during college.

A Commendation from the Rotary Club

The Rotary Club of Coronado celebrates David Lowenberg not only for his numerous achievements but also for his unwavering commitment and contributions to the community. His recognition as Rotarian of the Year highlights the significant impact one individual can have through dedication and service.