While many define a legacy as a gift or inheritance that is handed down, there are elements of a legacy that don’t come in physical form. For example, some people consider a legacy to be real estate or money. But the most treasured forms of legacy are found in those intangibles: values, memories, friendship, love, respect and caring deeply for country, community and family.

A legacy captures one’s life and the lessons learned along the way, or it celebrates things that were most important to that person such as a cause or an interest. Having a lasting legacy means that the person shared these deeper meanings with friends, family, and posterity. A legacy captures the insights that a person has in the present because of experiences in the past – then we watch in awe how this legacy communicates these treasures.  

We are so grateful for our 2023 Award Gala Legacy honoree.

In recognition of a distinguished career dedicated to public service and community betterment, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Bruce McPherson stands as the recipient of the Chamber of Commerce's prestigious Lifetime Legacy Achievement Award. This accolade not only underscores his remarkable achievements but also celebrates his unwavering commitment to community service, forging enduring relationships, and fostering positive change.
 
McPherson serves as Supervisor for the 5th District, covering the San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley, and a portion of Santa Cruz. Before his election in 2012 and re-elections in 2016 and 2020, he held two terms in the California State Assembly (1993-1996) and two terms in the California State Senate (1996-2004.) Over his 11 years in the Legislature, McPherson assumed key roles, including chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee, vice-chair of the Senate Education and Senate Environmental Protection Committees, and chair of the Assembly Elections Committee. He received accolades as Legislator of the Year from various organizations, including the California School Boards Association, the California State Association of Counties, the League of California Cities, the California Wellness Foundation, and the California Small Business Association.
 
Following the resignation of California’s Secretary of State in 2005, McPherson was nominated by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to fill the role and was appointed unanimously by both the Senate and Assembly. After becoming Supervisor, he led the five-year effort to explore a regional Community Choice Energy agency, resulting in the establishment of Central Coast Community Energy, formerly known as Monterey Bay Community Power. This joint-powers agency, serving over 400,000 customer accounts from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara counties, is a testament to his commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

A fourth-generation Santa Cruz County native, McPherson initiated his career as a reporter at his family's newspaper, the Sentinel, later advancing to the role of Editor. Throughout his career, McPherson collaborated with numerous non-profit agencies, including Second Harvest Food Bank, the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, the Cabrillo College 50th Anniversary Scholarship Committee, United Way, the Tannery Arts Center, Ecology Action, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Exploration Center and American Red Cross. His leadership also contributed to the establishment of the Museum of Art and History @ The McPherson Center.

In honoring him with the Lifetime Legacy Achievement Award, we not only celebrate his exceptional career but also acknowledge his enduring impact on Santa Cruz County, embodying the spirit of community service, dedication, and positive transformation.

Please join us on April 11 at the Cocoanut Grove where we celebrate Bruce McPherson and our other honorees. It will be a Night of Shining Stars: https://www.santacruzchamber.org/recognition-awards-gala.html