Joe Stapleton named Newport Beach Citizen of the Year by Chamber of Commerce

Chairman Joe Stapleton was giving an update on the work of the Newport Beach Foundation, a nonprofit organization that focuses on works to strengthen community leadership, when he found out he’d been named Newport Beach’s citizen of the year.

“I started seeing past citizens [of the year] poke into the meeting. What was going on here? I figured it was someone on the board getting recognition and I was really excited for them, but then people from my office rushed in,” Stapleton said Friday, laughing. “It was an honor I’ll never forget, but none of us do the work we do because of recognition, we do it because of our love for Newport Beach.”

The award dates back to 1949 and honors individuals that are respected and admired by community members for the individual’s efforts in bettering Newport Beach.

Stapleton is the president and co-founder of Spinnaker Investment Group and is the chairman for the Newport Beach Foundation in addition to being a member of the city’s finance committee. He also serves on at least a dozen boards for organizations including Speak Up Newport and the Pacific Arts Foundation.

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Stapleton also served as a harbor commissioner.

“It’s not for one single effort. It’s for a collection and body of work … and dates back to 12 years, from the moment I got invested in the community,” Stapleton said. “Newport’s where it is because of those who came before us. It’s not here because of chance.”

Stapleton said that he felt the greatest honor was being recognized by past citizens of the year, who he said devoted their lives to Newport.

“Joe is very deserving of this honor,” Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer Steven Rosansky said. “He is a tireless volunteer and has definitely made a difference in the 10 plus years he has been part of the Newport Beach community. Whatever he starts, he finishes and he is always all in.”

Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill described Stapleton as a close friend, adding, “[Stapleton] steps into leadership like tailored suits. Volunteerism just fits him.”

“I am thrilled that the citizen of the year during the year of the volunteer has been awarded to my friend, Joe,” O’Neill said.

Stapleton said that he felt it was an honor that he didn’t deserve, but that it wasn’t an honor he took lightly and was thankful for the recognition and platform to champion his causes.

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