Tom Ponton

If there is one person in our community whom you might consider calling, "Mr. Mar Vista", it would probably be Tom Ponton.  He was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the MVCC, and served as the first Chair of the Board in the formative years of the organization. His selfless approach to leadership established a very high bar for all future MVCC Chairs, and created an atmosphere of trust and camaraderie on the Board that have become a hallmark of the MVCC style of community involvement.  As others moved forward to assume positions of leadership in the MVCC, Tom has always been there for them, offering support and encouragement, and stepping up to assist whenever asked.

Tom has also been the driving force in the establishment of the Mar Vista Community Fall Festival as an annual tradition in our community, in addition to playing a pivotal role in the development of the Mar Vista Park Advisory Board.  And of course we cannot forget his work in forming the Mar Vista Hockey League, and then spearheading the construction of the hockey rink, including taking over the role of project manager for 6 months when the city contractor was out on medical leave, so the project could stay on schedule.

When he sees things that need to be done, he figures out the way to get it done.  The Mar Vista community is a much better place because Tom Ponton has been a part of it for so many years.  

He is truly a Hero Among Us.