POWAY, Calif., Dec. 6, 2007 – Howard Collins of Poway, Calif., received the “2007 Local Hero” award from the Bank of America Neighborhood Excellence Initiative for his commitment to the growth and vitality of San Diego. He is a 25 year GEICO associate who currently serves as military service manager.
Collins was recognized Tuesday, Dec. 4 during ceremonies at the San Diego Natural History Museum. He designated the Boys and Girls Club of Greater San Diego (BGCGSD) as his non-profit organization of choice to receive a $5,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc as part of his award.
“Local hero is the perfect phrase to describe Howard,” said Greg Kalinsky, regional vice president for GEICO’s San Diego West Coast operations. “His dedication, in and out of the office, is something to be admired. He is truly an inspiration”
Collins’ dedication to his community has not gone unnoticed. Previously serving as chairman of the BGCGSD, Collins has served on the club’s board for the past 6 years and had been the driving force behind the $3 million campaign to build a new club in Poway. The group has attracted over 1,000 members since it’s opening in 2004.
BGCGSD President and CEO Danny Sherlock said, “Howard Collins has been a tireless leader in working to increase opportunities for children in his own community of Poway and in the larger community of San Diego County as well.” In 2006, Collins received the “Board Member of the Year” award from the BGCGSD for his time, talent and dedication to young people in the area.
Collins joined GEICO in 1982 as a senior underwriter. He advanced to an underwriting supervisor before attaining his current position, military services manager, in 1996.
Collins holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in management from California State University-Los Angeles. He also holds a quality management professional certificate from University of California San Diego. In addition to his work with the BGCGSD, Collins volunteers his time to the Poway Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego Workforce Partnership, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the University Council-California State University San Marcos.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the fourth-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States. It provides auto insurance coverage for more than 8 million policyholders and insures more than 13 million vehicles. As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial stability by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, go to www.geico.com.
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