Fellow San Diego Citizens,

I have known and worked with Barbara Bry for over thirty years. I knew her when she created Athena, the professional organization for women in science and technology that has done more to advance women in the field of science, technology, engineering and math than any other organization in this county. I knew her when she was the head of operations for CONNECT, co-founding the entrepreneurial accelerator, instrumental in the creation and growth of literally hundreds of San Diego companies by connecting entrepreneurs with educational institutions, industry, and financing avenues.

Barbara understands more about what it takes to create economic opportunities than anyone who has served only as a politician or a public employee. She knows what it means to make payroll, create returns to shareholders, and build for the long term.

And with all of that, she is humble. Her ego doesn’t “eat” her ability to be empathic. Quite the contrary. Her empathy is primary. She cares deeply about the entire community, not just one part or another. She seeks out advice and different perspectives. She has an open mind, interested only in the solutions to seemingly intractable problems, which she will find, no matter what.

I’m voting for Barbara Bry because she is the best kind of leader, someone who sees that leadership is needed, looks around and there’s literally no one better to step up. She is a servant leader who will do the right thing in our community’s best interest.

I invite you to do your own research. Then join me in electing Barbara. For our own good.

Stan Sewitch‍

Global Organization Development, Business Leader