Staff‚ volunteers and the board members of Brother Benno’s gathered to celebrate the 38th Senate District’s January Champion of the Month‚ Paul McNamara.

Paul “Mac” McNamara’s contributions to our community and his dedication to service make him a true role model. I got to know Mac during his time as Mayor of Escondido‚ when we worked together on the SANDAG Board of Directors. I was impressed by his wealth of experience‚ from his military background to his corporate leadership‚ and his work ethic‚ kindness and commitment to service.

Since becoming executive director of Brother Benno’s in Oceanside in 2023‚ Mac has focused on helping community members struggling with food and housing insecurity‚ mental health challenges and addiction.

A retired Marine Colonel‚ he served with distinction during Operation Desert Storm‚ participated in humanitarian helicopter relief missions and worked as a defense attaché for the Department of Defense. After retiring from the Marine Corps in 2003‚ Mac shifted his focus to community work‚ serving on the Palomar College Governing Board and later as the executive director and director of philanthropy for the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Museum Foundation in San Diego.

I was impressed by his wealth of experience‚ from his military background to his corporate leadership‚ and his work ethic‚ kindness and commitment to service.

Under Mac’s leadership‚ Brother Benno’s has also focused on sustainability - a cause near and dear to my heart. Through its food rescue program‚ Brother Benno’s prevents food from going to waste and instead redistributes it to those in need.

Recently‚ Mac spearheaded an initiative to install rooftop solar panels at Brother Benno’s Center‚ which will lower utility costs‚ reduce greenhouse gas emissions and allow more resources to be directed to the people they serve.

Congratulations to Mac for this deserved recognition for uplifting our community and embodying the spirit of service and compassion.