Rod Diridon, Jr. is recognized across California as a leader for ethical government and campaign reform. For more than a decade, Mr. Diridon has worked to conceive and implement some of the most comprehensive government ethics programs in the nation.

Mr. Diridon has been acknowledged, on several occasions, for his efforts to further high ethical standards and government accountability. Earlier this year, the Santa Clara County Boy Scouts of America honored him with their annual “Character Award.” Prior to receiving that award, Mr. Diridon was granted the “Award of Distinction for Voter Outreach” by the City Clerk’s Association of California. In 2007, the City of Santa Clara received the International Institute of Municipal Clerks’ first inaugural Program for Excellence in Government Award, in recognition of the City’s 2006 Vote Ethics Program.

As the City Clerk and Auditor, and, prior to that, a two-term City Councilmember, Rod Diridon, Jr. has built a reputation for setting high goals, keeping promises, and working hard to get things done for his community. Rod not only proposed and championed comprehensive government reform efforts, but, in 1997, he co-chaired a successful $145 million Santa Clara school bond measure, funding new state-of-the-art science buildings and performing arts centers at each city high school. Diridon also proposed and chaired Santa Clara’s Downtown Revitalization Committee, and he supported funding for the newly completed Senior Center. Additionally, he spearheaded the effort to create a park along the San Tomas Creek and proposed a clean-air vehicle policy for the City’s automotive fleet.

A former president of the Santa Clara County Young Democrats, Rod was awarded the Democratic Century Club’s Baer Award for outstanding activism in 1996. Furthermore, Rod has been honored for his community and governmental work by the Silicon Valley Manufacturers Group, the San Jose Exchange Club, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the City of Santa Clara, the California State Senate and Assembly, and the U.S. House of Representatives.

Rod Diridon, Jr., the son of former Santa Clara Supervisor, Rod Diridon Sr., received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from San Jose State University, while he interned for legendary Congressman, Norm Minetta. After college, Rod worked as a substitute teacher, a community relations manager for high tech giant, 3Com, and as the Regional General Manager for the environmentally friendly car-sharing company, FlexCar Inc. Rod is also a certified paramedic and a homeowner. He is engaged to community and political activist, Sabra Foley.

Due in part to Rod’s good work, the City of Santa Clara received the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in 2002, and, in 2007, the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence’s Grand Prize in the category of Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics, and Community Involvement.