About Daniel H. Sohn

The Honorable Daniel H. Sohn is an award-winning business and destination marketing executive, human rights and DEI consultant, and civic leader whose career reflects a powerful intersection of executive leadership, public service, and social impact.

 

With deep expertise in chamber of commerce management, economic and workforce development, destination marketing, and public policy, Sohn is widely recognized for advancing business ecosystems while championing equity, inclusion, community and civic engagement.

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Over the course of his career, Sohn has held senior executive and founder-level leadership roles, including:

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• Interim CEO, El Centro Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

• CEO, Imperial Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce

• President & CEO, Antioch Chamber of Commerce

• President & CEO, Antioch Convention & Visitors Bureau

• President & CEO, Orlando Pride Chamber

• Executive Director, Laguna Hills Chamber of Commerce

• Founder, Florida Center for Civic Engagement

 

Across these roles, he has led strategic initiatives focused on membership growth, economic resilience, workforce development, tourism & destination promotion, civic engagement, and government affairs. His leadership has consistently strengthened organizational sustainability while positioning institutions as influential drivers of regional economic strategy and public policy engagement.

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In 2018, Sohn made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ individual elected to the City Council in the Town of Haverhill, Florida, and the first out bisexual person elected to public office in the state. Following a re-election campaign outcome in which he lost incumbency by ONLY one vote, Sohn founded the Florida Center for Civic Engagement to expand civic literacy and participation. Through this work, he launched Florida Civics Week, an annual statewide initiative dedicated to strengthening public understanding and celebration of the democratic and civic process. Learn More Here: Florida Civics Week

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In February 2020, Sohn made history alongside his husband, Kai, as the first LGBTQ+ couple to be married inside the Florida State Capitol Building. Their wedding was recognized as a powerful symbol of progress, visibility, and equality, reflecting Sohn’s lifelong commitment to advancing inclusion, civil rights, and representation both personally and professionally. See Coverage Here: Tallahassee Democrat

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After relocating to California, Sohn was nominated by Governor Gavin Newsom and appointed by the Director of the Selective Service, in the name of U.S. President Joe Biden, to serve as a Board Member representing California on the nation’s Selective Service System. See Coverage Here: Imperial Valley Press

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In December 2024, Sohn was appointed as a District 1 Commissioner to the Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights and was officially sworn into office on January 28, 2025, on a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He currently serves as Chair of the Commission’s Visibility Project, which promotes public awareness and engagement surrounding human rights issues while also reviewing reported human rights violations within Sonoma County. As a certified Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion facilitator and Human Rights Consultant, and a 2021 graduate of the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, Sohn also serves as an Expert Advisory Board Member for Human Rights & Diplomacy in Commerce & Economics. 

See Coverage Here: KTLA / EIN Presswire

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Since May 2024, Sohn has served as Board President of the Sonoma/Napa County United Nations Association Chapter, leading initiatives that advance the United Nations’ mission of human rights, sustainability, and social justice.

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His contributions have earned widespread recognition, including:

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• 2022 – Pride Business Leadership Award, North Bay Business Journal
  See Coverage Here: North Bay Business Journal

• March 2023 – “Orlando Magic Diversity Game Changer,” recognized by the Orlando Magic and the National Basketball Association for advancing social justice and equality
  See Coverage Here: Watermark Online

• 2024 – President’s Volunteer Service Award, bestowed by U.S. President Joe Biden, in recognition of significant contributions to volunteerism, civic engagement, and community service. The award was presented on the President’s behalf in partnership with AmeriCorps and Points of Light by Antioch, CA Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe on October 17, 2024.
  See Coverage Here: Antioch Herald

• December 2024 Appointment / January 28, 2025 Swearing-In – Commissioner, Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights, sworn in on a copy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
  See Coverage Here: KTLA / EIN Presswire​

 

Additionally, Sohn has been named an honorary member of The Los Vigilantes, a distinguished civic organization whose honorary members also include former U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford & former California Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante.

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An accomplished author and thought leader, Sohn has penned Lemonade for Sale!: A Guide to Nurturing the Spirit of Entrepreneurship! and Sit. Stay. Lead.: Unleashing the Power of Canine-Inspired Leadership.

Both books are available in hardcover, softcover, and ebook formats at Lulu.com, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walmart.com, Books-A-Million, and directly through www.DanielSpeaks.org.They inspire readers to turn ideas into action and embrace innovative leadership.

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A sought-after speaker, Sohn is known for delivering high-energy, impactful presentations that resonate across business, government, and nonprofit sectors. His ability to translate complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies positions him as a leading voice at the intersection of leadership, economic development, tourism, and human rights.

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Sohn resides in Sonoma County, California, with his husband, Kai, and their five dogs—Sammy, GG, Lukas, Gillian, and Gracie. He is an avid collector of dog figurines and a passionate hockey fan.

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