Deserving of honor

By Cassie MacDuff, The Press-Enterprise

Arrowhead Credit Union already had drawn up plans for its new headquarters in San Bernardino when the Urban Land Institute came to town last summer and recommended building it downtown.

The buildings were ready to be built south of downtown. But President and CEO Larry Sharp put the plans on hold and spent six months studying the feasibility of relocating the headquarters, said San Bernardino Mayor Pat Morris.

Ultimately, it wasn't possible. But the credit union chief isn't the kind of person to reject a request without careful consideration, Morris said.

"That's the kind of team player he is," he said.

Business and community leaders alike say Sharp works tirelessly for the betterment of the city and the region.

He will be honored this morning with an honorary doctorate from Cal State San Bernardino, to be presented by Cal State President Al Karnig at commencement ceremonies for the College of Business and Public Administration.

It's a fitting accolade.

Sharp is not just a CEO with an eye on the bottom line. He sees the big picture of the community's needs, and gives generously of his time and money to address them.

"He is so very engaged ... in virtually every dimension of our two counties," said Jim Erickson, president and CEO of the Community Foundation Serving Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

"His commitment to the community is unsurpassed by anyone I know," said Susan Conjurski, Arrowhead's chief operating officer.

For example, viewing transportation and goods movement as key for the region, he has lobbied state and federal officials to provide funding.

He met with countless community groups to explain the link between transportation and the economic health of the region, gaining support for extending a half-cent sales tax for road projects, said Deborah Barmack, head of the regional transportation planning agency in San Bernardino County.

Sharp has chaired the Community Foundation, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital Foundation and the Inland Empire Economic Partnership.

His leadership and strategic thinking helped the economic partnership refocus its mission beyond marketing to policymaking, said CEO Bill Carney.

Sharp also co-founded the Alliance for Education, where educators, business people, unions and community groups work together on school curricula that will give students working-world skills, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Herb Fischer said.

Sharp doesn't just fill a seat in the boardroom. When he comes to a meeting, he's reliably the most informed person at the table, said lawyer Mark Edwards, a personal friend and business associate.

Karnig agreed: "I've observed him on half a dozen boards, and he never goes to those meetings as a symbolic leader. He's always prepared."

Sharp is a member of Karnig's kitchen cabinet, people whose opinions and insights Karnig seeks when contemplating new programs or directions.

As busy as he is, Sharp always is available to listen, many said. He's also humble, kind and a role model for his employees and other business leaders.

The honorary doctorate is a symbolic thank-you for all he's done and continues to do for the community. He deserves it.