SAN PEDRO, Calif. – October 2, 2023 – The National Museum of the Surface Navy, founded aboard Battleship USS IOWA and scheduled to open in 2025, today named California State Treasurer Fiona Ma the recipient of the 2023 Freedom of the Seas Humanitarian Service Award. The award recognizes those that exemplify the fearless bravery and tenacity necessary to sail through troubled waters to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as a core principle of America’s Surface Navy.
Elected in 2018 as California’s 34th State Treasurer, Treasurer Ma is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected to the position. The Humanitarian Service Award recognizes Treasurer Ma for her commitment to addressing the homeless and housing crises, expanding access to healthcare facilities, supporting small businesses, and leading initiatives to create a stronger California for future generations.
“Throughout her career, Fiona Ma has proven her dedication to protecting and improving the lives of the citizens of California, and in her current role as State Treasurer, she has been instrumental in helping individuals and businesses navigate through, survive, and recover from an extraordinarily challenging time in our state’s history,” stated retired Navy Rear Admiral Mike Shatynski, Chairman of the Board of the National Museum of the Surface Navy. “We are honored to be able to present Treasurer Ma with this award in recognition of her invaluable contributions and efforts to provide relief and assistance to the citizens of the state of California.”
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