Daniel H. Sohn

Commissioner Daniel H. Sohn is a distinguished advocate for diversity, equity, and human rights, with a career in public service, community leadership, and economic development. A 2021 graduate of the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, Sohn has dedicated his life to championing social justice, empowering marginalized communities, and promoting inclusive economic opportunities.

In 2018, Sohn made history when he was elected as a City Councilmember for the Town of Haverhill, Florida, becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected in the city’s history and the first out bisexual person elected to public office in the state of Florida. This milestone marked the beginning of a public service career focused on breaking barriers and fostering equitable representation.

In February 2020, Sohn and his husband, Kai, celebrated another historic achievement by becoming the first LGBTQ+ couple to be married in the Florida State Capitol Building. The ceremony, officiated by Former Central Florida State Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith, symbolized progress and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.

Sohn’s professional experience includes serving as President/ CEO for several chambers of commerce and destination marketing organizations. In these leadership roles, he specialized in advancing opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs, addressing systemic barriers to success, and fostering inclusive community engagement within the business and tourism sectors.

Upon relocating to California, Sohn continued his commitment to public service.

He was nominated by California Governor Gavin Newsom and appointed by the Director of the Selective Service System, in the name of U.S. President Joseph R. Biden, to serve as a Board Member representing California to the Selective Service System.

As the Board President & Executive Director of the Sonoma/ Napa County United Nations Association Chapter, Sohn promotes the mission of the United Nations, leading initiatives focused on human rights, sustainability, and social justice. He also leverages his expertise as a Certified Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Facilitator and a Certified Human Rights Consultant to guide organizations and communities toward greater equity and understanding.

Sohn remains a passionate advocate for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and the passage of the Equality Act by the U.S. Congress, working to ensure equal protections under the law for all individuals, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

His dedication to diversity and inclusion has earned him several prestigious accolades. In 2022, he received the Pride Business Leadership Award from the North Bay Business Journal for his contributions as an out-and-proud executive. In March 2023, he was recognized as an Orlando Magic Diversity Game Changer by the NBA and the Orlando Magic for his efforts in advancing social justice and equality.

In October 2024, Sohn was honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award from U.S. President Joseph R. Biden. This award, recognizing his significant contributions to volunteerism, community service, and civic engagement, was presented by Antioch, California Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe at a ceremony held in the Antioch City Hall Council Chambers. The event was held in partnership with the Mayor’s Office, the President’s Council on Service & Civic Participation, AmeriCorps, and the Points of Light Foundation.

Sohn’s appointment to the Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights reflects his lifelong dedication to promoting justice, inclusion, and human dignity. His work continues to be guided by the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document authored by Eleanor Roosevelt and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948—a date that fittingly coincides with the unanimous approval of his appointment on December 10, 2024, International Human Rights Day.

Commissioner Sohn lives in District 1 with his husband and their five dogs: Sammy, GG, Lukas, Gillian, and Gracie.

For more information about Commissioner Sohn and his work, visit www.danielsohn.com.