Chaplain David Vernon of Valencia, California, was named the 2011 Marketplace Chaplain of the Year, which is the highest award given by Marketplace Chaplains USA, a Dallas-based Employee Assistance Program Provider.

Vernon, 58, who was accompanied by his wife Peggy Jo, received the honor during a company and clients gathering in Asheville, North Carolina. “I am so honored that they have given me a place to serve,” Vernon said about the surprise announcement. “I’m overwhelmed.”

Potential Chaplain of the Year candidates are nominated by their respective client companies and then chosen by the Marketplace Chaplains’ Executive Nominations Committee.

Vernon was presented the Divine Servant sculpture by noted artist Max Greiner, and a check for $500 from Marketplace Chaplains’ President and COO Dick De Witt.

“We are so delighted to honor those who serve,” De Witt said in presenting the award to Vernon.” “David joins a special list of Chaplain of the Year Awardees along with every Marketplace Chaplain serving selflessly around the clock, proactively caring for employees.”

Vernon, has a business degree from Cal-State Fullerton, and still owns the business he started more than 30 years ago, DataMicroImaging.  He also received a theological degree from Fullerton Seminary in Pasadena, California, and began serving as a Marketplace Chaplain 3 ½ years ago. Vernon works at several Marketplace client companies in the Southern California area and is also active in his local church.

Among the many nominations describing Vernon, there were those that read: “He walks with every person in the plant,” “He restores hope,” “He has walked us through tough times.”