Cordova Citizen of the Year

January 19th - 5pm - Nominations Due

The Citizen of the Year award honors one individual’s outstanding efforts that have contributed in making Cordova a better place to live. The Citizen of Year is someone who..

  • demonstrates personal involvements have made the most significant impact on Cordova..

  • demonstrates professional or business involvements that have benefited Cordova the most..

  • best exemplifies an outstanding commitment to Cordova..

  • has contributed the most in making Cordova a great place to live..

  • has impacted the most amount of people..

  • best served an underserved area or population of Cordova..

  • has added the most to what Cordova has to offer..

  • has been serving Cordova the longest..

Scroll down for a list of past recipients!

2024 Recipient
Debbie Collins

View the Iceworm Citizen of the Year Video on You Tube

2023 Recipient
Chris Belgarde

View the Iceworm Revue on You tube to hear more about this humble and selfless nominee!

2021 Recipient
Vivian Knop

View a video on you tube highlighting Vivians accomplishments and committemnt to Cordova, especially during the Covid pandemic!

Click to read more on her nomination from the Cordova Times

Photo Credit Zachary Snowden Smith for the Cordova Times

2020 Recipient
Bill Howard

Mr. Howard is one of the most trustworthy people you will ever meet and people like this need to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to the betterment of others above themselves. That is Bill Howard. He volunteered his time as Scoutmaster for the 6 years I was in Scouts and has been involved for almost all of his time in Cordova.

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2019 Recipient
Kay Groff

Since moving here in 1974, Kay Groff has served Cordovans. Never seeking recognition, she has spent most of her waking hours for over four decades serving the needs of others. Her community spirit inspires me, and her ability to impact individuals through all of her activities has made Cordova a better place to live. What better way to celebrate her 80th birthday (Feb 20th) than as Cordova Citizen of the Year!

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2018 Recipient
Jim Casement

Sometimes, it's a real challenge to get the Citizen of the Year to the Variety Show, without them knowing they've won!! Jim Casement eluded us last night, but we caught up with him at the parade today. Congrats Jim. You're a keeper.

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2017 Recipient
 Father Tom Killeen

Good evening and welcome! This year’s citizen of the year is one of the last people in Cordova who would want recognition for the work they do, yet probably one of the most deserving (Continue reading.....)

By Cinthia Gibbens-Stimson/The Cordova Times

By Cinthia Gibbens-Stimson/The Cordova Times

Past Recipients

  • 2024 - Debbie Collins

  • 2023 - Chris Belgarde

  • 2022 - Pastor Steve Leppert

  • 2021 - Vivian Knop

  • 2020 - Bill Howard

  • 2019 - Kay Groff

  • 2018 - Jim Casement

  • 2017 - Father Tom Killeen

  • 2016 - Susan Harding

  • 2015 - Mike Hicks

  • 2014 - Sandie Ponte

  • 2013 - Thane Thomas

  • 2012 - Gerald Masolini, Bob Smith, Dick Shellhorn

  • 2011 - Martin Moe

  • 2010 - Darrell Olsen

  • 2009 - Libbie Graham

  • 2008 - Dana and Anita Smyke

  • 2007 - Kent Thelen

  • 2006 - Janice Warga

  • 2005 - Dick Groff

  • 2004 - ?

  • 2003 - irene Webber

  • 2002 - Belle Mickelson

  • 2001 - Ed King

  • 2000 - Brandy O’Brien

  • 1999 - Mike & Michelle Hahn O’Leary

  • 1998 - Mayor Margy Johnson

  • 1997 - John Gregory

  • 1996 - Vernyl Swanson

  • 1995 - Dixie Lambert

  • 1994 - Corrine Erickson

  • 1993 - The Volunteer Fire Dept and Emergency Medical Service

  • 1992/1991 - Joanie Behrends