The Citizen of the Year award recognizes one citizen annually for their exemplary business experience, conduct, civic activity and industry involvement. Following are the award recipients for the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.
| 2012 |
Amy Klaben |
President/CEO, Homeport aka Columbus Housing Partnership |
| 2011 |
Debbie Phillips Bower |
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| 2010 |
Clarence E. Mingo II |
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| 2009 |
Larry Metzger |
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| 2008 |
Betty Montgomery |
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| 2007 |
Dewey Stokes |
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| 2006 |
Larry Wolpert |
State Representative for Ohio's 23rd House District |
| 2004 |
Cheryl Grossman |
Mayor, Grove City |
| 2003 |
Joe Testa |
Franklin County Auditor |
| 2002 |
Jo Ann Davidson |
Ohio House of Representatives |
| 2001 |
Dorothy and Robert Teater |
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| 2000 |
Matt Habash |
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| 1999 |
Karen Schwarzwalder |
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| 1998 |
Kent Beittel |
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| 1997 |
Cynthia Cecil Lazarus |
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| 1996 |
Ann Wolfe |
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| 1995 |
Frank Wobst |
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| 1994 |
Thekla Shackelford |
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| 1993 |
Loretta Heard |
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| 1992 |
Kaira Sturdivant Rouda |
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| 1991 |
Melvin Schottenstein |
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| 1990 |
Peter Edwards |
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| 1989 |
Arthur Herrmann |
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| 1988 |
Melvin Dodge |
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| 1987 |
Leslie Wexner |
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| 1986 |
Walter English |
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| 1985 |
Katherine LeVeque |
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| 1984 |
Jimmy Crum |
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| 1983 |
Dean Jeffers |
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| 1982 |
John McConnell |
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| 1981 |
Paul Gingher |
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| 1980 |
Everett Reese |
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| 1979 |
John Elam |
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| 1978 |
Robert Lazarus |
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| 1977 |
Woody Hayes |
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| 1976 |
Robert Levy |
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| 1975 |
John Bricker |
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2010 Citizen of the Year - Clarence E. Mingo II
Clarence E. Mingo II humbly accepted the award, noting that it was the support of his family and community that propelled him to his current position. He also emphasized the importance of serving others with distinction.
Named to the Commissioners on the Ohio Court of Claims in 2007, Mingo serves on the Franklin County Juvenile Court Advisory Board. He and his wife Angela have two young daughters.
2009 Citizen of the Year - Larry Metzger
For more than two decades, Larry Metzger has led the CBR, always striving to better both the profession and the community. Metzger was hired in late 1985 after serving the Lexington, Kentucky and the Decatur, Illinois boards; and after a career as a high school teacher.
1986 CBR President Sandy Simpson presented the award to Metzger, saying his fellow officers "made the best decision this organization ever made" in late 1985 when hiring Metzger. In addition to his work on behalf of thousands of members, Metzger has "also been a servant of the entire central Ohio community," Simpson said.
Started in 1973, the CBR Citizen of the Year Award recognizes outstanding community service, and those who better the image and future of central Ohio. Metzger joins other central Ohio leaders including John McConnell, Jimmy Crum, Melvin Schottenstein and Ann Wolfe in being named CBR Citizen of the Year.
Metzger was gracious in being added to the prestigious list of Citizen of the Year award winners. "These have been the fastest 24 years and some of the most rewarding," Metzger said. "I can't talk about what I've done; I can only tell you what you've done and allowed me to be a part of."
Metzger will end his career after 25 years when he retires as CEO in December. He congratulated incoming CEO Stan Collins, a 38-year employee of CBR, who since 1986 has served as AEO. During his acceptance speech, Metzger reflected on the many accomplishments that have marked the last two and half decades at CBR. Helping form the Columbus Housing Partnership, CORPAC (Central Ohio REALTORS® PAC) and the REALTOR® Charitable Foundation Fund are among the highlights of Metzger's tenure.
"Whenever we grow our industry, we grow America," he said. "I'm not the citizen of the year -- you all are -- the Columbus Board of REALTORS® is."
2008 Citizen of the Year - Betty Montgomery
Betty Montgomery's long career in public services has included a number of highlights and awards. A dedicated crimefighter for her earliest days in the workforce, she directed a 250 percent increase in the felony conviction rate of the Wood County Prosecutor's Office. As State Senator from the 2nd District in northwest Ohio, she drafted farreaching legislation that continues to make a positive difference in our state. Her work included Ohio's first Living Will law, its first brownfields legislation, and the Ohio's Victim's Right Law. During her years in the Senate, she served on many committees, where she chaired the Criminal Justice Subcommittee, and was vice-chair of both the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission.
As Ohio Attorney General, Betty dramatically increased state support for local law enforcement, as well as rebuilt all of Ohio`s crime labs, introduced DNA and 21st century technology to Ohio, thus helping the office join just four percent of the nation's law enforcement agencies by earning accreditation for both the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.
At all times during her service as Attorney General, she emphasized protection of Ohio's most vulnerable citizens -- senior citizens, youth and crime victims. Her office also received national recognition for excellence in service and advocacy in many areas, including legal work before the U.S. Supreme Court. This commitment reflected itself in her Consumer Section that was recognized in 2000 as being the nation's most outstanding consumer protection agency in the country by the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators (NACC). Additionally, her Senior Citizen Initiative was one of five agencies, and the only public agency, recognized by the American Bar Association with the national "Pro Bono" Award in 2002.
Betty is a graduate of Bowling Green State University and of the University of Toledo College of Law.
2007 Citizen of the Year - Dewey Stokes
Dewey R. Stokes has been a staunch and committed supporter of the real estate industry. For years, he has held the line on transfer taxes, been open and accessible to our members and has keep us abreast of real estate issues being heard by the commission. His work, both professionally and in the community, has been exemplary -- making him an outstanding leader and choice as our 2007 Citizen of the year.
Dewey has lived in Franklin County all his life and has spent the past 12 years as a County Commissioner. He has worked side by side with elected officials, community leaders and its citizens to continue to make Franklin County one of the best counties in America.
Dewey has been a "public servant" in the truest sense of the word. He served the public as a Columbus Police Officer for 26 years and as County Commissioner for 12 years. During his tenure as a Columbus police officer, Dewey Stokes was elected by his peers as President of Local Lodge #9 and eventually elected as President of the National Fraternal Order of Police serving in that capacity for 8 years. To this day, he continues to serve on the local and National Fraternal Order of Police Boards.
As a boy, Dewey spent a great deal of time at the Boys and Girls Club of Columbus thereby making him aware of the need to promote such outlets for our youth. He gives credit to the organization for helping to shape his character and to this day supports organizations that are committed to helping our children develop the necessary skills to become good citizens.
Dewey is a graduate of Groveport High School and the Law Enforcement Academy. He has served on numerous boards such as the Solid Waste Authority, Columbus Area Labor Management, and Villas at St. Theresa Independent Living Center. He is currently active with the The Shamrock Club of Columbus, Kiwanis, Hilltop Business Association, Charity Newsies and is a member of the Martin Luther King Center.
Dewey and his wife Florence have been married for over 40 years and have four children and six grandchildren.
2006 Citizen of the Year - Larry Wolpert
Larry Wolpert, state representative for Ohio's 23rd House District, has been selected to receive the CBR 2006 Citizen of the Year Award. Representative Wolpert's is serving his third term as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives and his district includes Hilliard, Grove City and other western portions of Franklin County.
During the 126th General Assembly, he will chair the Local and Municipal Government and Urban Revitalization Committee. In 2003, he formed the Ohio House Growth and Land Use Subcommittee, which studies Ohio's land use and policies. Before joining the Ohio House of Representatives, he spent 20 years working for the Government Relations Department of Grange Insurance and has served two terms on the Hilliard City Council. He manages the Wolpert Family Farms in the Hilliard/Dublin area, where the Wolpert family has been farming since 1848.
Representative Wolpert resides in Hilliard and is a member of the Hilliard and Grove City Chambers of Commerce and of the Franklin County Farm Bureau. He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Legislator of the Year from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, A Friend of Hospice from the Hospice & Palliative Care Organization and is the recipient of the Homer F. Mincey Award from the Alliance for Adequate School Funding for his work on improving Ohio's education system. He also has received the 2006 Hall of Fame Award from the Hilliard High School Alumni and Friends Association, Healthy Eyes Healthy People Award from the Ohio Optometric Association, The William Schneider Award from the Franklin County Republican Party, and the John M. Ashbrook Award from the Ohio League of Young Republicans.
2004 Citizen of the Year - Cheryl Grossman
Mayor Cheryl Grossman is this year’s recipient of CBR’s Citizen of the Year award. She began her career in local politics as Grove City Council President, served on the Grove City Planning Commission and, in 1995 was elected to serve as Mayor.
She attributes her success in politics to working hard at being responsive to Grove City residents and businesses. She says the often-untold story of her success is found in every corner of our community. From the heartfelt commitment of our proud volunteers, to the many public and private entities that work with the City to make us all stronger – this is the foundation for any successful venture. Grove City’s citizens are second to none.
Her most beneficial community involvement from a political standpoint is the partnerships the City has formed with our federal, state, county, school, township, and chamber representatives. Grove City is a leader because we all work together.
For anyone interested in a career in public service, Mayor Grossman advises “Be fair, above all else. You need to be able to listen and make decisions based on what is right for the people you represent. And it’s important to be creative. Sometimes, swimming against the stream reaps the most rewarding outcomes.”
On receiving this award, Mayor Grossman stated, “I am truly honored to know that the Columbus Board of REALTORS® has acknowledged my efforts on behalf of the people and businesses of Grove City. But this is not my award…this is Grove City’s award. It is earned because many hearts and minds and hands work together everyday in Grove City to build upon our success.”
2003 Citizen of the Year – Joe Testa
Our Citizen of the Year award winner, Joe Testa, has spent most of his adult life serving the public, beginning with his tour in Vietnam in the United States Navy. Joe has been employed by Franklin County now for 22 years, having served as Chief Deputy Recorder, and then Recorder before being elected Franklin County Auditor in 1992.
After being introduced, Joe immediately clarified that he was accepting the award on behalf of his entire staff, who were also present for the dinner, because “These are the people who really get the job done.
Five years ago, the Auditor’s office rolled out the Web site and, within a few months, were in the top ten government Web sites in the country! Joe was surprised and commented on the ‘after hours’ usage of the Web site, evidence of REALTORS®’ time spent working around the clock – literally.
During his time in office, Joe has become a true friend of the REALTORS®. Aware of our critical need for accurate property tax information, Joe has made and continues to make great strides in providing easy access to that information. Remember when he used to provide continuing education classes and tours of the Auditor’s office?
Nowadays, we don’t need to drive to his office; we can get property tax information within minutes through a few clicks of the mouse. The Auditor’s office records are available both through their Web site and directly through our CBR Tempo MLS.
After heartfelt thanks, Joe concluded, “I believe that we have formed a true public private partnership. And, I pledge to continue to enrich that partnership for as long as I am allowed to serve in public office.”
Joe is a newlywed and resides in German Village with his wife Sally.
2002 Citizen of the Year - Jo Ann Davidson
Jo Ann Davidson was selected as CBR's 2002 Citizen of the Year. This prestigious award is in recognition of her long-time commitment of service to the Central Ohio Community through her professional and community involvement.
Upon accepting this award, Jo Ann Davidson said, “In my public service as well as my work with chambers of commerce, I have always placed a high priority on being actively involved in our system of government – either as an informed voter, a candidate or in supporting those who are in position to make good public policy. The one group that has consistently dedicated themselves to this type of involvement has been Realtors®.”
I greatly respect Realtors® for placing this involvement as a high priority in their personal careers and as a part of their organizational activities. This respect makes it a special honor for me to be recognized as the 2002 Citizen of the Year by the Columbus Board of Realtors®.”
In her public service career, Jo Ann has served ten terms as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives where, for five years, she served as Speaker of the House. She also served as Vice Chair of the Ohio Turnpike Commission, Member at Large of the Reynoldsburg City Council, Clerk of Truro Township and as a member of the Franklin County Mental Health Board.
Jo Ann is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Ohio Legislator Award and the Watchdog of the Treasury Award from the United Conservatives of Ohio. In 1991, the National Republican Legislators named her Legislator of the Year and, that same year, she was inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame.
She is a recipient of YWCA's Women of Achievement Award and of the Good Housekeeping Award for Women in Government. Jo Ann holds an Honorary Doctor of Law Degree from Ohio University and from Capital University, an Honorary Degree in Government Leadership from the University of Findlay and an Honorary Doctor of Public Administration from The Ohio State University.
She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the University of Findlay, Franklin University, the John Glenn Institute of The Ohio State University and is an Honorary Board Member of the Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute. In the past, she has chaired the Franklin County Republican Central Committee and has been active with the Reynoldsburg-Pickerington Rotary Club.
2001 Citizens of the Year – Dorothy & Robert Teater, Ph.D
Dorothy and Robert Teater are long-time partners, having been married for 48 years, and this year, they will share CBR’s Citizen of the Year award for their long-time commitment of service to the central Ohio community through their professional and community involvement.
Dorothy, in her public service career, has served as a Franklin County Commissioner; member of the Columbus City Council; and Program Administrator of Consumer Affairs for the city of Columbus. She has also been active in numerous professional and civic activities and has served on the Board of Directors of the Columbus Area Council on Alcoholism, the Better Business Bureau, CMACAO, St. Anthony’s Hospital and North Broadway United Methodist Church.
Dorothy is the recipient of numerous awards, including the YWCA Women of Achievement Award; the Distinguished Service Award from The Ohio State University; and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Kentucky College of Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
Robert is founder and president of Teater-Gebhardt & Associates, Inc., where he has directed and participated in a number of complex natural resource development projects, including the International Center for the Preservation of Wild Animals and the International Center for Water Resource Management.
He served for four years as Associate Dean of the College of Agriculture at The Ohio State University (OSU) and on the faculty of Agronomy at OSU. Robert has also been active in numerous professional and civic activities and has had a distinguished military career, retiring at a May General from the Ohio National Guard.
Robert is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal for service on several Army and Department of Defense boards and has been honored with numerous other awards.
Robert also owns and operates a 186-acre farm in Franklin County – raising corn, soybeans and alfalfa. He enjoys putting into practice the many sound agronomic practices he has learned and taught over the years.