NORTHPORT, AL — Northport Citizen of the Year, Inc. has announced its 2026 Citizen of the Year and special award recipients.
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The honorees will be recognized during an awards luncheon Thursday, Nov. 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northport Civic Center.
The awards recognize Northport residents for their contributions to community service, business, education, faith and historic preservation.
Mike Ramsey, a lifelong Northport resident and 1975 graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School, has been named the 2026 Northport Citizen of the Year.
Ramsey has spent years volunteering with the Tuscaloosa County High School football program, helping provide meals and nutritional support for student-athletes.
He also serves as an amateur radio operator, assisting with emergency communications during severe weather.
Ramsey's volunteer work has previously earned him the Selfless Servant Award from his alma mater.
The nonprofit also announced the following special award recipients:
Business Leaders of the Year — Anwar and Shannel Aiken
The couple is being recognized for entrepreneurship, civic leadership and youth development.
Shannel Aiken founded The Grand Event Design & Décor and Northport Tide, a nonprofit youth football and cheerleading organization. Anwar Aiken, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran, has held leadership positions with the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, Visit Tuscaloosa and the Northport City Council.
Education Leader of the Year — Emily Harris
A counselor at Faucett-Vestavia Elementary School, Harris established a Community Care Cabinet to provide essential supplies to families in need. She also serves as president of the school's PTO and volunteers as a youth soccer coach.
Religious Leader of the Year — Tommy Brannan:
A former Tuscaloosa County High School band director, Brannan is being honored for decades of service in music education, ministry and mentoring young musicians.
He continues to serve as orchestra director at Northport Baptist Church.
Heritage/Pioneer Leaders of the Year — Richard and Kim Harwood, Neal DiChiara and Adam Tant
The group is being recognized for restoring the historic property at 315 Main Avenue in downtown Northport.
Built around 1890, the building underwent extensive renovations aimed at preserving its historic character while returning it to productive use.
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