Citizen Of The Year Is A Tireless Volunteer

Susan Stompe - photo credit the Paint the Town Red Committee

For 43 years, Susan Stompe has poured her soul into Novato, driven by her hearty Midwest work ethic to make this a better place to live. She has now found herself as Novato Citizen of the Year.

Her list of public service is dizzying. She has worked to preserve both homegrown democracy and Novato's and Marin's gorgeous environment.

Stompe has been a Novato resident since 1970. She received kisses from her husband of 56 years, Brian Stompe, plus her three sons and their families during the gala, which marked the Novato's 54th birthday.

In announcing its selection, the Citizen of the Year Committee said Susan had much in common with past Citizens of the Year because “she is a fervent believer in giving back to her community and in many instances became the leader of the groups she worked with. Other people often credit her with being their inspiration to become involved in their communities.”

It was her husband Brian who urged Susan to run for city council after a decade of run-the-gamut civic service, With staunch support from myriad friends from all her civic organizations, she was elected in 1980 and served through 1987, twice wielding the gavel as mayor.

Through the years, Susan devoted significant time to volunteer with such a long list of groups that it is impossible to list all of them. Some of these organizations are:

The Boy Scouts of America

The Hamilton Advisory Committee

The Novato Human Needs Center

The Novato General Plan Steering Committee

The Association of Bay Area Governments

The Novato 50th Birthday Steering Committee

Novato Clean and Green Day

The Olompali People

Olompali State Historic Park

The Marin Conservation League

The Sierra Club

The Petaluma River Enhancement Committee

The Novato Advisory Committee on Aviation at Hamilton

and many more.

In her retirement, Susan remains embroiled in countless environmental issues. Her passion for trash pickup and commitment to recycling is intense.

Her versatility has been physical as well as mental. She’s a former triathlete and expert white-water rafter. She continues to swim regularly. And easily keeps up with three energetic grandchildren.

It is easy to see why Stompe was selected as Citizen of the Year.