Nominations Open For 2025 City Of Stamford Citizen Of The Year

Information via city of Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — Mayor Caroline Simmons on Friday announced that nominations are now being accepted for 2025’s City of Stamford Citizen of the Year (COTY).

"The City of Stamford has many dedicated and committed residents who make remarkable contributions to our community," Simmons said in a news release. "The Citizen of the Year recognition is a way to honor those achievements and those who make a difference in the lives of others."

The COTY award is given annually to a resident whose contributions make Stamford the great place that it is. This year’s selection committee includes:

• Jevera Kaye Hennessey, 2023 Citizen of the Year
• William Hennessey, 2023 Citizen of the Year
• Adriana Molina, 2024 Citizen of the Year
• Stephen Fischer, Commander, Jewish War Veterans Post 142
• Lauren Franciamore, Person to Person, Member-at-large
• Arty Selkowitz, 2011 Citizen of the Year, Member-at-large

"It’s always wonderful to celebrate our COTY’s dedication and commitment to Stamford through their impactful service. An added benefit is having the opportunity to learn more about the personal lives of our honorees from the various biographical information that’s compiled as part of the 'celebration'," said Co-Chair Gary H. Stone, in a news release.

"Additionally, honoring veterans and high school seniors who have demonstrated their deep commitment to our community affords us an annual opportunity to celebrate the dedication and achievements of these phenomenal individuals," added Co-Chair Rick Redniss. "Each year we look forward to learning more about all COTY nominees. Then the selection committee makes the difficult decision of choosing just one who makes us proud to be part of the City of Stamford."

"We are honored to be chairing the committee to select the next Citizen of the Year and carry on this 79-year tradition," remarked Bill and Jevera Hennessey, 2023 Citizens of the Year.

The committee’s criteria for selecting the award recipient have remained the same since the founding of the award in 1945. The chosen nominee shall:

• Demonstrate a belief in interfaith harmony.
• Possess the highest standards of responsibility in civic life.
• Help in the promotion of projects for the public welfare.
• Has a meaningful connection to the City of Stamford and has made significant contributions to the betterment of the city.

"I encourage everyone to take a moment and reflect on your fellow residents who have made a difference in your life and Stamford’s community," Simmons said. "Take the time to nominate a special person who consistently contributes to making Stamford the exceptional place that it is."

Nominations must include a bullet point summary of the nominee’s background supporting the criteria listed above. Nominations can be filled out at stamfordcoty.org, emailed to info@StamfordCOTY.org or mailed to:

Nominations Committee
2025 City of Stamford Citizen of the Year
48 Putter Drive
Stamford, CT, 06907

All nominations must be received by Friday, Dec. 13, 2024.

Citizen of the Year is an annual award that has been given to one resident of Stamford every year since 1945. The award was founded by Fred Robbins, a war veteran of World War I and World War II — after he settled in Stamford and became involved in community affairs. Robbins worked with Mayor Webster Givens to establish the Citizen of the Year award. Mayor Givens appointed Post 142 of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States to be the sponsoring organization for the award. Post 142 has sponsored the award on behalf of the City for 80 years and in that time the award has honored 81 men and women who have served the Stamford Community.