Richard C. Holliday Named 2010 Citizen of the Year

(l-r) Wendy Carr, President, Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber, surprised Richard “Dick” Holliday with the news that the Chamber will honor him as the 2010 Citizen of the Year a YMCA meeting on April 1st.

The Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber  will honor Richard C. Holliday as the 2010 Citizen of the Year at the Annual Meeting on June 15th, at Venice, Westerly.

Richard “Dick” Holliday served this community nobly and faithfully for many years  “Dick  is a man of outstanding community spirit, generosity and concern for the well being of our citizens and the quality of life in our community.  He has committed time and resources to the community and many different institutions and civic organizations.  He is very conscientious and passionate for his causes,” said Wendy Carr, president, Chamber.

Lisa Konicki, Executive Director, Chamber, along with Wendy surprised Dick with the news at a YMCA meeting on April 1st.  He was caught off guard and humbled by the honor.

Dick served three separate terms on the Board of the Ocean Community YMCA, totaling 24 years of service.  He is currently co-chairing the Y’s capital campaign with Paul Lynch, working to raise funds to renovate and reconfigure the Westerly branch. Dick joined the Westerly Land Trust in 1998 and served for 10 years on that Board.  Dick served on the Board of the Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Association for 12 years and was their Treasurer. He served on the Westerly Hospital Board from 2007-present.  He also served on numerous Hospital committees including: Finance, Executive Compensation, Physician Recruitment Ad Hoc, Clinical Care, CHOW Advisory Committee, and the Audit Committee.

In the 1960’s, Dick was appointed by the Town Council to serve as Housing Commissioner for the Town Of Westerly.  He served a 4 year term donating his time in this capacity.

The Citizen of the Year Award was established in 1957 to recognize outstanding leadership and exceptional contributions to the community.  Criteria considered in the selection process include leadership role in the community, specific contributions in business and civic/non-profit organizations, promoting the community image, improving the quality of life in our area, personal and professional characteristics including integrity, creativity, communication skills and broad social perspectives. 

The Chamber’s Key Award will also be bestowed this year to Frank Palaia who made extraordinary contributions of time and talent to help The Chamber meet its mission over a span of many years.  The Key Award is not an annual award, but rather, one that it bestowed when The Chamber’s Board feels an individual has truly gone above and beyond in their commitment to the Chamber.

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