Members of the Mesa Citizen of the Year Association met in early November to choose Mesa’s 2019 Citizens of the Year.
Mary Cameli was chosen as Woman of the Year, and Rich Adams was chosen as Man of the Year.
This year’s award recipients will be honored at the Association’s annual banquet on Feb. 18 at the Hilton Phoenix/Mesa. This community celebration of volunteerism will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner.
Mary Cameli
Mary Cameli — Woman of the Year
Mary Cameli began her career as a firefighter in 1983 with the Mesa Fire and Medical Department, and was one of the first females hired by Mesa Fire Department. She held each rank in the organization, including 11 years as Assistant Chief, prior to being selected as Fire Chief in November 2016.
Mary is past chair of the Child Crisis Arizona Board and has served the past fourteen years with Mesa Sunrise Rotary, holding the position of president in 2012. She is currently vice chair of the Community Bridges Board, vice chair of the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) Board and serves on the International CPSE Board (Center for Public Safety Excellence).
An executive at Child Crisis Arizona remarked, “I have seen firsthand the deep commitment of Mary’s volunteerism on behalf of the children and families in the community.”
Rich Adams — Man of the Year
Rich Adams
Rich Adams is a long-time resident of Mesa. He is president and CEO of Southwest Business Credit Services, an organization specializing in business credit information and professional education.
Rich is a well-regarded civic volunteer and leader. One of his colleagues noted that he is always willing to assume leadership positions, stating that, “I have never seen Rich on any Board that he did not assume some sort of leadership role and where he did not give his all for the betterment of the effort.”
Rich is currently serving as a member of the Mesa United Way Board and is the chair of the Visit Mesa Board of Directors.
The Mesa Citizen of the Year Association is one of the oldest groups of its kind in the State of Arizona.
To purchase banquet tickets, please visit www.mesacitizenoftheyear.com, or contact Debby Elliot at (480) 969-2731.