photo by: Contributed photos

John Ross, left, and Nancy Thellman, right.

The Lawrence chamber of commerce has named two residents dedicated to public service as winners of the organization’s most prestigious awards.

The chamber recently honored John Ross, owner of Laser Logic Inc., with the 2019 Citizen of the Years award, and Nancy Thellman, a Douglas County commissioner, with the annual ATHENA Award, according to a chamber new release.

Ross and Thellman will be presented with the awards during the chamber’s annual meeting at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

The Citizen of the Years award honors a local individual for lifetime commitment to the Lawrence community. Ross moved to Lawrence in 1990 and has been a member of the chamber of commerce since 1992.

Along with his business, he has served several organizations in Douglas County, including Ride for Cops, the Valor Awards, Cottonwood Inc., and LMH Health, among others. He also served as chair of the chamber’s board in 2012.

“John is a bright light, full of energy and passion,” Bonnie Lowe, president and CEO of the chamber, said in the news release. “John has served in leadership roles across the community, working to promote local business, helping nonprofit organizations, and ensuring a prosperous future for Lawrence and Douglas County.”

The ATHENA award, presented by Crown Toyota Volkswagen, honors female leaders in Douglas County and those who support them. Thellman, a Lawrence native, is currently serving her third term as a commissioner.

She founded Slow Money Northeast Kansas, an organization that matches investors with farmers and ranchers to create a stronger local economy. She is also an ordained Presbyterian minister.

“Nancy has been a leader in Douglas County for many years and continues to be a shining example of servant leadership in our community,” Miles Schnaer, president of Crown Toyota Volkswagen, said in the news release. “Nancy has had great success as a county commissioner, helps local farmers through her Slow Money network, and gives of her time to nonprofit organizations, assuring that Douglas County continues to thrive in many areas.”