One of the highlights of the civic year in Coweta County is the announcement of the Citizen of the Year, and this year's winner will be announced when the Kiwanis Club of Coweta hosts the Citizen of the Year dinner on Thursday, January 31st.

This award is designed to honor an individual with outstanding leadership and citizenship within our community, someone who has demonstrated exemplary vision, civic pride, and a strong commitment to a better Coweta.

Ronny D. Jones
Ronny Jones is the president of RDJE, Inc., a full-service construction company located in Newnan. He currently serves on the board of directors at the Summit Family YMCA of Newnan, is a past board member of Angel's House, and former president of the Georgia Utilities Contractor Association. Ronny also spent many years working with Newnan-Coweta Habitat for Humanity and has received many industry awards, including Contractor of the Year and the GUCA Safety Award.

Melvinor J. Kendrick
Mel Kendrick is the director of marketing for ValueMax Car Rental and Nissan of Newnan. She has long been involved with community events in Coweta County, including chairing the very first Coweta Relay For Life. Mel has served as a Chamber Ambassador for several years and, among many other things, works with the Boys and Girls Club of Newnan, Coweta Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, Continental Societies, United Way of Coweta County, and the Coweta County NAACP.
 
Garnet Reynolds
Garnet Reynolds is the current BB&T Market President for Coweta and Troup counties. He is a board member of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber, Abby's Angels Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Club of Newnan. He also currently serves as the secretary for the Rotary Club of Newnan. Garnet recently completed his term of serving as treasurer of Communities in Schools, an organization that helps Coweta County students graduate from high school on time.
     
Marie Swope
After retiring from a career with Delta Airlines, Marie Swope has dedicated her time to volunteering in the Newnan community. She has served on the board for Steeping Stones and the Samaritan Clinic and is an active member of Saint Vincent de Paul. Marie has devoted years to tutoring both GED students and elementary school students. She also provides her time and financial support to the Boys and Girls Club of Newnan, Communities in Schools, Southeastern Assistance in Healthcare, ChildrenConnect Museum, Christian City Children's Village, the Joy Project, and Angel House.
     
Mark Whitlock
During his tenure as CEO of the Central Educational Center, Mark Whitlock has been passionate about preparing Coweta's students for a successful future, while helping to attract more skilled manufacturing jobs to the county. He has helped to establish, maintain, and grow the Georgia Consortium for Advanced and Technical Training (GA CATT) and German Apprenticeship program. Mark also volunteers to educate and assist in the Coweta community.