The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, which convened a selection committee of community leaders and past First Citizens to review a number of worthy nominations for Clark County’s 2015 First Citizen Award, recently announced that retired businesswoman and public servant, Nan Henriksen, was selected as Clark County’s First Citizen for 2015. The First Citizen Award recognizes a Clark County resident who has modeled exemplary citizenship through their actions and service to the community. The honor will be awarded on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 during a reception and presentation from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hilton Vancouver Washington.
Her nomination focused heavily on her career in public service, where she worked collaboratively to realize a shared community vision for Camas. At the time, the city was facing adversity. Her efforts shaped the economic fabric of greater Clark County, bringing both people and prosperity to the region. More recently, Henriksen applied her leadership, advocacy and diplomacy to help form a county home-rule charter that reshaped local government. Nan served as Freeholder Chair and was commended for her skill in mediating and leading a divergent group of 15 freeholders toward general consensus.
Accomplishments in career and service include:
* Managed a bipartisan board of 15 freeholders through the process of drafting a proposed home-rule county charter that was later approved by voters.
* Developed coalitions in East Clark County to motivate citizens to define their preferred future and work together toward mutual goals.
* Led City of Camas in attracting three major industries and dozens of employers including Underwriters Laboratories, SHARP Microelectronics, WaferTech and Heraeus Shin-etsu.
* Served on Camas Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan Committee, which has led to the creation of new parks, trails and the protection of open spaces–all things she values.
Selections of her awards include:
* 2014, Statesman of the Year – Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce
* 2006, Camas Political Leader of the Century – City of Camas
* 1995, Women of Achievement honoree – YWCA
Current and previous appointments include:
* President of Association of Washington Cities
* Board Member of the Columbia River Economic Development Council
* Board Member of Women In Action
* First female Mayor of Camas (1983-1992)
* Member of Camas City Council
Recipients of the First Citizen Award, presented since 1939, are selected by a volunteer committee of community leaders and past award recipients. Recipients are chosen for their accomplishments and contributions to the community in a number of areas, including effectiveness in leadership roles, raising community standards and expectations, strengthening community identity and civic pride, and exemplary giving of time, self and resources.
Established in 1984, The Community Foundation helps southwest Washington residents build a more vibrant community by inspiring them to engage in philanthropy. The Foundation holds nearly 300 distinct funds, which are pooled, managed and invested to generate growth and income for granting purposes. Governed by an esteemed volunteer Board, the Community Foundation offers benefits and services to donors, nonprofits and the community at large.
