The Suffolk First Citizen Award was established in 1956 by the Suffolk Cosmopolitan Club to honor individuals whose civic service made Suffolk, Virginia, a better place to live. The inaugural recipient was R. L. Woodward, Jr. The award was presented annually until 1998, when the Cosmopolitan Club disbanded. As a result, there was a hiatus from 1999 to 2002. In 2003, the Suffolk Rotary Club revived the tradition, and the North Suffolk Rotary Club later joined as a co-presenter.
This prestigious award recognizes Suffolk residents who demonstrate exceptional leadership, community service, and civic spirit that significantly benefit the city. While Rotary Club members were originally not eligible for the award, that restriction was later lifted to allow for broader recognition of service.
Over the years, many distinguished citizens have received the award. Recent honorees include Mayor Mike Duman in 2024, Harry Lee Cross III in 2022, and Mac and Sandra Birdsong in 2023. Earlier recipients from the 2000s and 2010s include L. D. Britt, M.D., M.P.H., Karla Jean Smith, John Harrell, Lydia Duke, Billy Chorey Sr., Robert W. “Bobby” Harrell Jr., and Dr. R. Leroy Howell Sr.
Milestone recipients from previous decades include notable figures such as Senator Fred Quayle, Dr. Doug Naismith, Delegate Chris Jones, Betsy Brothers, Ross Boone, Whitney Saunders, Sue Woodward, E. Dana Dickens III, George Birdsong, Sam Glasscock, Dr. George Barnett, and Governor Mills E. Godwin Jr.
With over 65 years of history, the Suffolk First Citizen Award continues to highlight local heroes and reinforce the values of service and leadership. Each annual ceremony not only honors an individual but also supports the charitable and civic efforts of the Rotary Clubs, including scholarship funding and community engagement initiatives.