Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton was named the recipient of the 2020 Smyrna Citizen of the Year award at the Smyrna Area Council on Wednesday, July 28. Tim Gould, Mayor Pro Tem, presented the award.
“Mayor Derek Norton is extremely deserving of this recognition. He has been an outstanding leader for the citizens of Smyrna,” said Sharon Mason, President and CEO of the Cobb Chamber. “Through his leadership and tough choices, residents and businesses have been able to navigate the pandemic as safely and as successfully as possible.”
The Citizen of the Year Awards, created by Cobb County civic clubs and cosponsored by the Cobb Chamber Area Councils and Cobb County business associations, have been presented to extraordinary individuals for the work they have done in Cobb County. Through a continued partnership with Cobb County civic and business organizations and the Cobb Chamber Area Councils, the Citizen of the Year Awards continue to recognize outstanding, service-minded individuals that have exceptionally impacted one of several areas of Cobb County.
The Smyrna Citizen of the Year Award honors and recognizes a person who has impacted the community and improved the lives of others in Smyrna. The winner is chosen from a long list of local nominees from all across the community. Recipients of the Citizen of the Year award have demonstrated definable, exceptional deeds that showcase a dedication to making Smyrna a better place to live through their work, office and volunteer activities. The presentation of the 2020 Smyrna Citizen of the Year Award was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Shortly after taking office in early 2020, Mayor Norton made several decisive decisions to help protect Smyrna residents and business during a very challenging and unprecedented global pandemic. With no easy path to follow, the mayor made tough choices to protect Smyrna residents, workers, city staff, first responders and businesses.
With his leadership and energy, the mayor led the formation of Support Smyrna, an initiative to help the city’s residents in need because of the coronavirus pandemic. Support Smyrna has raised over $125,000, received 1,500 individual donations, and given out 500 Kroger gift cards to community members. The initiative has not only helped residents in need, but creates a path for residents to contribute and help their neighbors.
Mayor Norton led the vaccine distribution through city’s Emergency Management Agency, one of two cities in the state that has ability to do so. Under his leadership 3,000 people have been vaccinated as the number continues to grow. Mayor Norton additionally helped Smyrna become the first city in Cobb County to pass a nondiscrimination ordinance so that all people, regardless of background, are welcome in Smyrna.
For more information on the Citizen of the Year Awards, contact Katie Guice at 770-859-2334 or [email protected].