The Rotary Club of Blacksburg awarded its 2021 Citizen of the Year Award to Dr. Sharon Scott at the club’s lunch meeting on Jan. 20 at the Blacksburg Country Club.
Dr. Scott retired in December as the executive director of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce in December.
In her nine-year tenure, she served the business community with professionalism and integrity while establishing the model for business ethics. In her role with the chamber, she was instrumental in shaping many important developments. She helped with the sale and revitalization of the Market Place property in Christiansburg and the negotiations of the old Blacksburg Middle School property.
She was an advocate for bringing increased broadband to the area and worked with minority- owned businesses to secure available resources and services and to network with the business community. She conceived the idea of having a hotel and restaurant program at New River Community College and initiated the Leadership NRV program, a year-long leadership academy for young professionals.
She improved the chamber’s financial situation over the past four years by increasing membership and by controlling expenses through accurate budgeting and strict adherence to the budget. She was the recipient of the 2020-2021 Chamber Executive of the Year Award.
“Sharon is the definition of a selfless servant,” said Robert Parks, former president of the club’s board. “She empowers the people around her, the chamber staff, directors, and committee chairs and ensures they are successful by supporting them with whatever resources she can provide.”
The Rotary Club of Blacksburg was chartered in 1979. The motto of the club and Rotary International is “Service Above Self.” The club presented its first Citizen of the Year award in 1990. Dr. Scott is the award’s 32nd recipient.
