KILMARNOCK—The Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce recently announced the selection of Susan Pittman as its Business Person of the Year and Susan Turney as its Volunteer of the Year.
The award presentation will occur at the Chamber’s annual meeting and dinner at 5:30 p.m. January 18 at Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club, 362 Club Drive, Kilmarnock.
Pittman was nominated by her business peers and received overwhelming support. The nominations for Pittman spoke highly of both her business leadership as well as the contributions she has made to the community serving various charitable organizations and boards in the Northern Neck, said executive director Anne Paparella.
A native of Lancaster County, a graduate of Lancaster High School and the College of William and Mary, Pittman joined the commercial lending department of Bank of Lancaster, now Virginia Commonwealth Bank. She has risen from credit analyst to executive vice president and Northern Neck market leader.
She has served on various community boards and organizations, such as Lancaster County Education Foundation and River Counties Community Foundation. She is an active volunteer at Dream Fields.
Pittman also was the first female president of the Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce. She is a past member of the Town of Kilmarnock economic development committee and a graduate of LEAD Northern Neck. She and her husband, Travis, live in Kilmarnock with their son, Eli.
As a daughter of a Kilmarnock business owner, she grew up watching her granddad, Fred Swaffin Jr., and her dad, Fred Swaffin III, in the furniture business. She witnessed their involvement in the Kilmarnock Chamber activities and their commitment to the area.
“Working at a community bank has allowed me to remain customer focused, build relationships, help this community and its businesses and make a difference,” said Pittman.
Her peers commented that she exemplifies what community banking means. She is noted for her wisdom and passion for all things community. Many mentioned that without her “hands on” help their businesses would not be thriving, said Paparella. She is widely recognized as a business and volunteer leader.
Her peers describe her as passionate, kind, a trusted friend, trusted banker and business leader, selfless, hardworking and committed to the success of her community, added Paparella.
Turney is a great choice for Volunteer of the Year, said Paparella. She has served as secretary on the Chamber board.
Additionally, Turney serves the Chamber in so many ways, she said. Turney helps with many Chamber events including Taste by the Bay, the Chamber Golf Classic and all the Kilmarnock Town Centre Park events.
“She brings a willingness to do whatever needs to be done to ensure the success of all of the Chamber’s activities. Her interest and enthusiasm has elevated our Chamber. I can’t think of any chamber activity that Susan isn’t involved in,” said Paparella.
“The Chamber simply runs more efficiently because of her and she is interested in making our community better,” she added.
Turney is co-owner of Turney and Turney Designers and Builders. She and her husband, Rick, live in Kilmarnock.
Tickets are $50 per person. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, call Paparella, 435-6092, or visit the Chamber office, 16-A Town Centre Drive, Kilmarnock. Purchase tickets online or at the office by January 10.
