The First Citizen award program is accepting nominations through Oct. 15, and the winner will be announced at a public event on Nov. 12.
The award, which recognizes individuals whose service has significantly contributed to the betterment of the Springfield area, was created in 1963 by Springfield’s Copley-owned newspaper. The award had been associated with the State Journal-Register until last year, when First Citizen Award was incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Butch Elzea and several other past recipients believed that an independent, nonprofit organization could restore the vitality of the First Citizen award program and make it a higher priority than was possible through the State Journal-Register. The newspaper is now owned by Gannett with its management positions based outside of Springfield. Elzea said that in recent years, the number of nominations had declined, and there was no public ceremony to honor the recipient.
Elzea, a retired business owner who was instrumental in the creation of Southwind Park, serves as president of the new nonprofit. The board of directors currently includes John Eck Sr., a retired partner from Eck, Schafer & Punke LLP; Tom Fitch, vice president of facilities, real estate and construction at Springfield Clinic; Mike Pence, president of Bank of Springfield and Pat Phalen, president and CEO of Illinois National Bancorp and executive vice president of INB.
A citizens’ committee will review nominations and select the recipient. The award is intended to honor people who have worked to make Springfield a better place outside of a paid position.
Joan Bortolon was recognized as the 2024 First Citizen. As board president of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, Bortolon has played an instrumental role in honoring local veterans by providing them with memorable, no-cost trips to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.
Nominations are being accepted online through Oct. 15 at firstcitizenaward.org.
Winner to be revealed at Nov. 12 public event
The 2025 First Citizen Award will be presented at an evening reception on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Erin’s Pavilion at Southwind Park. Tickets are required, but the event is free thanks to significant contributions from many local entities.
