The Citizen of the Year award, presented by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, is one of the Chamber’s most prestigious awards. This award, sponsored by Eastern Propane & Oil, is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the community and has made significant contributions to the vibrancy and strength of the Greater Rochester area. At the Chamber’s Annual Awards Celebration held on Wednesday evening, May 22, 2024, at The Oaks Grandview Ballroom, the Chamber announced the 2024 Citizen of the Year, Mary Henderson.
Mary Henderson grew up in Rochester and for many years has been a resident of Milton, NH. From a young child, Mary believed in giving back to her community. She started young as a candy striper, and then years later while raising her son, she became a “hockey mom.”
When she began her banking career in the 1990s, Mary became involved with the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, she served on several committees, volunteered at many events, raised funds, and then served on the organization’s board of directors from 2009-2014, also serving as Treasurer. Over the years, she volunteered her time and talents to several other organizations including C.O.R.E., the organization which later became Rochester Main Street. She served on the organization’s board of directors where she contributed and volunteered at many of their events.
Mary also served on the board of directors for Zebra Crossings, a Dover non-profit dedicated to enriching the lives of children with chronic health conditions. She served eight years on their Board, four of which were as Treasurer from 2014 to 2022. She also volunteered time to the New Hampshire Farm Museum. In the past several years, Mary became involved on the committee that plans the Thank A Rochester Police Officer Day for Rochester Police Department staff and their families. In addition to her fundraising and promotional efforts, Mary brought the Red Hayes Community Policing Award back to the department as it had fallen by the wayside in recent years. And this year, she has returned to the Chamber’s board of directors. Mary does so much in the greater Rochester area that it is impossible to know the full extent of her tireless volunteerism.
According to James Glover, Retail Banking Regional Manager at Bank of New Hampshire, where Mary is employed, “Mary’s diligent efforts on behalf of her peers and her outstanding leadership within her local community inspires others to give back to their community! Servant Leadership has been a lifelong endeavor for Mary, a labor of love! From Hockey-Mom to special events and parades in the city, to the Chamber’s board of directors, Mary has done it all! And she does it all with great faith, perseverance, passion, and never-ending love for the Rochester community that she serves”.
Last year’s Citizen of the Year award recipient, Jackie Fitzpatrick, was at the event to present the award.
The Chamber is proud to name Mary Henderson as the 2024 Citizen of the Year and thank her for her tireless efforts, time, and dedicated service she has and continues to provide in and around Rochester.