Good Citizen Award
This prestigious award, endowed by the Laurie and Mike McCann Family began in 2015 and is presented annually to one of Defiance area’s outstanding citizens.
In addition to this fund maintained through the Defiance Area Foundation, the family established the following criteria to qualify for the award. Each nominee must be or have been:
- A promoter (individual or couple) of the Defiance Area for at least 10 years.
- Active in unpaid positions in organizations providing services to Defiance County.
- In a leadership position of a nonprofit and/or volunteer
- Associated with at least one outstanding accomplishment in Defiance County
2024: Rev. David Brobston
We are honored to announce that the recipient of the 2024 Good Citizen Award is Rev. David Brobston, a man whose dedication to both his faith and his community is unparalleled. With 31 years of service as a pastor, including 17 years at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Defiance, Rev. Brobston has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals.
Rev. Brobston holds a degree in Economics from Marshall University and earned his theological degree from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in 1993. His pastoral journey has taken him across the country, leading parishes in South Dakota, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Michigan before settling in Defiance.
At St. Paul, Rev. Brobston has presided over 136 funerals, 51 confirmations, and 61 marriages. His impact extends far beyond the church, as he has been an influential voice at Defiance High School, serving as the 2023 graduation speaker. Additionally, he plays a critical role in supporting first responders through CISM debriefings and as a trainer for the “Stop the Bleed” program. His dedication to the community is further demonstrated by his service as the Chaplain to both the Defiance County Sheriff’s Office and the Defiance City Police Department.
Rev. Brobston’s commitment to public service has been widely recognized, earning him the Hometown Hero Award from iHeart Radio. He continues to give back through broadcasting for area schools, including Bryan High School football, and most recently, he celebrated becoming a grandfather!
We are grateful to Rev. Brobston for his service to our community and are proud to recognize him as the 2024 Good Citizen Award winner. His dedication and compassion exemplify the spirit of this award and inspire us all.
2023: Ginny Sterling
This prestigious award, endowed by the Laurie and Mike McCann Family, has been presented annually since 2015 to an outstanding citizen of the Defiance area. The 2023 recipient was Virginia “Ginny” Sterling, a lifelong Defiance resident devoted to nursing and historic preservation.
Ginny began her career as an LPN through a Defiance Rotary Scholarship and became an RN via Owens College. She held multiple leadership roles at First Call for Help in Napoleon and earned a psychology degree from Defiance College to better serve in mental health support roles. She also helped launch key initiatives like the Symphony of Trees and Teen Line crisis service.
Beyond her professional work, Ginny has made lasting contributions to Defiance’s cultural landscape. She owned The Inn on Third, co-founded Historic Homes of Defiance, and led efforts such as the Triangle Park Clock Project and Save Our School initiative. Her advocacy helped place Defiance’s original plat on the National Register of Historic Places.
Now splitting time between New Bern, NC, and Defiance, Ginny remains active in the community through groups like the Defiance Jazz Festival, Episcopal Church, and Strode Center for the Arts, reflecting her lifelong commitment to service and heritage.
2022: Jeff and Jeanne Batt
Congratulations, Jeff & Jeanne Batt on receiving the Good Citizen Award. A well-deserved honor for your commitment to our community.
2021: Terry and Ann Melton
This prestigious award, endowed by the Laurie and Mike McCann Family, has been presented annually since 2015 to honor an outstanding citizen of the Defiance area. In 2021, the award was given to Terry and Ann Melton.
Defiance natives and high school sweethearts, Terry and Ann have been married for 54 years and have two children and five grandchildren. Terry, a U.S. Air Force veteran, is actively involved with the Defiance Area Foundation, Rotary Foundation, and several community organizations. He has led and supported numerous local campaigns and received the Chamber’s Leadership Award in 1996.
Ann, a retired Defiance City Schools teacher, has mentored educators and helped launch programs like “Puttin’ on the Hits.” She volunteers with the Miss Northwestern Ohio Pageant, serves on local committees, and received the Chamber’s Quality of Life Award in 2007.
Together, Terry and Ann exemplify a lifelong commitment to making Defiance a vibrant and welcoming place for future generations.
2020: Carrie Wetstein
Carrie Wetstein devoted over 14 years to strengthening the Defiance County community through her role as Executive Director of the United Way of Defiance County (UWDC) from 2006 to 2021. After relocating from St. Louis with her husband Ken and daughters Caitlyn and Chloe, Carrie quickly became a vital force for change in the region. Her passion for helping others is evident in the impactful programs she launched and the collaborations she fostered.
Carrie introduced the Imagination Library in 2009, providing books to children from birth to age five and encouraging a culture of early literacy in the county. In 2010, she created the Backpack Buddy program, ensuring food security for students on weekends, and worked closely with local schools to establish food and hygiene pantries. She championed early education by launching Kindergarten Camp in 2014, giving children a confident start to their academic journey. Carrie also tackled pressing issues like mental health and transportation—organizing youth mental health first-aid training in 2016 and co-founding FlexRide to connect residents with reliable transportation options.
Her leadership extended beyond UWDC. Carrie is a Past President of the Defiance Rotary Club and a member of Zonta and the Women’s Giving Circle of Defiance County. She and her family are active members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Remembered for her deep compassion and unwavering dedication, Carrie left a lasting legacy in Defiance County. As UWDC board member Sonya Selhorst shared, “Carrie was good to the core! She is very passionate in regards to her community and has made a positive impact in Defiance County.”
2019: Rita Kissner
Rita graduated from Elyria High School and Ohio University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1967. She and her late husband John moved to Defiance in 1969 and raised three children– Kathy, JoEllen and John. Rita has five beautiful grandchildren.
She taught Home Economics at Tinora High school for 8 years. In 1976 she was elected to the Defiance City Council. She was elected to the position of City Auditor in 1980 and appointed City Finance Director in 1986. In 1992, she was elected Mayor of the City of Defiance, a position she held until January 2000. Rita is a past member of the Defiance County Community Improvement Corp., Family and Children First Council and Defiance Rotary Club. She is also a past Board Member of The Defiance Area Foundation. Rita has been a member of the Defiance College Board of Trustees since 2001 and served at the board chair for the 2010 – 2012 academic years. She is a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Defiance 2100, State Bank Financial Services Board member, and Founder of Defiance County Women’s Giving Circle.
Rita was the recipient of the 1999 Outstanding Graduate Award from Elyria Catholic High School, the 1997 Defiance Chamber of Commerce Athena Award and in May of 2000 was presented an honorary degree from Defiance College.
Rita is more than deserving of this award. She gives her time, talents, treasures and heart to her family, friends, and the Defiance Community. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.
2018: Randy Buchman
Randy Buchman has dedicated his life to education, history, and enriching the community of Defiance. A graduate of Heidelberg College and Ohio State University, with further doctoral work at Ball State and Kent State, Randy began his career as a teacher and coach in Ohio’s public school system. In 1964, he joined Defiance College as an assistant professor of history, where his passion for student success also led him to support college athletics as a football coach, scout, and recruiter. After a brief administrative stint, he returned to the classroom in 1987 and continued teaching for 15 more years. He was honored with the Distinguished Faculty Award in 1995 and later named Professor Emeritus upon his retirement in 1996.
Beyond the college, Randy has played a vital role in preserving and promoting Defiance’s history. As the city historian, an Ohio Humanities Council lecturer, and a founding force behind the Tuttle Museum, Randy has worked tirelessly to ensure the community remains connected to its heritage. His leadership and service have earned him numerous accolades, including the Honorary Letterman Award from the Alumni Varsity D Club, the Mike Schultz Leadership Award from the Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce, and the prestigious Pilgrim Medal from Defiance College. A devoted family man, Randy and his wife Marilyn have raised three children and continue to inspire those around them through their commitment to education, culture, and civic pride.
2017: John Diehl & Tom Boals
John Diehl and Tom Boals, recipients of the 2017 Good Citizen Award, have each made a significant impact in the Defiance community through their tireless volunteerism, leadership, and service on the Defiance County Drug Task Force. John Diehl, a long-time business leader, moved to Defiance at age 20 to join his family’s company and later founded Diehl Cleaning Solutions. His deep commitment to the community is evident through his involvement in business networking groups, local healthcare, and service organizations such as United Way, Kaitlyn’s Cottage, and Appalachian Service Project. At Zion’s Lutheran Church, he has served in numerous leadership roles, regularly supports shut-ins, and coordinates Operation Christmas Child, all while balancing life as a husband, father, and grandfather.
Tom Boals, a proud Marine Corps veteran and former trucking company owner, has been a pillar of service in Defiance since 1977. His decades-long volunteerism includes 25 years with the Recovery Services board—many of those as president—where his leadership helped the organization grow. A devoted member of Zion’s Lutheran Church, Boals has served on the council, driven the community bus, and offered care to shut-ins. His dedication to veterans is seen through his work with the Marine Corps League, where he’s been honored with the Distinguished Service Award and Marine of the Year. In 2023, the State of Ohio recognized his compassionate leadership with a Certified Peer Recovery Supporter designation, affirming his commitment to those affected by mental health and addiction.
2016: Darrell Jones
Darrell Jones, a lifelong educator and public servant, has left a lasting impact on the Defiance community through decades of leadership, mentorship, and service. A graduate of Continental High School, Defiance College, and Bowling Green State University, Mr. Jones began his career as a teacher and coach before serving as superintendent of both Central Local Schools and Defiance County Schools. His influence has extended far beyond the classroom, as countless community leaders have sought his wisdom and guidance over the years. Known for his humility, common sense, and unwavering commitment to others, Darrell has quietly helped individuals and organizations throughout his life without seeking recognition.
His extensive civic involvement reflects his dedication to improving the community. Darrell has served in key leadership roles across numerous organizations, including Chairman of the Defiance County Cancer Society, President of the United Way of Defiance County, and Defiance County Commissioner. He has also held positions on boards such as Northwest State Community College, Maumee Valley Planning Organization, and the Red Cross. His accolades include the Hicksville Rotary Citizen of the Year, a Community Leadership Award from the Defiance Area Chamber of Commerce, and an Honorary Doctorate from Northwest State. Darrell’s legacy lives on not only through his family but also through the many lives he’s touched and the institutions he’s helped shape.
