The Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced finalists for its 2024 Citizen of the Year Award.

Three finalists were selected from a pool of nominees who exemplify volunteerism and community support by a committee of former winners of the award during a meeting on Monday, Feb. 10.

The winner will be announced at the chamber’s Citizen of the Year luncheon on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

The three finalists are Blaine Zechenelly, Ron Stecker and Nicole Lepping.

Blaine Zechenelly

Nominated by Lori Coleman and Justin Grider, Zechenelly is a volunteer and head of the local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. In his letter of support for Zechenelly, Grider, fire chief for Clallam County Fire District 3, stated that Zechenelly’s “leadership has been been instrumental in developing the Map Your Neighborhood program and Clallam Ready initiative, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience.”

Letters of support noted that Zechenelly responds to 600 medical emergencies per year and that he is dedicated to his community.

“His steadfast commitment to serving others has established him as one of the most reliable and dedicated members of our team,” Coleman said.

In addition, Zechenelly has trained more than 800 community members and leads 10 events annually.

Ron Stecker

Stecker, a volunteer photographer in the community, was nominated by Dan and Janet Abbott. He has photographed many important local events, including Sequim Lavender Weekend, the Air Affaire, and the Revolutionary War re-enactment.

Susan Fahlgren, owner of Fleurish Lavender farm, wrote in her letter of support that Stecker “exemplifies qualities such as compassion, integrity and unwavering commitment to volunteer service.”

Kelly Jo Hill wrote in her letter of support that Stecker’s talent and willingness to share his photos free of charge with local event directors “has allowed us to share the beauty of our region with a wider audience.

Stecker will turn 94 in March. He has been photographing Sequim for 24 years.

Nicole Lepping

Lepping, founder and first board president of Sequim Wheelers, was nominated by John Gagen. She served four years as board president, then continued on as a board member and volunteer.

Sequim Wheelers was founded in 2018 to provide enjoyable rides to the elderly and disabled on the Olympic Discovery Trail.

Supporter Thomas Coonelly, Jr. wrote: “Under her guidance Sequim Wheelers has grown from a handful of volunteers with a single bike to a 5-bike fleet and nearly 100 volunteers.”

Gagen wrote about Lepping’s inspiration after watching an Illinois-based bike program video and wanting to start one in the Sequim area. He said that four characteristics he sees in Lepping are kindness, creativity, courage and love.

Award luncheon

The Sequim Gazette is the Sunshine sponsor of the event, which will be held at The Cedars at Dungeness, 1965 Woodcock Road.

Publisher Eran Kennedy, past chamber president, will present the Citizen of the Year award and will serve as the next Citizen of the Year committee chair.

The Sequim Gazette will post the winner on its website, sequimgazette.com, immediately following the chamber luncheon.