Carl R. Gerlach and Jill R. Flint Gerlach named 2023 Johnson Countians of the Year
The Johnson County Community College (JCCC) Foundation has selected Carl R. Gerlach and Jill R. Flint Gerlach, RN, M.S., as the 2024 Johnson Countians of the Year. This annual award honors community leaders who have made significant contributions to Johnson County.
The Gerlachs will be recognized at the Foundation’s annual fundraising gala, Some Enchanted Evening, on November 9, 2024.
The Johnson Countian of the Year award recognizes an individual or a couple who has made significant contributions to the Johnson County community. It is awarded every year as part of Some Enchanted Evening.
When JCCC Foundation leaders were planning the first Some Enchanted Evening event, they believed Johnson County should honor its community leaders.
They felt that given JCCC's role as a major community institution, the Foundation was the right organization to bestow the honors, so they established the idea of honoring a Johnson Countian of the Year as a part of Some Enchanted Evening.
The JCCC Foundation office accepts the nominations and a selection committee reviews them. In the spring, the Foundation announces the chosen recipient. In November, the recipient receives the award as part of the Some Enchanted Evening event.
The first honoree was the Rev. Robert Meneilly, founding pastor of the largest Presbyterian congregation in America and a champion of education. He proved to be a very popular choice and the award became a significant part of the event.
Past Johnson Countians of the Year
- 2023 - Dr. Roy Jensen
- 2022 - Steve Wilkinson
- 2021 - Clay Blair
- 2020 - Essential Workers
- 2019 - Frank H. Devocelle
- 2018 - Dr. David and Mary Zamierowski
- 2017 - Mark Gilman
- 2016 - Adam Hamilton
- 2015 - Mary Davidson Cohen
- 2014 - Dr. Gary Morsch
- 2013 - Lynn Mitchelson
- 2012 - Audrey Langworthy
- 2011 - 25th Anniversary
- 2010 - David Wysong
- 2009 - Peggy and Terry Dunn
- 2008 - Fred Logan
- 2007 - Dick and Barbara Shull
- 2006 - Norman and Elaine Polsky
- 2005 - Ed Eilert
- 2004 - Bob Regnier
- 2003 - Walt Hiersteiner
- 2002 - Mary Birch
- 2001 - Drue Jennings
- 2000 - Betty Keim
- 1999 - Steve Rose
- 1998 - Dr. Charles J. Carlsen
- 1997 - George and Floriene Lieberman
- 1996 - Sen. Dick Bond
- 1995 - William Dunn Sr.
- 1994 - Adele Hall
- 1993 - SuEllen Fried
- 1992 - James P. Sunderland
- 1991 - Stan and Shirley Rose
- 1990 - John H. "Jack" Robinson
- 1989 - Paul H. Henson
- 1988 - Ben Craig
- 1987 - Dr. Robert H. Meneilly