Deborah Petty can now be added to the list of among the most recognized members of the Tomball community.

Petty was named the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce’s (GTACC) 43rd Citizen of the Year on Dec. 16, joining the likes of some of the most recognized names in the city’s history.

“It’s a huge, huge honor,” she said. “To be considered for Citizen of the Year for any town just means people appreciate what you have done in the community.”

Petty’s resume of involvement in the Tomball community is long and diverse. She serves as a board member and treasurer for TOMAGWA, is a member of the Tomball Rotary Club, serves as vice chair of the board of directors for the GTACC, was president in 2002 of the Tomball Business and Professional Women, a 2006 graduate of Leadership North Houston and a volunteer for Boys and Girls Country.

She has also volunteered for and contributed to March of Dimes, United Way, Houston Area Women’s Center, Open Door Mission, the American Cancer Society and more.

Among those who nominated Petty for this year’s award were Regional Manager of Spirit of Texas Bank, Rick Pritchett; George Arnau, Executive Vice President of Woodforest National Bank; Jason Sirkel, TBPW President Nancy Milberger and TOMAGWA Director Judy Deyo, who also submitted Petty’s formal nomination application.

“Deborah is one of the most selfless persons, always giving toward the support and betterment of others in time, as well as finances,” Deyo wrote in her nomination. “Her compassion and love of fellow man is evident in how she lives her daily life. The word no is not in her vocabulary.”

As has become a recent tradition in naming the Citizen of the Year, representatives from the GTACC, as well as former winners of the award, surprised Petty at her Woodforest Bank office last week with balloons and flowers.

“It’s a humbling experience because I know who the former Citizens of the Year have been,” she said.

Former winners David Quinn (2009), Sandy Krug (1996), Diane Holland (1987), Stephen Hohl (2005), Ron Haffner (2007), Merritt Spencer (2004), Mary Harvey (2008), Jack Frey (1998) and Lori Klein Quinn (1993) were among those who attended the impromptu ceremony.

“The founding fathers of the community, the stalwarts of Tomball are all on that list, and now I’m included?” Petty said. “Oh my gosh.”

Petty will be recognized again at the GTACC’s annual Chairman’s Ball, set for Jan. 21, 2011, at Shirley Acres.

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