WESTERLY â Michael âSpikeâ Lobdell, founder, president and CEO of New England Science & Sailing in Stonington, has joined a distinguished group of local residents.
Lobdell, widely applauded for creating one of the most successful community sailing programs in the country, is this yearâs Citizen of the Year, an award bestowed by the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce and considered by many to be the highest honor for business leaders in the two-state region.
Established in 1957, the award recognizes the âoutstanding leadershipâ and the âexceptional contributionsâ made by award-winners to the greater Westerly-Stonington region. In selecting the person to honor each year, chamber members consider qualities like community leadership, integrity and creativity. Candidates must also possess âstrong communication skills and broad social perspectives,â said Chamber President Lisa Konicki in a statement announcing the award.Â