Joseph H. Kanter Citizen of the Year Award

Joseph H. Kanter Citizen of the Year Award

Overview: Granted to a private citizen who has exemplified active citizenship in contributing to the public good.

Background: Named for Joseph H. Kanter, NCoC's long-time chairman. During World War II, Kanter served in the 102nd Infantry and landed on Omaha Beach, then fought through France, Holland, and Germany. After his father's death while serving overseas, he returned to his native Alabama and ran his family's general store. He formed a company to build veterans' housing and became one of the largest apartment builders and "new town" developers in the United States. His patriotic vision catalyzed the National Conference on Citizenship in the 1970s and beyond. As a philanthropist, Kanter was a longtime advocate of efforts to improve public health and civic engagement. In 1964, he established the Joseph H. Kanter Family Foundation, which has supported educational institutions, physical fitness initiatives, health outcomes research, and other charitable endeavors.

Eligibility: Private citizens demonstrating active citizenship and contribution to the public good

Award Frequency: Presented annually at the National Conference on Citizenship's Annual Conference

Recent Recipients

• 2021: Frontline Healthcare Workers
• 2020: First-Time Pollworkers
• 2019: Desmond Meade (President of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition)
• 2018: G. S. "Mack" McCarter (Founder and Coordinator of Community Renewal International)
• 2017: Robert Putnam (Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University)
• 2016: Arthur Dean (Chairman and CEO of Community Anti Drug Coalitions of America)
• 2013: David Rubenstein
• 2012: Jack Miller (founder and former President and CEO of Quill Corporation)
• 2011: Jean & Steve Case
• 2010: Rick Stengel (Managing Editor, TIME Magazine)
• 2008: Eugene Lang (Founder of the "I Have a Dream" Foundation)
• 2007: Ray Chambers (World Health Organization Ambassador for Global Strategy)
• 2006: Irasema Salcido
• 2005: Congressman Lee H. Hamilton
• 2004: Senator Harris Wofford

Contact: National Conference on Citizenship, Washington, DC