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The heart of Tillamook County is not found in its landmarks or its landscapes, but in the tireless spirit of the people who call this place home. In the final installment of our 2025 Chamber Community Award highlights, we celebrate the selfless individuals who represent the best of our community’s spirit and leadership. This year’s Citizen of the Year nominees represent servant leadership, from veterans and healthcare pioneers to advocates for our youth and protectors of our animals. Each of these finalists has looked at a need in our community and met it with unwavering dedication, often working behind the scenes without expectation of praise. These are the neighbors who build our future, one act of service at a time.
Vanessa Cham is deeply committed to strengthening Tillamook County through her leadership, service, and care for local families. As the Executive Director of the Tillamook Early Learning Center, she leads essential daycare, nutrition, and education services to nearly 60 local families. Her passion for child safety led her to spearhead the “Dive Into Water Fun & Safety” event in Garibaldi, which provides free life jackets and education to hundreds of children. Beyond her professional role, Vanessa serves on the boards of both the Kiwanis Club and the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum. A devoted mother and caregiver to her extended family, Vanessa’s tireless work ethic and heart for service make her a community treasure.
Barbara McCann has been the driving force behind the North County Recreation District since 1995. When the local school district moved out, Barbara spearheaded the effort to save the building and pool, successfully placing the recreation district on the ballot. For nearly 30 years, she has been the “common thread” ensuring the facility’s survival through numerous successful bond measures. Most recently, Barbara defied the odds by leading the $8.2 million campaign to build a modern aquatics center, ensuring that health, safety, and community connection remain a legacy for North County for generations to come.
Judy Riggs embodies the spirit of service, integrity, and dedication that defines Tillamook County. An Air Force Veteran, Judy’s commitment to others was forged in the highest levels of duty. Locally, she served as Garibaldi’s Postmaster for 14 years and later as Mayor, always prioritizing the dignity and security of every resident. Her volunteerism is boundless, from staffing the Garibaldi Museum to her tireless work at God’s Lighthouse Food Pantry. Whether she is personally hauling groceries for families in need, maintaining Highway 101 through the Adopt-a-Road program, or coordinating the Giving Tree for local children, Judy leads with a smile and a genuine heart.
Eric Sappington enhances the quality of life in Tillamook County through a unique blend of artistic talent and community mentorship. Whether he is enriching local lives with his music or supporting youth through the YMCA’s Court 4 program, Eric’s presence is a constant source of encouragement. He is the first to step in when a need arises, always showing up with a positive attitude and a signature smile. Beyond his artistic gifts, Eric’s willingness to serve whenever called upon and his genuine gratitude for those around him make him an exceptional neighbor and an outstanding part of our community.
Nelia Seratista is widely known throughout Tillamook for her extraordinary generosity and open-door spirit. As the owner of Pacific Restaurant, she has transformed her business into a community hub, frequently providing her space free of charge for non-profits, school groups, and fundraisers. Nelia has a unique ability to mobilize dedicated volunteers for vital causes like Tides of Change and Shop with a Cop. From donating food to hosting the annual law enforcement dinner, Nelia’s selfless investment in local organizations and consistent support make her a respected part of the county.
Eric Swanson exemplifies servant leadership through his commitment to the health of Tillamook County. As President of Adventist Health Tillamook, Eric has led transformative healthcare improvements, most notably his multi-year mission to restore local dialysis services in 2025. Recognizing the physical and financial toll long-distance travel took on vulnerable patients, Eric navigated complex regulatory and financial hurdles to bring this lifesaving care back to the community. He pursued this difficult task not for institutional gain, but to ensure residents could receive treatment with dignity, keeping families together and providing a vital safety net for those in need.
Dusty Trost, Principal Broker of Rob Trost Real Estate, leads his team with a rare blend of strength, vision, and heart. Since stepping into leadership in 2019, he has not only upheld his father’s legacy but expanded it through a culture of quiet, sincere service. From revitalizing the Netarts park to his steadfast support of 4-H and local youth, Dusty consistently invests in the traditions that define Tillamook. Though he prefers to stay out of the spotlight, his hands-on generosity and humble leadership inspire a ripple effect of kindness throughout the entire county.
Nonda Zwald has dedicated over a decade to animal welfare and community service in Tillamook County. Following the creation of the “Mutt Strutt” in honor of her daughter, Sondi, Nonda became the driving force behind Tillamook K9 Rescue. Under her leadership, a deteriorating building was transformed into a functional shelter that provides a safe haven for lost and abandoned dogs. Nonda has rallied local contractors, organized microchip clinics, and partnered with law enforcement to fill a vital gap in local services. Her tireless advocacy, integrity, and compassion have ensured that countless animals find their forever homes and a second chance.
Choosing just one recipient from such an extraordinary group is a daunting task, as each of these eight individuals has left a mark on the fabric of our community. Their stories remind us that whether through a lifelong career of service or a quiet, daily commitment to kindness, every resident has the power to create a ripple effect of positive change. We invite you to join us in honoring these local heroes and celebrating their contributions at the Chamber Community Awards Banquet on Saturday, January 24th, at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds. This is our night to say “thank you” to those who make Tillamook County a better place for us all. Tickets are selling fast, visit tillamookchamber.org/rsvp to secure your tickets today!