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2023 Citizen of the Year Finalists
This WESTIE is given to an individual(s) in the Greater Westlake Area who has contributed time, energy, and heart to the community, sometimes unnoticed. They are an inspiration for others to follow as he or she can influence others to accomplish the objective by providing purpose, direction, and motivation. It is in recognition of their outstanding contributions through civic and community service activities that have made them an inspirational role model for the Westlake community.(see below for past winners)
Finalist: Mayor Linda Anthony
Longtime West Lake Hills resident Linda Anthony has served our community since 2010, either on Zapco, the City Council or as mayor for the past 8 years. During Mayor Anthony's tenure as mayor, the city achieved significant milestones, including the completion of Bee Cave Rd.'s widening with added features like a center turn lane, bike lanes, and sidewalks. The successful passage of the city's inaugural bond election funded crucial road and drainage repairs and the construction of a new Municipal Complex. Additionally, Linda played a key role in negotiating the acquisition of 4010 Bee Cave Rd. for the new City Hall. Her leadership forged a robust partnership with Water District 10, improving water distribution and fire-flow pressure citywide. Linda advocated for initiatives such as semi-annual dead brush pickup, cleanups after the 2021 and 2023 winter storms, and the implementation of traffic calming measures. She also championed increased diversity on Zapco and the City Council, revised the Ethics Ordinance, and worked on digitizing city processes for greater efficiency and transparency. Linda's tenure prioritized fiscal stability through Fund Balance policies and collaborated with FEMA and Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve to enhance wildfire protection with shaded fuel breaks along the city's border.
Finalist: Cara Fox
Cara Fox is a champion for nonprofits and a connector of people and passions. A Westlake resident since 2010, she has helped lead volunteer fundraising efforts for Westlake United Methodist Church, Eanes Education Foundation, Westlake High School Chaparral Band, Generation SERVE, The Junior League of Austin, and Boy Scouts of America through Pack 66, Troop 70, and Bee Cave District of Capitol Area Council. At work, she’s served in leadership roles at The Christi Center, Cheyanna’s Champions 4 Children, and Upbring, most recently returning to her social work roots at Steve Hicks School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin. Cara loves engaging and inspiring others to take action in ways that build community, and if you meet/get to know her, you instantly have a higher likelihood of getting introduced to a cause that sparks your interest and needs your help. Her proudest accomplishment is partnering with her late husband Aaron to raise three boys who are informed, compassionate and engaged young men.
Finalist: Peggy McDonell
Meet Peggy McDonell, co-founder of Kidventure, a family business established in 1994. Initially focused on summer camps, Kidventure has expanded to include after-school programs in Austin, Houston and Dallas, celebrating its 30th anniversary with a continued commitment to positively impact campers, families, and staff. Peggy and her husband Mike have left an enduring imprint on over 50,000 Kidventure families. Outside Kidventure, Peggy is a devoted mother to MacKenna, Peyton, Hadley, and Michael Bennett. Actively volunteering at Barton Creek Elementary, she supports teachers, chairs monthly staff luncheons and fundraises for diverse organizations, and ensuring Thanksgiving meals for 150 families at Impact Now Dove Springs. Peggy extends her commitment to support Community First through Get Mad, promotes Best Buddies locally and internationally, and offers compassionate assistance to those facing challenges in and outside of the Westlake community. Her dedication exemplifies a lasting positive impact.
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Citizen of the Year
This WESTIE is given to an individual(s) in the Greater Westlake Area who has contributed time, energy, and heart to the community, sometimes unnoticed. They are an inspiration for others to follow as he or she can influence others to accomplish the objective by providing purpose, direction, and motivation. It is in recognition of their outstanding contributions through civic and community service activities that have made them an inspirational role model for the Westlake community.
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2023 Winner: Dr. Jeff Arnett
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2022 Winner: Elizabeth & Todd Dodge
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2021 Winner: Eanes ISD Nurses
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2020 Winner: EISD Board of Trustee, Heather Sheffield
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2019 Winner: EISD Superintendent, Dr. Tom Leonard
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2018 Winner: Cord Shiflet, Moreland Properties
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