2024 Citizen of the Year

Upon the submission of a thoughtful nomination, the Selection Committee has named Aaron Cooper the recipient of the 2024 Jim Miller Ely Citizen of the Year! Volunteers are the heart and soul of every community which is why Ely is fortunate to have someone like Aaron helping make Ely a better place for us all to call home.

After reading through the nomination, it was easy to see why Aaron is deserving of such recognition. Over the two decades he has lived in Ely, he have been actively involved with the Friends of the Ely Public Library, College Community School District, and also 24 years of service as a volunteer in the Ely Fire Department, including his current position of Fire Chief. This does not even include short-term volunteerism such as serving on the steering committee for the City’s Comprehensive Plan. He has worked to secure grants with the purpose of extending STEM opportunities; as well as donated financially to the library’s mission of early literacy, impacting countless young residents in our community.

For these reasons and so many more, it is our pleasure to announce Aaron Cooper as the 2024 Ely Citizen of the Year!

Please join us in celebrating all of Ely's wonderful volunteers and Aaron at the annual Community Potluck on March 24!