The 2026 Panora and Lake Panorama Citizen of the Year Andrew Randol rides in the parade Saturday morning with the 2025 Panora and Lake Panorama Citizen of the Year JoAnn Johnson. Photo by Shane Goodman
By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette
Andrew Randol was chosen to receive recognition as the 2026 Panora and Lake Panorama Citizen of the Year. He is the chief executive officer and general manager of Panora Fiber, where he has been employed for more than 30 years.
This Panorama Days tradition occurred on a new day and time this year. The Citizen of the Year was to be announced Friday evening on the Main Stage in Panora so that the honoree could be in the parade on Saturday and be recognized throughout Panorama Days. Wind and rain forced the celebration to move inside at the Owl’s Nest, but the title of Panora and Lake Panorama Citizen of the Year was still bestowed upon a person who has clearly made a lasting impact on the community.
Randol’s nominator wrote, “I believe Andy provides outstanding leadership and service to our community, which goes well above and beyond the course of his professional duties. …
“Andy has been a longtime member of the Little Panther Daycare board of directors, for which he has been a tireless advocate.
“Andy recognizes the lack of reliable and affordable childcare is a bottleneck for communities like ours and has worked hard to ensure Panora and Lake Panorama are well-served.
“Andy has been the treasurer of the Panora and Lake Panorama Area Development Group (PRIDE) for decades. As treasurer, he has worked to ensure our group’s finances are managed in a responsible and transparent manner. Although the office of PRIDE president rotates annually. Andy has been a ‘constant’ for the group and has provided valuable counsel to those who have cycled in and out of the president’s role.
“Andy’s contributions to the community aren’t adequately captured by highlighting his formal roles as a Little Panther Daycare board member, or as a PRIDE officer. … Andy’s greatest contributions are found through the countless, intangible things he does every day.
“Andy plays a unique and valuable role in our community. He is one of the most considerate professionals with whom I’ve ever had the privilege of working. When Panora Fiber prepares their float for the Panorama Days parade, Andy’s first thought does not go to highlighting himself or the Panora Fiber staff. Instead, Andy highlights the community’s veterans and ensures they are honored by being invited to ride in their float. This is an example of Andy’s selfless nature.
“I occasionally meet Andy for coffee before work. I can’t count the number of times Andy returns to the counter after we’re done, so he can buy coffee for his staff or for fellow professionals on Main Street. Andy isn’t occasionally thoughtful … Andy is intentionally and consistently kind, thoughtful, and promotes camaraderie through his daily actions.”
The Panora Chamber of Commerce has recognized an outstanding member of the Panora/Lake Panorama community since 1989. The year 2020 was the only year the recognition did not take place. The organization encourages the public to nominate those who make a lasting impact on the community.
Previous Citizen of the Year winners:
- 1989 Kass Duis
- 1990 Galen Bymer
- 1991 Duane Miller
- 1992 Mary Beidelman
- 1993 Mary Jones
- 1994 Hugh and Merna Teale
- 1995 Dave Arganbright
- 1996 Ron Reynolds
- 1997 John Dungan
- 1998 Dale Grotjohn
- 1999 Cheryl Castile
- 2000 Frank Teale
- 2001 Dave Olson
- 2002 Carolyn England
- 2003 Pat Finnegan
- 2004 Julie Dent-Zajicek
- 2005 Dave Beidelman
- 2006 Judy Contner
- 2007 Chris Arganbright
- 2008 Vickie Ditsworth
- 2009 Barb Wollner
- 2010 Bette Donahey
- 2011 Joan Allen
- 2012 MJ Brown
- 2013 Karen Sievers
- 2014 Joe Scheiring
- 2015 John Rutledge
- 2016 Josh Arganbright
- 2017 Curtis Thornberry
- 2018 Jaime Waddle
- 2019 Bill and Connie Ridgley
- 2020 COVID year (none)
- 2021 Chaille Crandall
- 2022 Tom and Ellen Campbell
- 2023 Kirby Klinge
- 2024 Matt Harmann
- 2025 JoAnn Johnson
Andrew Randol receives a plaque Friday night at the Owl’s Nest recognizing him as the 2026 Panora and Lake Panorama Citizen of the Year. Photo by Cheryl Castile
Andrew Randol and Dave Arganbright share a laugh moments after Randol was recognized as the 2026 Panora and Lake Panorama Citizen of the Year. Photo by Cheryl Castile
Several family members of Andrew Randol were present when he received the 2026 Panora and Lake Panorama Citizen of the Year award. Pictured are Canyon Randol, Zoe Randol, Jeramy Randol, Beckham Randol, Jamy Randol, Andy Randol and Amy Randol. Photo by Cheryl Castile