The call was from Richmond County Chamber of Commerce President Emily Tucker announcing Goodwin had been selected as the 2009 Richmond County Citizen of the Year.
“I had no idea I’d been nominated, I was absolutely speechless when she called,” Goodwin said. “I am honored beyond words and deeply humbled that I would have been nominated and selected.”
Goodwin has been in Richmond County since 1998 when she married her husband Wayne Goodwin and made Hamlet their home, where they now live with their two children.
Since making her home in Richmond County Goodwin has served as president of the Democratic Women of Richmond County, president of the Richmond County Junior Women’s Club, served on the Arts Council board, First United Methodist Church women’s circle, served on the founding board of the Christian Closet, was vice chair of what is now New Horizons and was a board of commissioners appointee to the Sandhills Area Mental Health Board.
“When I opened my practice in Hamlet after finishing law school, my husband was in the state house and he loved the community and I wanted to learn about and become a part of it,” Goodwin explained. “The best way to do that was to get involved with as many things as possible and it quickly became my home.”
“This is a great place to be and raise a family,” she added. “There are a lot of wonderful things about Richmond County. People here are good people. I’ve been proud to serve them in whatever capacity.”
Goodwin has served in the N.C. House of Representatives for three terms and she the experience has opened her eyes.
“My time in the House has enlarged my view of the people and the human condition,” she said. “It’s helped me empathize with people across the district who don’t have the same life situations as I do. It’s helped me advocate for those without a voice in the political process and it’s been an incredible experience that has absolutely changed my life.”
In 2007 Goodwin made the biggest jump in effectiveness in the state house and moved up from 73rd to 31st.
Goodwin said she’s not sure what she’ll do when her term is up, but that she’ll likely find something to get involved in.
“I’m sure I’ll find another cause to embrace and opportunity to advocate,” she said. “Even before law school I’ve always been a woman’s advocate and have always been passionate about that. I’m sure I’ll find something.”
Goodwin said she’s not sure who nominated her, but she’s incredibly honored.
“It’s such a tremendous honor for a community I care about so much and have invested so much of myself in,” Goodwin said.
In a press release from the chamber, board of director’s chairman Marchell Adams-David said, “Melanie has worked tirelessly for the betterment of our community during her tenure in the N.C. House. Her tenacity and work ethic is to be applauded, and what a wonderful way for our community to say thank you to her for her years of dedicated public service.”
Goodwin will be honored at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet scheduled for Jan. 28, at the Cole Auditorium on the campus of Richmond Community College.
Tickets are now on sale at the chamber and sponsorships are also available.
This year’s event will begin with a business meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium honoring Goodwin and conclude with a celebration in the banquet rooms at 7:30 p.m. featuring beach music favorite, The Catalinas.
The Citizen of the Year award is presented annually by the chamber and is recognized as the county’s highest honor. The recipient is chosen based on factors regarding their contribution to the community, either during the year, or over the course of their lives.
Staff writer Eren Tataragasi can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19 or at etataragasi@yourdailyjournal.com.
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