2007 Citizen of the Year - Dewey Stokes

Dewey R. Stokes has been a staunch and committed supporter of the real estate industry. For years, he has held the line on transfer taxes, been open and accessible to our members and has keep us abreast of real estate issues being heard by the commission. His work, both professionally and in the community, has been exemplary -- making him an outstanding leader and choice as our 2007 Citizen of the year.

Dewey has lived in Franklin County all his life and has spent the past 12 years as a County Commissioner. He has worked side by side with elected officials, community leaders and its citizens to continue to make Franklin County one of the best counties in America.

Dewey has been a "public servant" in the truest sense of the word. He served the public as a Columbus Police Officer for 26 years and as County Commissioner for 12 years. During his tenure as a Columbus police officer, Dewey Stokes was elected by his peers as President of Local Lodge #9 and eventually elected as President of the National Fraternal Order of Police serving in that capacity for 8 years. To this day, he continues to serve on the local and National Fraternal Order of Police Boards.

As a boy, Dewey spent a great deal of time at the Boys and Girls Club of Columbus thereby making him aware of the need to promote such outlets for our youth. He gives credit to the organization for helping to shape his character and to this day supports organizations that are committed to helping our children develop the necessary skills to become good citizens.

Dewey is a graduate of Groveport High School and the Law Enforcement Academy. He has served on numerous boards such as the Solid Waste Authority, Columbus Area Labor Management, and Villas at St. Theresa Independent Living Center. He is currently active with the The Shamrock Club of Columbus, Kiwanis, Hilltop Business Association, Charity Newsies and is a member of the Martin Luther King Center.

Dewey and his wife Florence have been married for over 40 years and have four children and six grandchildren.