Chris Knisely was awarded Woman of the Year for her trailblazing and leadership in local politics and community engagement. Knisely retired in 2023 after serving as the first female president of Athens City Council, a position she held from 2015-2023. Prior to that she served as an at-large council member from 2008-2014. During her time on council, she worked to strengthen city and university relations and to support affordable housing and senior services. She mentored fellow council members and she was an active and visible community volunteer.

Knisely has been active with the League of Women Voters of Athens County and other local organizations. She has mentored other women in the county to become politically active and involved.

The Woman of the Year award honors outstanding women in Athens County who exhibit a courageous voice that has been – or needs to be – recognized and who make a difference to the lives of women or girls in Athens County.

The mission of the Women’s Fund of the Athens County Foundation is to promote philanthropy among women and to establish a permanent fund that will provide funding to programs and projects in Athens County which empower women to achieve their full potential. Each year, the Women’s Fund awards grants to Athens County nonprofits that benefit women and girls.

Jeff Swaim was recognized as Senior of the Year for his service in helping to combat financial fraud that is often targeted at senior citizens. Swaim was born and raised in Athens County and he is vice president and treasurer of Hocking Valley Bank, where he has worked for 32 years. He has been active in a wide range of bank-initiated community outreach efforts over his career.

In recent years, Swaim has been actively involved with senior and community organizations to educate seniors about identifying and responding to mail, computer and telephone fraud schemes targeting them. His local roots and family, plus knowledge of local people, places and events have fostered trust and comfort with the organizations, families and individuals he serves. Swaim often visits senior bank clients in their homes or assisted living facilities to balance check books, discuss financial strategies and to answer questions and share information.

In recent years, Swaim has been actively involved with senior and community organizations to educate seniors about identifying and responding to mail, computer and telephone fraud schemes targeting them. His local roots and family, plus knowledge of local people, places and events have fostered trust and comfort with the organizations, families and individuals he serves. Swaim often visits senior bank clients in their homes or assisted living facilities to balance check books, discuss financial strategies and to answer questions and share information.

The Athens Jaycees Senior Fund through the Athens County Foundation awards the Senior of the Year annually to a senior (65 or older) who has provided key leadership in our community, especially related to issues affecting the quality of life of seniors or in the area of philanthropy.