LCUW Dickey Award to honor Thomas O’Connell
Mindful of the vital support received from community leaders and volunteers, Lycoming County United Way (LCUW) annually awards it highest volunteer honor with the presentation of the Douglas C. Dickey Humanitarian Award. The organization’s 2012 Dickey award will be presented to Thomas O’Connell, director of major and planned gifts for the Susquehanna Health Foundation, at the April 9th LCUW annual meeting at the Holiday Inn in Williamsport.
Named in honor of Douglas C. Dickey, a past LCUW president lost in the crash of TWA Flight 800, the award is presented to an individual whose dedication, commitment, and outstanding leadership have made a significant contribution to the welfare of Lycoming County. The award was first presented in 1947 as the Lycoming United Way Award and renamed in 1997 to honor Dickey’s memory and contributions to the local United Way.
O’Connell becomes the 67th honoree so selected over the years.
“The selection committee for this award is comprised of individuals who themselves have been past recipients of the award,” explained Scott N. Lowery, LCUW executive director. “These volunteers are in the best position to understand the importance of this award to our United Way and have previously exhibited the credentials necessary to achieve the honor. Tom has been very generous to both the community and our United Way; the committee was quick to agree he deserves the special recognition.”
“Tom has a great deal of experience and a long career in banking, trust and investments with local banks including Citizens & Northern, M&T Bank, Keystone Financial, and Northern Central Bank,” explained Lowery.
O’Connell is a CFP member of the Financial Planners Association and serves on the board of the Northern Central PA Estate Planners Association.
“His service to the community is as extensive as his 40 year career in banking. He is currently on the LCUW board of directors and serves as chair of funds distribution. He volunteers with St. Boniface and has served as an usher with the Little League World Series for 20 years,” added Lowery. “It is no coincidence that many of the recent progressive changes implemented within our organization were fulfilled under Tom’s leadership. He has a genuine concern for others and a management style conducive to positive action.”
“I choose to be active with and supportive of LCUW because of the agency’s integrity and accountability,” explained O’Connell. “LCUW volunteers have a broad-based, positive impact on the county-wide community and play a key role in delivering funds to agencies that service those in need.”
O’Connell has also served on the boards of Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, Williamsport/Lycoming Arts Council, and the Community Arts Center.
“The ranks of the past recipients of the Dickey Award are filled with the names of truly community-minded volunteers who have gone way beyond the normal call of duty to help others and move our organization forward. Tom’s inclusion among them is well-deserved and highly earned,” concluded Lowery.
O’Connell attended Pierce College and Widener University, is a graduate of Leadership Lycoming and is a Certified Financial Planner. O’Connell and his wife Gloria live in Williamsport and they have two daughters and three grandchildren.
O’Connell will receive the Dickey Award from George Tsunis, founder, chairman, and CEO of Chartwell Hotels, the 2011 LCUW honoree.
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