TOP (From Right): Alex Fairly, Chris Ekstrom, Georgia Estrada, Hobert Brown, Idella Thomas-Jackson, Jerry Hodge, Josh Tillerson
BOTTOM (From Right): Leman Wall, Mildred Darton, Dr. Ronny Jackson, Dr. Scott Milton, Vance Snider, Walter Wendler, William Kearns
Photos provided by Fairly Group, Ekstrom Campaign, Estrada Campaign, I. Jackson campaign, Texas Tech University, WRCA, KFDA-TV, U.S. Navy, Snider Campaign, West Texas A&M University, and KARTS
Last week, our team at The Pioneer announced the 15 nominees who successfully made it to the final round of voting for our 2020 Amarillo Pioneer of the Year Award. This award honors the person who has made the biggest impact on Amarillo over the past year, and our readers submitted hundreds of deserving names as potential nominees for the position.
However, there could only be 15.
As our Pioneer of the Year voting continues through next month, we wanted to take a moment in today’s edition to highlight the 15 people who have been selected as finalists for this year’s award. All 15 people received multiple nominations during our first round nominating process and were submitted by our readers.
Here is a look at the 15 contenders for this year’s top prize awarded by Pioneer readers:
Alex Fairly, businessman and philanthropist
Alex Fairly is the president of the Fairly Group, an Amarillo-based risk consulting firm. Fairly has made news multiple times in the past year in Amarillo, as an outspoken supporter of Ronny Jackson’s congressional bid and as an opponent of Proposition A, which was soundly defeated by Amarillo voters on November 3.
Chris Ekstrom, former Republican congressional candidate
Chris Ekstrom is a Wichita Falls-based businessman who sought election to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry in the Republican primary earlier this year. Ekstrom ran an unabashedly conservative campaign, bringing key conservative elements to the race. Ekstrom placed third in the March 3 primary and was a key supporter for Ronny Jackson’s successful Republican primary runoff campaign.
Georgia Estrada, Potter County Precinct 2 Constable
A popular figure in her community, Georgia Estrada works for Potter County taxpayers as the Constable for Precinct 2. Estrada has earned multiple national and statewide awards for her work in Precinct 2 and was most recently re-elected in an unopposed race for her seat on November 3.
Hobert “Gunny” Brown, Jr., treasurer of Save Amarillo PAC
Hobert “Gunny” Brown is a United States Marine Corps veteran and community servant in Amarillo. Brown was instrumental in the defeat of Propositions A and B earlier this year, serving as the treasurer for Save Amarillo PAC.
Idella Thomas-Jackson, Potter County Precinct 4 Constable
Idella Thomas-Jackson is the Constable for Precinct 4 in Potter County. Thomas-Jackson is also a highly visible elected official in her precinct, working closely with citizens. Thomas-Jackson was re-elected to her position this year in a competitive race against a Republican challenger.
Jerry Hodge, former mayor and businessman
Jerry Hodge served as Amarillo mayor from 1977 until 1981 and has since remained a force in Amarillo politics. Hodge was a key figure in the formation of Miles of Greatness Fund, a Super PAC which supported Ronny Jackson’s campaign for Congress earlier this year. Hodge is also founder of Maxor National Pharmacy Services.
Josh Tillerson, activist
Josh Tillerson is a veteran and an Amarillo activist. Tillerson is perhaps best known for his work with local veteran organizations in Amarillo and also played a key role in local protests this year calling for government officials to reopen the Texas economy following shutdowns related to COVID-19.
Leman Wall, WRCA Association Manager
Leman Wall is the Association Manager for the Working Ranch Cowboys Association. The WRCA just wrapped up its annual rodeo event at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex, which is always a key event of the Fall season in Amarillo. Wall also played a role in discussions surrounding the proposed renovations to the Amarillo Civic Center Complex earlier this year.
Mildred Darton, North Heights Advisory Association President
Mildred Darton is the president of the North Heights Advisory Association and has been a key figure in discussions surrounding the future of the North Heights community. The North Heights Advisory Association has played a key role in numerous discussions, projects, and initiatives surrounding the future of the North Heights area and Amarillo as a whole.
Noah Clay Dawson, columnist and activist
Noah Dawson is the author of the “Noah’s Remark” column in The Pioneer and is also a writer for Lone Star Voice, a non-profit news organization. Dawson also made political moves this year, with his work as grassroots director for Save Amarillo PAC, which successfully defeated Propositions A and B in the November 3 general election.
Ronny Jackson, U.S. Representative-elect
Dr. Ronny Jackson is a former White House physician, U.S. Navy veteran, and the incoming U.S. Representative for Texas’ 13th Congressional District. After retiring from the Navy last year, Jackson, a Panhandle native, moved back to area to live in Amarillo. Jackson entered the crowded field to replace U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry on the day of the filing deadline, and went on to defeat the candidate backed by the incumbent in the crowded Republican primary. Jackson, also endorsed by President Trump, defeated Gus Trujillo and Jack B. Westbrook in the November election to earn his ticket to Washington.
Scott Milton, physician and Amarillo Public Health Authority
Dr. Scott Milton is an Amarillo-based physician. Milton has been perhaps the most high-profile doctor in Amarillo this year due to his role as Public Health Authority during the COVID-19 pandemic. From appearing on Zoom meetings providing medical advice to the Amarillo City Council to updating the public on the virus during press briefings, Milton has been a key figure in Amarillo’s response to COVID-19.
Vance Snider, former Republican congressional candidate
Vance Snider in an Amarillo railroad conductor, college student, and political activist who sought election to the U.S. House of Representatives in the Republican primary earlier this year. Snider placed sixth in the Republican primary and became one of the first of many former candidates to endorse Ronny Jackson for Congress. Snider then took a position with Trump Victory, becoming the face of Donald Trump’s re-election campaign in Amarillo and the Panhandle.
Walter Wendler, President of West Texas A&M University
Dr. Walter Wendler is the President of West Texas A&M University. Over the past year, Wendler has been a visible figure as the school deals with continuing to provide classes and services to students while managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
William Kearns, founder of Kearns Animal Rescue Transportation Services (KARTS)
For years, William Kearns has been a key figure in Amarillo rescue efforts in the Amarillo area. Kearns operates KARTS, an organization which helps provide transport services for animal rescue services. Like many other animal rescue organizations in Amarillo, KARTS never takes a break, recently wrapping up a transport of 28 cats and 5 dogs on Sunday, according to the organization’s social media.
For our readers who are ready to vote, click the button below to head to this year’s ballot!