Susan Maxwell Skinner (center) will be named 2026 Camichael Person of the Year at the March 25 Community Awards Dinner in Carmichael. Joining Skinner are fellow honorees Kendra Johnson, Natalya Sachuk, Suraj Gill, Barbara Safford, Aiman Nasrawi, Kosim Latipov, Donna Miller and Erin Schirm. Photo courtesy of Carmichael Chamber of Commerce

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) – The Carmichael Chamber of Commerce has announced their 2026 People of the Year Honorees. Among those named are photojournalist and singer Susan Maxwell Skinner, who has been named Carmichael Person of the Year for 2026.

Skinner has been a dynamo for Carmichael interests for decades. She has performed at park concerts, led the Chamber of Commerce and has written a book about the town where she and late husband, bandleader John Skinner, established a home.

Skinner will join other VIPs during the annual Community Awards Dinner on March 25. The Milagro Centre, located at 6241 Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael, will open their ballroom to host this Carmichael Chamber of Commerce celebration.

There will be no shortage of honorees named. Yianni’s restaurant/bar owner Rania Tzikas will receive Businesswoman of the Year laurels. Aquamarine Jewelers founder, Aiman Nasrawi, will become Businessman of the Year.

Rania Tzikas has welcomed customers of Yianni’s Bar and Grill for more than 12 years. The owner/manager will be named Businesswoman of the Year on March 25. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

The fundraiser event will share proceeds with the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year, Meristem. This Fair Oaks Boulevard learning center aids young adults with autism and other neurological disorders.

Award recipients are chosen by Chamber members and local leaders. This year, a new honor for Excellence in Leadership was designed for Montessori Project Principal Laurien Spiller.

“Teachers from Laurien’s school were voted Best Teacher for two years running in our Best of Carmichael contest,” explained Chamber President Rosie Buck. “The school was also voted Best Public School in 2024. As its Principal, Laurien has shown extraordinary leadership in shaping future leaders.”

A retired San Juan District teacher and powerhouse of local volunteerism, Donna Miller will receive a Carmichael Spirit award. Ambassador of the Year honors will go to Barbara Safford, an eight-year Friends of the Library leader.

Influencer Christina Lardie, who has amassed almost 5,000 Instagram followers, uses her social media profile to champion neighborhood interests. “She has dedicated countless hours to promoting businesses,” noted Buck. “For that, she earns our Chamber Champion award.”

Recognition will honor field officers of elected legislators. While their bosses are VIPs, humble staffers answer the phone to public concerns.

“These people are boots-on-the-ground in community life,” said Buck. “It’s important for the Chamber to acknowledge such vital contributors.”

Public Service awardees are Josh Gumacal (for Congressman Ami Bera); Kosim Latipov (for Senator Roger Niello); Natalya Sachuk (for Assemblyman Josh Hoover) and Kendra Johnson (for Supervisor Rich Desmond).

A timely Carmichael Legacy award will go to the ACR Solar business. Al Rich has been hands-on in solar service since 1979 and plans to hand the company baton to his son later this year. 

New Business of the Year recognition will honor Surge VR Arena. Operated by Suraj Gill, the high-tech company has established a niche market for fans of virtual sport.

Principal honoree Susan Skinner is a legend with a stepladder. The New Zealand-born photojournalist has chronicled (and often choreographed) Carmichael events for decades. The photojournalist has researched the colony’s history and archived scores of early pictures. Her award-winning photography is showcased in a coffee-table book (Carmichael Americana) that she defines as “a love letter to the small American town.”

The Chamber honor lands Skinner among exulted company. Former Persons of the Year include Sheriff John McGinness, broadcaster Kitty O’Neal, Supervisor Susan Peters, basketball star Vlade Divacs and baseball legend Dusty Baker. Last year’s winner was Milagro Centre figurehead Susan Davis.

“I’m surprised and thrilled,” said the 2026 recipient. “I’ve aimed to spotlight community interests and to applaud exemplary values, like patriotism and civic responsibility. I feel this award recognizes both my husband and me. John Skinner was a mentor behind my growth as an American.”

Chamber of Commerce President Rosie Buck said Skinner’s name surfaced so often in Person of the Year nominations that her selection was quickly cemented.

“Susan’s become something of a household name,” considered Buck. “She’s at an incredible number of events, so everybody knows her. Through pictures and stories, she’s spotlighted what is best about our community. Susan’s work keeps Carmichael on the map.”

Anyone can attend the March 25 gala at the Milagro Centre. Tickets are $90 for Chamber members; $100 for general admission. Catering is by Bella Bru. Business or cocktail attire is suggested. Sponsorships are available. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

 For information or reservations, visit www.carmichaelchamber.com