The Carmichael Chamber of Commerce on March 25 recognized its 2026 Persons of the Year at the Milagro Event Center. From left are, Suraj Gill, Josh Gumacal, Kendra Johnson, Rosie Buck, Natalya Sachuk, Donna Miller, Susan Maxwell Skinner, Barbara Safford, Aiman Nasrawi, Christina Lardie, Lisa McCargar (representing Meristem), Al Rich and Rania Tzikas. Not pictured are Kosim Latipov and Laurien Spiller. Photo courtesy of the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Between bursts of applause and champagne toasts, the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce on March 25 recognized its 2026 Persons of the Year at the Milagro Event Center, an annual tradition recognizing those who give back, strengthen local businesses and embody the spirit of Carmichael.

The sold-out awards dinner honored individuals and organizations with proceeds benefiting this year’s Nonprofit of the Year, Meristem.

At the center of the evening was the Chamber’s highest honor: Person of the Year, awarded to Susan Maxwell Skinner, a photojournalist, singer and longtime champion of Carmichael life.

“Every year, this award represents something special,” Chamber President Rosie Buck said. “This year, this decision came very quickly. Susan Skinner’s name came up again, and again.”

Person of the Year Susan Maxwell Skinner (third from right) joins Chamber board members Jessica Neves, Kerri Mandes, Brad Sanborn, Rosie Buck, Miranda Viani and Mike Rockenstein. Photo courtesy of Betty Cooper

Skinner’s journey to Carmichael is as layered as the stories she tells. Raised in New Zealand and trained as a reporter at 16, she later covered the British Royal Family from Buckingham Palace before moving to California. Since settling in Carmichael in 1989, she has documented the community through her writing and photography, capturing what she calls the ‘heart of small-town America’ during her more than 20 years as a writer and photographer for the Carmichael Times.

Accepting the award, Skinner reflected on the Chamber’s early struggles and the origins of the Person of the Year tradition. Her remarks blended humor and gratitude but also highlighted a deeper message about community interdependence.

“You can’t have a strong community without businesses. You can’t have strong businesses without community,” she said. “We live off each other.”

Skinner credited her late husband, bandleader John Skinner, and the broader community for shaping her love of Carmichael.

“In every picture I’ve done my best to make this small-town shine,” Skinner added.

Businesswoman of the Year Rania Tzikas, owner of Yanni’s Bar and Grill and Businessman of the Year Aiman Nasrawi, founder of Aquamarine Jewelers. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

Other honorees reflected that same spirit of connection.

Rania Tzikas, owner of Yanni’s Bar and Grill, was named Businesswoman of the Year for creating what Chamber Vice President Kerri Mandes described as “the kind of place where you run into friends, stay a little longer than you plan and always feel like you belong.”

“I’m very grateful,” Tzikas said. “Yanni’s is a place where everyone knows your name, we are part of this community.”

Businessman of the Year Aiman Nasrawi, founder of Aquamarine Jewelers, shared a similar sentiment as he marked nearly 30 years in business.

“This award is not only about me, it’s about everyone who helped me get to this level,” Nasrawi said. “I love Carmichael and I’m here to stay.”

The Carmichael Spirit Award went to longtime educator and volunteer Donna Miller, whose decades of service span local schools, the Kiwanis Club and numerous community initiatives.

Proceeds from the 2026 Persons of the Year award dinner were donated by the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce to this year’s Nonprofit of the Year, Meristem. From left are, 2026 Honorary Mayor Mike Rockenstein, Chamber President Rosie Buck and Meristem Executive Director Erin Schirm. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

“What truly sets Donna apart isn’t just what she’s done, it’s how she shows up,” Jeff Buck said, citing her “kindness, energy and genuine love for people.”

Miller, who has lived in Carmichael for more than five decades, emphasized her love for the community and shared ownership of the honor.

Meristem was recognized as Nonprofit of the Year for its work supporting neurodiverse young adults through job training and life skills programs.

“Eighty-five percent of individuals on the spectrum don’t have jobs,” Meristem Executive Director Erin Schirm said. “Our focus is helping them build the confidence to step out into the world and fulfill their passions.”

The Carmichael Legacy Award, awarded to a business that has been open for more than 20 years, honored Al Rich, founder of ACR Solar, for more than four decades of innovation in clean energy and a longstanding presence in the community.

Awarded to a business that has been open for less than 5 years, the New Business Award was presented to Suraj Gill owner of Surge VR Arena for bringing a high-tech, immersive experience to the area.

Barbara Safford (third from left) receives her Carmichael Ambassador award. The community volunteer is congratulated by Drs Kevin Tanner (left) and Gabrielle Rasi, Milagro Centre owners Susan and Allan Davis, Diana Rossmy, Rusty Dane and Supervisor Rich Desmond. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

Public service honorees — Josh Gumacal, Kosim Latipov, Natalya Sachuk and Kendra Johnson — were recognized for their behind-the-scenes work connecting residents to elected officials.“Growing up in Carmichael, it means a lot to be here and to give back,” Gumacal said.

Sachuk called the recognition “truly an honor,” while Johnson added, “If I can be a smiling face or a kind voice that helps people navigate the county, that’s what it’s all about.”

Additional honors included the Excellence in Leadership Award for Laurien Spiller, principal of California Montessori Project’s Carmichael campus, whose eight years of steady, student-centered leadership have helped elevate both staff and student success.

Barbara Safford was named Chamber Ambassador of the Year, recognized for more than five decades of civic involvement and unwavering support of local businesses. Those who know her say she doesn’t just promote local, she lives it, embracing the Chamber’s longtime motto: “ABC — Always Buy Carmichael.”

Christina Lardie received the Chamber Champion Award for her authenticity and growing community impact.

“Joining the Chamber has given me the opportunity to grow roots,” Lardie said. “The best way I can share my gratitude is to continue to improve and bring more value to this community.”

Throughout the evening, a common theme emerged, a deep pride in Carmichael and a belief in its people.

Or, as Skinner put it with a smile, “Carmichael is the best small town in the world.”