A longtime educator is now the Redmond Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year.

Mike McIntosh took over as Redmond School District superintendent in 2012 and has brought stability to the position after being named the district’s the fifth superintendent since 2003.

But giving back to the city started well before that. McIntosh describes himself as the “poster child for all things Redmond” on the district’s website.

In accepting the award at the Chamber’s Jan. 13 annual awards dinner, McIntosh said numerous people have helped him.

“It’s the people that you surround yourself with and live to serve others,” he said. “And create relationships along the way.”

McIntosh was initially planning to miss the ceremony because he was going to be out of town. But he canceled his travel plans when concerns of snow collecting on roofs of schools caused classes to be let out early Jan. 12 and canceled Jan. 13.

Before becoming superintendent, McIntosh was with the district for 15 years. In 2002, McIntosh was nominated to represent Central Oregon in the National Distinguished Principals Program while serving as principal at M.A. Lynch Elementary. He was also principal at Hartman, Gregory and Terrebonne Community School before moving to the district office, where he was director of finance and operations before taking on the top job.

McIntosh is “homegrown,” graduating as Redmond High School’s valedictorian in 1981. He attended Central Oregon Community College and earned an associate degree in forestry before working for the U.S. Forest Service for five years and before returning to school in 1988. He went to what’s now Eastern Oregon University, where he earned his bachelor’s in education. He received his master’s degree and administrative license in 1995. According to the Chamber, education became his primary focus after that.

“With a strong desire to help every child reach their full potential, he has worked relentlessly to push toward this goal,” said Craig Unger, the 2016 Citizen of the Year, in introducing McIntosh.

McIntosh has been married to his wife, Joanna, since 1987. They have three children. He also loves farming and draft horses.

McIntosh was one of several Redmond individuals and businesses honored by the Chamber at its annual awards banquet, which was held at Eagle Crest conference center.

Other honorees included:

Business of the Year, Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards — Cindy and Roger Grossman, the husband and wife owners of the Terrebonne winery, have developed their winery into a key player in area agritourism, said Brenda Kelly, the Chamber’s outgoing president. They combine award-winning wine with an event center that plays host to concerts, weddings and car shows. They also develop homesites around the vineyard, with access to a private lake, guest ranch and alpacas.

New Business of the Year, BasX Solutions — The company continues to grow since it came to Redmond in 2013, filling up the vacant Wal-Mart space off S. U.S. Highway 97. BasX expanded to 160 employees with $23 million in revenue in 2015, up from 56 workers with $4.3 million a year earlier, the Chamber said. Sales in 2016 were expected to double those from 2015. In June 2016, BasX was recognized as Oregon’s fastest growing private company by the Portland Business Journal.

“Redmond is very fortunate to have this manufacturer of custom engineered products located right here,” Kelly said. “Taking the former vacant Wal-Mart building and creating solid wage jobs makes this company deserving of recognition and appreciation.”

Community Involvement award, Amber Wilson of Umpqua Bank — Wilson has been involved with hospice of Redmond’s Festival of Trees, the Ridgeview Ravens Booster Club, Junior Achievement, Redmond Executive Association, Kiwanis and Central Christian School’s annual dinner.

“This tireless and hardworking woman always has a smile and boundless energy,” Kelly said.

Innovation in Business award, Redmond Athletic Club — The gym earned the award because of its implementation of 24-hour access, as well as bringing in new programs, equipment and providing a clean atmosphere. The award goes to companies that demonstrate creativity, ingenuity and vision that keeps it viable in a changing environment.

President’s Choice Award, General Federation of Women’s Clubs — Kelly chose the agency that “adopts” 16 underprivileged teens from Family Access Network and sponsors Chair-ity for Children, where artists design and paint chairs to be auctioned off through local business. Money raised goes to Sparrow Clubs, which assist children with medical needs.

Other awards included:

Ambassador of the Year, Joann Wheeler

Customer Service award, Redmond Shoe Repair

— Reporter: 541-548-2186, gfolsom@redmondspokesman.com