By DOUG DONNELLY
Advance Editor
ADRIAN – Wendy Pizana leads by bringing people together. Rex Crist has shown a tenacity for keeping local businesses thriving. And, Rebecca Molina has used her position at Goodwill to connect those in need in Lenawee County.
Those were just three of the honorees last week by the Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce, which held its 2026 annual awards ceremony, presenting a total of eight awards at the Adrian Armory.
Crist, a Blissfield native, was first up on the night’s award card. The local business owner who owns more than 30 Lightning Quick gas stations, two county golf courses and The Advance parent company, Meadowbrook Media, was presented the Addison J. Comstock Award, sponsored by Citizens Gas.
The award is intended for individuals who impact the future of the county with their vision, tenacity and devotion.
“There is a special kind of magic that happens when a leader doesn’t just live in the community but is truly invested into it,” said Todd Brown, the chairman of the event. “Rex understands that a connected community is a strong community.”
He credited Crist with keeping vital institutions locally owned.
“He isn’t just building businesses, he is building a team and a future where everyone has a seat at the table,” Brown said.
Crist told the crowd that while the award has his name on it, there were a lot of people behind it, including his wife, Linnie.
Wendy Pizana, a Britton Macon High School alumna and current branch officer for County National Bank in Tecumseh, was presented the Ann Hughes Legacy Leadership Award, sponsored by Siena Heights University.
The Tecumseh bank executive was called a “powerhouse” by presenter Sara Chrenko, the director of development at Siena Heights. “Wendy is a catalyst for progress,” she said. “She doesn’t just join boards – she leads them.”
In accepting the award, Pizana said she loves bringing people together. “One of mygreatest joys is helping others in difficult moments and lifting them up,” she said.
The Align Center for Workforce Development was given the Beautification Award, sponsored by Krieghoff-Lenawee Co., for their efforts to renovate a former school and church into a training center, event space and office space on the east side of Adrian.
Lenawee Now Executive Director Patrick Farver said the he was proud to be part of the project in taking an “old building” and breathing new life into it.”
County National Bank received the Above & Beyond Excellence Award, sponsored by Mannik & Smith Group. The award is designed to recognize a business, organization or professional that demonstrates strong ethical values, community commitment and engagement, and environmental stewardship.
Lexie Carr, wealth management assistant at County National Bank, was named the Outstanding Young Professional Award, sponsored by Clift Buick GMC.
Gary Clift called Carr a “rising star in her field” and a “shining example of what it means to lead with empathy and dedication.”
Carr called the award special and thanked, among others, her parents.
“My success could not have been achieved alone,” she said. “I am fortunate enough to work around such great individuals who inspire to make myself and my community better every day.”
Ronnie Giles Jr., the executive director for the Align Center for Workforce Development in Adrian, was presented the Growing Talent Award, sponsored by Michigan Works Southeast.
Presenter Sam Lofton said Giles has “worked tirelessly” and created a bridge of opportunity in the community that previously did not exist.
Giles, a Minnesota native who came to Lenawee County to play football at Siena Heights University and has made Adrian his home, called God his foundation.
“This award is truly only the beginning,” he said.
The Making a Difference Award, sponsored by County National Bank, was given to Rebecca Molina, manager of mission engagement for Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Michigan.
“Rebecca is the definition of ‘boots on the ground,’” said presenter Rachel Emery. “In a short period of time, Rebecca has revolutionized the way Goodwill connects with Lenawee County.”
Molina called the award “deeply meaningful.”
The final award went to Cassandra Hermosillo, representing WesBanco Banking Center, who earned the Chamber Ambassador of the Year honor.
Pizana said Hermosillo is a “tireless promoter in everything” the chamber does, adding that she has an infectious enthusiasm.”
Leave a Reply