CITY OF STAMFORD CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

In early 1942, at the onset of WWII, Pobie Johnston enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps.  She served with distinction as an administrative specialist at posts in Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas and is replete with interesting stories about her military experiences.  At war’s end, she received her honorable discharge with the rank of Sergeant, and returned to Stamford to commence an outstanding career which led, among other things, to her selection as Citizen of the Year in 1978.

Where do you start when you attempt to describe all that Pobie Johnston has contributed to the quality of life enjoyed by the citizens of our town?  Do you mention her time as executive director of the Citizens Action Council, followed by 17 years with the newly created SACIA, or spearheading the Urban Renewal Program, or working to ensure public support and monitoring the relocation of both residential and commercial tenants from the project area?  Do you point to her time as executive aide to the Mayor, or to her service on no less than five Charter Revision Commissions, or to her more than 20 years on the Grievance and Arbitration Panels of the Stamford Bar Association?

Pobie Johnston is a true practitioner of community service, and it is with pride and humility that we select her as an Honored Veteran.