Thomas Lyall to receive the Dick Johnson Civic Leadership Award

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- A local businessman is being awarded for his hardwork and dedication to Muskingum County.

Each year, an outstanding member of the community is awarded the Dick Johnson Civic Leadership Award at the annual Groundhog Day celebration hosted by the Muskingum County Community Foundation. MCCF CEO, Brian Wagner, said the award goes to a Muskingum County resident that “combine outstanding achievements in business, community leadership, and philanthropy” to help the community.

“The Dick Johnson Civic Leadership Award is an award established by the Community Foundation to really recognize and honor individuals who over their careers have really given back to Muskingum County; and helped our county grow and helped our county become much better each and every year.”

This year the award is going to Thomas Lyall the Chairman of the Board of Century National Bank. Lyall is well known in the community for serving on several boards and committees and spending his time helping others.

“I’ve served on a lot of boards and a lot of committees and whatnot. I really have kind of leaned towards a lot of chamber stuff, economic development stuff as a preference. But I’ve been on so many different boards it’s hard to mention them. I was on the Muskingum County Community Foundation and it was a special time for us.”

Lyall said it’s an honor to receive this award and it’s a blessing to give back.

“You meet the nicest people when you get out and serve in the community. And it’s been a real blessing to me to be able to do that. And I really appreciate the bank giving me the time to get out and serve the community. And as always when you get out and do that you learn as much and receive as much blessings than normally what you’re able to give back.”

Lyall also said people should be the change they want to see.

”It’s just an issue of quality of life. And that was my driving force: quality of life. Get out and try to help others. Make this area a better place to live with a higher quality of life. And so, that’s what I wanted to do. I’m a great believer that you don’t like the way things are then do something. Get involved yourself and try to make a difference.”

Lyall will be presented the award at the Groundhog Day event on January 26th at the OUZ-Zane State Campus Center. Lyall will be able select an organization to receive a thousand dollars donated in his name.