The Chadds Ford Township Residents Association has named Jen Panaro its 2025 Citizen of the Year, recognizing her long-standing volunteer service and community leadership in the township.
The annual Citizen of the Year Award honors a Chadds Ford Township resident who has made significant volunteer contributions over time. The association said the award recognizes individuals whose efforts strengthen the community and help preserve the area’s character.
Panaro was cited for her work with the Rachel Kohl Community Library, her launch of the community-focused publication Connect Chadds Ford, and her involvement with several local nonprofit organizations.
Panaro has served on the Rachel Kohl Community Library Board of Trustees for nearly a decade and acts as the board’s liaison to Chadds Ford Township’s municipal government. She became treasurer early in her tenure and used her professional accounting and auditing experience to help stabilize the library’s finances, the association said.
She also led initiatives aimed at improving the library’s long-term sustainability, including the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, securing grant funding for a new roof, adding rooftop solar panels, and upgrading to an energy-efficient heating and cooling system. Panaro helped facilitate the launch of the library’s Seed Library and currently serves as president of the board.
In 2025, Panaro launched Connect Chadds Ford, a locally focused publication designed to build community connections and increase civic engagement in and around Chadds Ford. The publication highlights local businesses, provides information about municipal organizations, and encourages participation in grassroots community efforts.
Panaro is also active in several other community organizations, including the Chadds Ford Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Wellness Council, and Kennett Area Community Services, where she serves on the capital campaign committee. She recently helped launch the Chadds Ford Walking Club in partnership with the residents’ association.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
