William & Mary wins 'Partner of the Year' award

Partner of the Year Award Leigh Houghland, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Greater Williamsburg & Tourism Alliance, Jim Golden, Senior Counselor to the President (center), Michael J. Fox, Assistant to the President, and Karen Riordan, President and CEO of the Greater Williamsburg & Tourism Alliance take a group photo after presenting the College of William & Mary with the Chamber's 2016 "Partner of the Year" award. Courtesy Photo

by Justin Thomas | February 29, 2016

The Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance presented William & Mary its Partner of the Year award at a Feb. 27 gala at the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg.

The award was given for the university’s partnership with the alliance on such events as the Summer of Freedom concert series and annual Christmas parade.

Assistant to the President and Secretary to the Board of Visitors Michael J. Fox and Senior Counselor to the President Jim Golden accepted the award on behalf of William & Mary.

The award, which is first of its kind, is given to local organizations that exemplify community-oriented partnerships that benefit the region at large.

“We are so thrilled to have such an outstanding partnership with the College,” said Karen Riordan, president and CEO of the chamber. “We’re able to produce programs that not only showcase the historic College of William & Mary, but also the Williamsburg area as a year round destination.”

In addition to William & Mary receiving an award from the chamber, Heritage Humane Society won Outstanding Non-Profit of the Year, and Corporate Citizen of the Year Award went to Yankee Candle.