This special evening will be an opportunity to reflect on the city of Pawtucket’s accomplishments in the past year and look ahead to a transformative 2025! The newly inaugurated, state-of-the-art stadium will serve as our setting to honor an illustrious class of award honorees – Sandra C. Cano (Development), Brett M. Johnson (Person of the Year), and Senator Jack F. Reed (Heritage) – for their outstanding contributions to Pawtucket’s vitality, prosperity, and quality of life.
The 2025 Awards Celebration will bring together business leaders, public officials, and community advocates for an inspiring night of recognition and celebration.
Bank of America BETA Group Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket Centreville Bank Cooley Group Cox Communications Dalkey Management Dimeo Construction Empowerment Factory Fuss & O’Neill Hilb Group of New England LLB Architects Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP Peyser Real Estate Group Polisena Construction Santander Shri Studio, Service Corps and Bark Strategic Retirement Partners Tides Family Services VHB Wells Fargo
Blackstone Valley Tourism Council Chatterton Insurance Duffy & Sweeney Horan Law Leshinsky Finance, LLC Narragansett Bay Commission Stifel, Nicolaus & Company
The Heritage Award recognizes Senator Reed’s outstanding long-term commitment to the quality of economic and community life in the city of Pawtucket. Senator Reed’s contributions have been indispensable to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the vitality, rich heritage and culture of Pawtucket. His dedication to Pawtucket's economic prosperity, connectivity, housing stability, historic preservation, and public safety has left an indelible mark on the city and has inspired others to take pride in our shared history.
The Development Award recognizes Sandra Cano’s exceptional contributions to economic development in the city of Pawtucket. Sandra’s conviction around Pawtucket’s potential and exemplary leadership in both the public and private sector has significantly advanced economic growth and enriched the fabric of Pawtucket. Her historical record driving economic activity and championing small businesses has made a profound impact on the city, encouraging others to embrace our collective history.
The Person of the Year Award celebrates Brett Johnson’s unwavering commitment to Rhode Island, with a particular emphasis on his contributions to the city of Pawtucket. Brett’s visionary leadership on the Tidewater Landing development has elevated the city's ambitions, spearheading the transformation of a formerly industrialized area into a vibrant, sports-anchored waterfront district—a place where people will want to live, work, and enjoy life. His persistence and ability to bring this vision to life exemplifies the qualities of leadership, accountability, and creativity that this award seeks to honor.
Please contact Gaetan L. Kashala at gkashala@pawtucketfoundation.org for more information.