Chamber Names 2021 First Citizen Of Cherokee County Honoree

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce has named Jim Lindenmayer as the 46th recipient of the First Citizen of Cherokee County Award. He was honored during the chamber's 50th annual meeting on May 12.

Lindenmayer, 63, grew up on a farm just north of Herkimer, New York and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a bachelor of science in chemical engineering. Commissioned as an officer in the United States Army serving with the Armored Cavalry Branch of Combat Arms, Lindenmayer held various command and staff positions at both the troop level and the squadron level including platoon leader, troop executive officer, and squadron motor officer. His last assignment was at Fort Benning, Georgia where he was assigned to the Army Review Board to review the Infantry Fighting Vehicle. In 1989 he was discharged after serving in the Reserves following active duty. Following retirement in 2014 from HCL America as a senior account executive, and while working on his father’s VA claim, he sought a project that could make a difference in people’s lives.

In November 2014, after research and more than 20 years as a member of the American Legion, the Cherokee County Homeless Veteran Program was created, with Lindenmayer serving as director. He previously or currently volunteers with organizations and efforts such as Balance of State Homeless Committee through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Operation Not Forgotten, Adopt A Vet program along with veteran efforts through Cherokee County Senior Services. Having been recognized in 2018 with the Georgia State Daughters of the American Revolution Outstanding Veteran Volunteer Award, in 2019 Lindenmayer’s efforts were again highlighted during the dedication of the homeless veteran statue in Cherokee Veterans Park. Lindenmayer continues to serve fellow veterans in Cherokee County where he and his wife have lived for more than 26 years.

“The Cherokee County Chamber was honored to name Mr. Lindenmayer as the 46th recipient of the prestigious First Citizen of Cherokee County Award. It is obvious, based upon his accomplishments, why he was selected,” said Adam Smith, Synovus senior vice- president and commercial banker, and 2021 chamber board chair.

The title of First Citizen of Cherokee County is bestowed upon a resident of Cherokee County who has resided in the county for a minimum of five years and has shown significant meritorious service to his/her community through family, civic and/or religious involvement. A panel of out-of-town judges reviews the accomplishments of each applicant then the winner is chosen based upon merit. The 2021 recipient joins a list of honorees including former Canton physician Dr. Grady Coker, who was the initial recipient in 1971, along with William G. Hasty, Jr. who was selected in 2020.

For more information on the chamber and its programs, visit online.