Chief Ben named Citizen of the Year

Choctaw Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben has been named Citizen of the Year by the Community Development Partnership.

CDP President David Vowell made the announcement Tuesday morning following the selection committee’s decision. 

Ben will be presented with his award this Monday night during the CDP’s Banquet at the Neshoba County Coliseum starting at 6:30 p.m.

“I am honored to be chosen the 2022 Citizen of The Year,” Ben said. “As a life-long resident of Neshoba County, this title means a great deal to me. To be among the distinguished individuals who have held this title and the first Choctaw Tribal member to do so, again, it is a tremendous honor.”

Ben is the fifth democratically elected Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. He was first sworn into office on July 9, 2019.

Two other awards will be presented at the banquet.

The Large Business of the Year will be presented to The Neshoba County Fair. The Clothesline will be presented the Small Business of the Year.

The program for the evening will be the focus on Workforce Development for Philadelphia and Neshoba County.

The meal will be catered by The Neshoba County Shrine Club. Call (601) 656-1000 for tickets.