A former Grey County Warden and local lawyer has won a prestigious award recognizing his commitment to the public and community service.
Selwyn Hicks is this year's recipient of the Lincoln Alexander Award from the Law Society of Ontario.
Hicks was honoured after dedicating more than 40 years to public service.
Before his call to the bar in 2003, Hicks was a social worker for 13 years. A year later, he opened a law practice in Hanover.
Hicks volunteered with several community organizations and groups, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Hanover Chamber of Commerce and the Physician Recruitment.
Hicks served on Hanover Council between 2006 and 2022. In 2015, he became Deputy Mayor of Hanover and took a seat on Grey County Council. In 2019, he was elected Grey County Warden for the first time, a position he was re-elected to in 2021 and 2022. He was the first person of a visible minority to hold the office.
Hicks served on various committees, including the Bruce Grey Poverty Taskforce, the Grey County Affordable Housing Taskforce, and the Mental Health and Addictions Taskforce.
“Anyone who has had the opportunity to get to know Selwyn knows public service is his passion. Whether serving as an elected official, a board representative, or a volunteer, Selwyn has worked tirelessly to support people, especially those who are vulnerable,” said Grey County Warden Brian Milne. “On behalf of Grey County Council, I extend my congratulations to Past Warden Hicks and our sincere thanks for all the great work he does for our communities.”
The Lincoln Alexander Award was created in honour of The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander, known for his dedication to the people of Ontario and the legal community.
The award is granted only to members of the Law Society of Ontario and is awarded annually.