The right man: Keith Gunnet's gift is his ability to lead, and to give, unselfishly

You wouldn't have seen it if you were not looking directly at him as the list of his accomplishments revealed that Keith Gunnet was the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce's 2014 Cornerstone Award honoree.

He would look down occasionally and purse and unpurse his lips as he listened.

He wasn't upset at the choice, but he wasn't comfortable with it either.

And it had nothing to do with the duck hunting trip that had been delayed.

When Keith Gunnet was finally called to receive the plaque and to accept the honor, he summed up the thoughts that likely were running through his head as he sat through the well-prepared surprise.

"I don't like to get a lot of credit. I just like to help. I'm not sure I'm deserving of this, but I certainly do appreciate it."

Of all the statements made through the presentation, only that second to last comment did not ring true.

Keith Gunnet not only was deserving of the honor he received last night, he was the only one in the room who even had a shadow of a doubt.

The best kind of leaders are those who do not seek the spotlight. They pass credit around to those who serve with them, claiming only to be the one who holds the title, not the one who does the work.

And that is why Keith Gunnet was only mildly suspicious when his colleagues insisted he attend the chamber's annual awards ceremony.

Surely there are plenty of people who deserve this honor -- he could name a whole list.

And there, in a nutshell, is why his service has meant so much to this community and to those lucky enough to have been part of the efforts he has led to improve the county in which he lives.

He is shining example of a servant leader, a man whose priorities are what he can do for others -- and what he can encourage others to do for their community -- not what accolades he can gain for himself.

Keith Gunnet has been instrumental in so much that has been good in Wayne County, leading the way as a member of everything from the United Way of Wayne County Board to the Wayne Community College Foundation.

And those are just a couple of the many places his influence has been felt. Gunnet was also involved -- and still is -- in many of the development efforts that are making Wayne County stronger every year.

His contributions are mighty and his willingness to share in the glory one of his greatest qualities.

There are few people who know him who do not admire and respect him.

So, congratulations, sir. Despite what you are probably telling someone right this moment, you are exactly the right person to receive this honor. You can share the credit, as we know you will, but this is indeed a well-deserved "thank you" for years of service to a grateful community.

Please enjoy the limelight, just this once.

Published in Editorials on January 24, 2014 11:26 AM