Scott Alexander, Alma Lee Loy and Susan Chenault [Photo: Denise Ritchie]

In recognition of her longtime volunteerism and community support, Susan Chenault was presented with the Spirit of Community Award by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women last Wednesday afternoon at Northern Trust Bank.

“If there’s anybody whose heart is bigger than Susan Chenault’s, I’d like to know who it is,” said Scott Alexander, NTB regional president, who, with Alma Lee Loy, Loy nominated Chenault, a senior vice president at NTB, for the award. “I frankly haven’t met many people who have the caring qualities that Susan has. We’re thrilled that Susan’s getting recognition.”

The work undertaken by the commission to support women and girls in Florida has come full circle in regards to Loy. In 1964 she was appointed by then-Gov C. Farris Bryant as one of the original commissioners, and was a recipient of the award in 2018.

“We take great pride in honoring individuals who have gone above and beyond to help their communities,” said Cara Perry, FCSW representative and an assistant vice president at FAU.

Perry said the award recognizes individuals “for their outstanding achievements and for serving as positive role models in their respective communities. The recipients are the embodiment of dedicated community service. Simply put, they make our communities and our state a better place to live.”

The roomful of community leaders was a testament to the many organizations and lives Chenault has touched throughout the years. With a humbleness belying her accomplishments, she quickly turned the tables on the crowd by pointing out the accomplishments of others in the room.

“I feel like a millennial who gets an award for just showing up, because I truly feel like that’s all I’ve really done in my time here in this community,” said Chenault. “I haven’t done anything that all of you haven’t also done, and a lot of you with a lot more dedication and a lot more hours.”

Recognizing her parents as the genesis for her charity work, she said with heartfelt admiration, “My dad [Ted Chenault] is the first person who taught me about giving back. When my sister and I were old enough to answer the phone, he had us at the Citrus Bank across town doing the Jerry Lewis Telethon. The idea that you live in a wonderful place is made better when you get to participate in it and help other people. I’m surrounded by good people. I think a lot of the shine is really you all on me.”