Knox Named Citizen of the Year
The Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce honored William (Bill) Knox, CPA, as the community’s 2026 Citizen of the Year at its spring banquet Thursday.
Master of Ceremonies John Rataiczak introduced Knox, highlighting the impact he has had on the village through decades of work and service.
“For more than 30 years, he has been a tireless champion of Barnesville, specifically our historic downtown business district,” Rataiczak said. “While many know him for building one of the region’s most successful CPA firms, his true legacy lies in his work as our long-time economic development consultant.”
Rataiczak outlined Knox’s accomplishments, including securing the former Watt Car property, developing Railroad Street, and contributing to vital water system expansions and improvements at the Depot and Watt Center. He also helped establish Joint Economic Development Districts, rehabilitated multiple historic properties, and was a leader of the Main Street Barnesville program, a longtime chamber board member, and a driving force behind the restoration of the Barnesville State Theater.
Knox resides on West Main Street in Barnesville with his wife, Jita. The couple has three children, Rebecca, Andrea and John and several grandchildren.
“What truly defines our honoree, however, is a ‘heart, soul and wallet’ that are always open to Barnesville,” Rataiczak said. “To our local business owners, he is known as ‘everyone’s biggest fan,’ a mentor and friend who was often the first to offer a joyful welcome to town and who wants nothing more than for every person here to be successful.”
Rataiczak also shared sentiments from several community members, describing Knox as a generous leader and advocate who exemplifies the spirit of Barnesville.
In accepting the award, Knox reflected on what the honor means to him.
“Thank you for the kind words. Thank you to the chamber board for the honor,” Knox said. “I thought over the last few days what I was going to say, but I would say I’m so proud to be part of the community … Barnesville is a very, very, very special place.”
Citizen of the Year Bill Knox speaks at the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet. ©Barnesville Area News Company Photo.
He spoke about some of his favorite local traditions, including the Christmas parade, Halloween trick-or-treat and school events, noting the role they play in bringing the community together.
Knox also reflected on the people who helped shape both his life and the village.
“They are the ones who made Barnesville special,” Knox said. “In the world, there are givers and takers, there are doers and there are talkers, there are folks that just volunteer and contribute that work … I realize that I am preaching to the choir tonight. You are the doers. You are the givers”.
He also shared the story about starting his business after passing the CPA exam while supporting a young family and also dealing with a car payment, student loans and a mortgage. He described his always supportive wife as “loving and patient” throughout the journey.
“If your family is good, your life will be good,” Knox said.
The honoree closed by expressing gratitude for the community and the relationships he has developed over the years as those in attendance rose honoring Knox with a standing ovation.
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