Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce Names Bill Lehnes their 2025 Distinguished Citizen of the Year

The Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce proudly announces Bill Lehnes as the 2025 Distinguished Citizen of the Year. Lehnes will be formally honored during the Chamber’s 122nd Annual Meeting on February 3, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Rocky Mount Event Center.

This prestigious award recognizes an individual whose leadership, service, and dedication have created a lasting impact on the Rocky Mount community. Bill Lehnes exemplifies these qualities through decades of professional excellence, civic leadership, and unwavering commitment to service.

A graduate of the University of South Carolina in Spartanburg with a degree in business, Lehnes brought his entrepreneurial spirit to Rocky Mount 28 years ago when he opened a local Chick-fil-A franchise. Born in New Jersey and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, he chose Rocky Mount as his home and has since invested deeply in the community’s growth, wellbeing, and success. He began working for Chick-fil-A at just 16 years old and, in August 1986, became a Chick-fil-A Operator when Golden East Mall opened. This year, he celebrates 40 years as an operator. In December 2001, he opened the free-standing Chick-fil-A location that continues to serve generations of families in the region.

Lehnes is a lifetime active member of the Catholic Church and a devoted family man. He is married to his wife, Kim, and is the proud father of three daughters, two sons in law, and five grandchildren. His family includes Shelly and Christian Cristobal, parents of William and Benjamin; Kelly and Alex Warren, parents of Hunter, Ainsley, and Finley; and his daughter Liz Lehnes.

His impact extends far beyond business. Lehnes has served on numerous boards and leadership roles, including Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and School Boards, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church Finance Board, Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce, Meals on Wheels, Rocky Mount Community Foundation, Nash Community College Foundation, American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club, Nash County Travel and Tourism Board, Nash County TDA Board, and Nash Health Care Systems.

Within the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce, Lehnes chaired the Events, Membership, and Small Business Committees before serving as Chair of the Board. Alongside Clint Williams, he helped develop the Buy Local Campaign, which became the highest rated Chamber program at the time. As Chair of Meals on Wheels, he helped develop a temperature maintenance system for meals that is now used statewide. With the Boys and Girls Club, he supported the development of a coupon book fundraiser with a projected goal of $250,000 to help air condition the LABB Unit gym.

At Nash Health Care Systems, Lehnes served as both Board Member and Chairman, helping guide the organization with steady leadership and a focus on excellence in care.

"For the last seven years since I joined the hospital, I’ve had the distinct privilege of working with Bill Lehnes. He has been a dedicated board member, a visionary chairman of the board, and a devoted servant leader who is committed to ensuring this community receives nothing less than excellence in healthcare. He is most deserving of this honor."
— Dr. Lee Isley, UNC Health Nash

“Bill Lehnes is the kind of leader who makes you believe in what’s possible. His compassion, his consistency, and his unwavering commitment to people reflect the very best of who we can be. Whether through his business or his personal giving, Bill lifts others, strengthens our community, and inspires all of us to serve with the biggest heart.”

— Ron Green, Boy & Girls Club of the Tar River Region

Tickets for the 122^nd Annual Meeting may be purchased online at business.rockymountchamber.org/ap/Events/Register/AnFm1A7FVCdCN. Ticket pricing is $85 for Chamber Members and $105 for Non-Chamber Members.

The Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to celebrating Bill Lehnes alongside business and community leaders at this special evening. For more information, please contact the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce at (252) 446-0323.