Pierre Chagnon Named 2026 Recipient of the John D. Hamilton Community Service Award

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation is pleased to announce that Pierre Chagnon has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the John D. Hamilton Community Service Award. A celebration honoring Chagnon’s commitment to community service will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026. 

Presented annually since 1994, the John D. Hamilton Community Service Award recognizes an individual whose dedication, leadership, and service have strengthened community spirit and enhanced the quality of life throughout the Chautauqua region. The award honors the legacy of John D. Hamilton, whose lifelong commitment to civic leadership continues to inspire generations of volunteers.

“The Foundation is proud to recognize an individual whose commitment to serving others has touched nearly every corner of our community,” said Laura Otander, Chair of the John D. Hamilton Community Service Award Committee. “Some people devote themselves to one organization. Pierre has devoted himself to an entire community. Again and again, when organizations needed thoughtful leadership, Pierre stepped forward. His influence can be seen across Chautauqua County—not because he sought recognition, but because he consistently answered the call to serve. His lifetime of leadership embodies everything this award represents.”

Throughout his 31-year professional career with SKF, Chagnon built an accomplished background in business analysis, product planning, purchasing, materials management, customer support, human resources, and manufacturing management. Yet while building that successful career, he also built something else: a remarkable legacy of volunteer leadership.

Over the course of four decades, and still continuing, Chagnon has served as a director, board member, board chair, committee chair, or president for an extraordinary number of local organizations. His leadership has helped guide economic development initiatives, strengthen educational institutions, protect Chautauqua Lake and the county’s natural resources, advance development, support youth programs, and improve local government. Among the many organizations he has served are the Jamestown Area Development Corporation, Rotary Club of Falconer, Reg Lenna Civic Center, Bemus Point Central School District, Jamestown Audubon Society, Town of Ellery, Chautauqua County Legislature, Chautauqua County Sewer Agency, Chautauqua Lake & Watershed Management Alliance, Manufacturers’ Association of the Jamestown Area, South and Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer Districts, Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District, and numerous other civic, conservation, faith-based, and community organizations. His service also includes years of coaching youth athletics, supporting his parish, and mentoring young people throughout the region.

His dedication has earned recognition from Rotary International, conservation organizations, youth sports associations, and numerous community groups—reflecting not only the breadth of his service, but the lasting impact it has had on generations of residents and the organizations they rely upon.

“Every community relies on volunteers,” said Tory Irgang, Executive Director of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. “But every so often, someone emerges whom organizations repeatedly trust to guide them through challenges, build consensus, and move important work forward. Pierre has been that person for decades. His fingerprints are on countless projects and organizations throughout Chautauqua County, not because he wanted the spotlight, but because he was always willing to accept the responsibility. That’s the kind of quiet, enduring leadership the John D. Hamilton Community Service Award was created to recognize.”

The reception honoring Pierre Chagnon will be held Friday, September 18, 2026. The evening will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the award presentation at 6:30 p.m.

For more information on the event, including how to purchase tickets or to send Pierre a congratulatory message, visit crcf.me/chagnon, or contact the Foundation at 716-661-3390.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation administers over 700 endowments in support of emerging community needs, charitable organizations, and local students pursuing higher education. For more information, visit www.crcfonline.org or contact Lindsey Goold, Donor Services Officer at 716-661-3390 or lgoold@crcfonline.org.