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WithersRavenel co-founder Tony Withers received the Cary Chamber of Commerce 2026 Citizen of the Year Award during the organization’s Annual Banquet on September 9 at Prestonwood Country Club.
“It was a high honor I certainly did not even ever consider,” Tony said. “I am extremely blessed by faith, family, friends, and health, way more than I deserve. This recognition is nice but it will not change who I strive every day to be.”
Tony co-founded WithersRavenel with Sam Ravenel in 1983 and served as the firm’s chief executive officer for more than 30 years. In 2014, Tony and Sam sold the company to its employees, establishing the foundation for the 100% employee-owned firm WithersRavenel is today. Tony remains active with the company on a part-time basis.
A North Carolina State University graduate and licensed civil engineer and landscape architect, Tony built his career around helping communities and organizations plan for growth. His experience includes land planning, site design, roadway and utility design, environmental systems, and preliminary engineering analysis.
Tony’s impact also extends beyond his profession. He co-founded the Miracle League of the Triangle and has served organizations throughout the region through volunteer and board leadership. In 2024, he was inducted into the North Carolina State University Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering Hall of Fame.
WithersRavenel has called Cary home for more than four decades, with its headquarters off MacKenan Drive and an additional office in downtown Cary, and we congratulate Tony on an honor that reflects his longstanding commitment to the Town and the people who call it home.