AUGUSTA — Longtime public servant and former Town Councilor Roland Michaud of Winslow was named winner of the Ethel Kelley Memorial Award at Maine Municipal Association’s 76th annual convention earlier this month. The award recognizes distinguished community service and is considered MMA’s most prestigious annual award.

According to a press release, Michaud served his town in many capacities over a 37-year career. He served as Town Council Chairman for 11 years, from 1991-2002, and served on the Town Council for a total of 31 years, dating to 1969. He also served on the town budget committee for six years and as town meeting moderator for two years in the 1960s.

In nominating Michaud for the award, Town Manager Michael Heavener noted that Michaud led the council during a tumultuous time for Winslow, when a major employer – Kimberly Clark Paper Co. – moved out and “took with it hundreds of jobs and considerable tax revenue.”

Today, Heavener said, Winslow “is financially healthy and many of our businesses continue to prosper.” Michaud’s leadership skills as Town Council Chairman during the early 1990s played a significant role in setting Winslow up for a better financial future, said Heavener in the release.

Michaud also served as the town’s first volunteer parks and recreation director. During that time, he led construction of the VFW Memorial Playground on Clinton Avenue, which is still used by neighborhood children today.

Current Town Council Chairman Gerald Saint Amand, who also nominated Michaud for the Ethel Kelley Award, wrote that Michaud “has shown uncommon dedication, loyalty and support to the Winslow community” since 1969. Saint Amand said Michaud has been a valuable asset for his council peers.

Michaud lives in Winslow with his wife of 55 years, Ann. In addition to raising his family, Michaud has been active as a Boy Scout leader, on the council at St. John Church, with the Winslow Federal Credit Union, Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, North Kennebec Regional Planning Commission and Maine Municipal Association. He also is a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.

The town of Winslow was represented by approximately 30 people at the Awards Luncheon, where Michaud formally received his award. More than 1,100 municipal officials and exhibitors attended MMA’s Annual Convention, Oct. 3-4.