DARRELL KIEKE, HOLLY JOHNSON NAMED WASHINGTON CO. MAN & WOMAN OF YEAR

  

Washington County honored its outstanding individuals, businesses and organizations Tuesday night at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Brenham Economic Development Foundation Banquet.

Darrell Kieke and Holly Johnson were named the 2025 Man and Woman of the Year.

Kieke is actively involved in the Burton community, having helped lead the Burton park project, serving as a church youth leader and assisting with numerous fundraisers.  He is a member of the La Bahia Cemetery Committee, Burton FFA Alumni, Burton Chamber of Commerce and St. John’s United Church of Christ.  He also co-chairs the barrow committee at the Washington County Fair and volunteers with Washington County Ag Day.  Additionally, he has served as an announcer for numerous sporting events and activities on KWHI.  Hal Moorman, the 2024 Man of the Year, called Kieke “dependable, honest, humble and endlessly willing to step forward when the community needs him.”

Kieke was inspired after Terry Luedtke’s receipt of the award in 2021, saying he would be honored to join this group of esteemed individuals. 

Johnson serves in numerous roles in the community, including as the chief justice clerk for the Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace office, the social media manager for Chappell Hill Sausage and Double K Lodging, and as the owner of a photography business.  She has served on the board of CASA for Kids, is active in the Washington County Fair, and regularly lends a hand with fundraisers and other community events.  Joy Fuchs, the 2021 Woman of the Year, said Johnson has a “big heart”, is “deeply committed to helping others succeed”, and is “an example of dedication, accomplishment and community spirit.”

Johnson expressed gratitude to all those who nominated her for the recognition and those whose lives she has been able to impact.

For Businesses of the Year, the recipient for 1-24 employees was Bake Shop at All Things Acres, while the winner for 25 or more employees was VeraBank.  New Business of the Year was Brazos Valley Pain Specialists, and Nonprofit of the Year was awarded to Brenham NEXT.

Tammy Jaster won the Chamber’s Blue Blazer of the Year Award.  Harrison Williams was named the Chamber Board Member of the Year. 

Updates were presented on local economic matters by Washington County Chamber of Commerce President Jamie Rankin, Brenham Washington County Economic Development Director Teresa Rosales, and Brenham EDF Board Chair Darren Huckert.