Elaine Christian named Downtown Jackson Rotary Club’s ‘Woman of the Year’

Elaine Christian, philanthropist and chair of the Jackson-Madison County Bicentennial Celebration, was named the Downtown Jackson Rotary Club’s 2022 Woman of the Year. 

“Woman of the Year” is a tradition of Rotary, and previously the Altrusa International Club of Jackson, dating back to 1952. Christian was surprised during the club’s weekly luncheon.

“I'm just a little humbled, Christian said, “A little humbled and surprised and truly honored to stand in the footsteps of the ladies who have worked so hard and come before me. It's a real honor to be selected.”

Christian grew up in Obion County and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She has worked at Porter Cable, and served as the the Senior Vice President of the Jackson Chamber. 

She is also a volunteer and supporter of the West Tennessee Council Boy Scouts, Jackson Symphony Association, Alice and Carl Kirkland Cancer Center, Jackson Arts Council, and Jackson Service League. 

“I've been a collaborator with so many people who have made a difference in the community and I’m just so proud of this community,” Christian said.

According to her nomination, while working as the Trustee and Chair of the Jackson-Madison Co. Library board, she led the efforts to improve the building and Rotary Park, which is next to the library. She also promoted a feasibility study to resolve long-term debt and the purchasing of a lot to expand parking. She also started the fundraiser “The Books of Madison County.”

“For the last 20 years, I've just been a volunteer,” Christian said, “working and trying to make a difference with the library and with all the organizations in the Bicentennial. It's just been an honor. It's really an honor to represent this community.”

Her most recent service project was chairing the Jackson-Madison Co. Bicentennial Celebration. She was responsible for organizing and implementing a year-long celebration, including more than 100 events, 400 volunteers.