Past Grey County Warden Selwyn Hicks has been named the recipient of the 2023 Lincoln Alexander Award from the Law Society of Ontario. This award recognizes a lawyer or paralegal who has demonstrated long-standing interest and commitment to the public and to the pursuit of community service.
“Anyone who has had the opportunity to get to know Selwyn knows public service is his passion. Whether serving as an elected official, a board representative, or a volunteer, Selwyn has worked tirelessly to support people, especially those who are vulnerable,” said Grey County Warden Brian Milne. “On behalf of Grey County Council, I extend my congratulations to Past Warden Hicks and our sincere thanks for all the great work he does for our communities.”
Hicks has dedicated his time to public service for more than 40 years. Prior to being called to the bar in 2003, Hicks was a social worker for 13 years and worked in the legal department at the Children’s Aid Society in Windsor, Ontario. After opening a law practice in Hanover in 2004, he committed himself to giving back to the community. He has a long history of volunteering with many organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Hanover Chamber of Commerce, the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee, and others. He continues to volunteer his time with community groups and organizations.
He was first elected to Hanover Council in 2006 and served until 2022. In 2015 he became Deputy Mayor of Hanover and took a seat on Grey County Council. In 2019 he was elected Grey County Warden for the first time, a position he held again in 2021 and 2022. Hicks was the first person of a visible minority to hold the office. During his time on County Council he played important roles on the Bruce Grey Poverty Taskforce, the Grey County Affordable Housing Taskforce, and the Mental Health and Addictions Taskforce, as well as various committees.
The Lincoln Alexander Award was created in honour of The Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander to reward his dedication to the people of Ontario and the legal community. The award is granted only to members of the Law Society of Ontario and is awarded annually.
