VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – The Virginia Beach Jaycees are proud to announce W. Taylor Franklin, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of The Franklin Group, as the recipient of the 2026 First Citizen Award, the organization’s highest and most prestigious civic honor.

For 74 years, the First Citizen Award has recognized an individual whose lifetime of leadership, service, integrity, and commitment has helped shape the Virginia Beach community. Reserved for those whose impact extends far beyond professional success, the award honors a legacy of selfless service, visionary leadership, and an enduring commitment to improving the lives of others.

While Franklin has achieved extraordinary success in his field, it was the nomination letters that truly told his story. Nominators described a man who leads with humility, serves with generosity, mentors without expectation, and consistently puts people before recognition. His accomplishments are impressive, but it is his character, compassion, and genuine care for others that made him stand apart. The hundreds of stories shared by those who know him best painted a picture of a leader whose greatest legacy is the lives he has touched.

“It is an honor to recognize W. Taylor Franklin as our 2026 First Citizen,” said Donald Hart, Co-Chair of the 74th Annual First Citizen Gala. “He has led with vision and purpose, but more importantly, he has demonstrated that true leadership is measured by service to others.”

“The nomination letters were incredibly moving,” said Jaketa Clark Thompson, Co-Chair of the 74th Annual First Citizen Gala. “Again and again, we read stories of kindness, mentorship, generosity, and quiet acts of service that rarely make headlines. This award celebrates a remarkable achievement, but even more, it celebrates a remarkable person. W. Taylor Franklin embodies the legacy of the First Citizen Award.”

For updates and additional information, visit www.vbjaycees.org.

About the Virginia Beach Jaycees

Founded in the 1940s, the Virginia Beach Jaycees have been developing young leaders and serving the community for more than seven decades. As a volunteer-led nonprofit, the organization provides leadership development opportunities for adults ages 18 to 40 while creating meaningful, lasting change through community service, civic engagement, and signature programs like the First Citizen Gala.

About JCI

The Virginia Beach Jaycees are a proud chapter of JCI (Junior Chamber International), a global network of active citizens ages 18 to 40 with members in more than 100 countries and territories. JCI develops young leaders by providing opportunities to create positive change through service, collaboration, and leadership in their communities.