Paul Kuhns named 2013 Citizen of the Year
The Rehoboth Beach Main Street Board of Directors has chosen community activist and former Commissioner Paul Kuhns as Rehoboth’s 2013 Citizen of the Year. Kuhns is the 19th recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award. The annual award goes to a downtown business person, merchant, or resident who has worked or volunteered over the long term to make a positive impact on downtown Rehoboth Beach.
Kuhns will be honored as the 2013 Citizen of the Year at the Downtown’s Cookin’ Community Unity Celebration from 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, and at the Main Street Mingle at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Hobos.
Main Street Board President Alyssa Titus said, “Paul was as easy decision for the board because of his selfless contributions to downtown and genuine concern for the well-being and future of Rehoboth Beach.”
In addition to being a downtown business investor, Kuhns is the board president for the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society, vice president of the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, past vice president and current board member of the Rehoboth Beach Film Society, as well as serving on the board of the Lewes Rehoboth Canal Improvement Association. He has also been an active volunteer for the local Boys & Girls Club.
“Paul Kuhns is a rare gem in this city,” said Main Street board member Drexel Davison. “He is probably busier volunteering for the betterment of our community than he was working full time as an investment banker. We are so fortunate to have someone with his expertise who appreciates our unique seaside community and understands the importance of investing in its future.”
Kuhns has been a part of the Rehoboth Beach community since he was 4 years old, vacationing here with his family. As he grew up, he spent summers working here and ultimately invested in various Rehoboth businesses. He is a partner in two of downtown’s popular restaurants, Arena’s and the Summer House. Kuhns has been a downtown homeowner for the past 26 years, and he and his wife became full-time residents almost nine years ago.
Prior to relocating from New York City, Kuhns was an investment banker for Merrill Lynch. He grew up in Washington, D.C., and attended Georgetown University for his undergraduate degree and Columbia University for graduate school.
To join in the celebration to honor Citizen of the Year Paul Kuhns at the Downtown’s Cookin’ Community Unity Celebration, go to downtownrehoboth.com or call 302-227-2772.
