Scott Christiansen has brought fresh ideas and creativity to economic development in the River Valley.

In three short years, his list of accomplishments is impressive. As the executive director of the River Valley Growth Council, Christiansen may be best known for his forward-thinking approach to redeveloping the region.

He has been one of the leaders seeking to develop a bio-refinery plant that would turn wood products into oils, chemical and gases, successfully attracting state and federal grants.

With a background that includes time with IBM and as an advocate for the homeless, he’s worked in China and Mongolia and lived among Navajo Indians, working with a mission and clinic.

On Saturday, Christiansen was named the Citizen of the Year by Rumford Grange No. 115. It’s an honor he has earned.

By looking to the past and recognizing the resources that helped Rumford – and the entire River Valley region – grow into a successful community, Christiansen has identified the possible keys to high technology redevelopment.