Husband, wife share Newport chamber Citizen of the Year honor

Past recipients of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year award gathered Thursday to congratulate the first husband and wife to be honored with the title simultaneously.

An unknowing Nancy Skinner arrived around lunchtime at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club with her husband, Jack, thinking he was the one being surprised with the announcement, chamber President Steve Rosansky said.

But both Skinners, who have long been involved in city issues such as water quality and land use, were selected.

“They’re inseparable,” Rosansky said. “We’re proud to have them represent Citizen of the Year for 2014.”

A dinner in their honor will be held Nov. 14 at the Balboa Bay Resort.

— Emily Foxhall

Twitter: @emfoxhall