2026 Citizens of the Year recognized for their ability to ‘bring people together’
by Emily Canning-Dean
When the time came to submit nominations for the 2026 Hinckley Citizens of the Year, many members of the community remembered the tireless effort and commitment of Vicki and Quinten Tifft during the planning of Hinckley’s Bicentennial.
“When the Bicentennial steering committee faced an unexpected leadership transition, Vicki and Quinten stepped forward without hesitation,” one resident wrote in her nomination letter. “They brought renewed energy, strong organizational skills and deep local knowledge that proved essential to the success of the celebration.”
“Vicki and Quinten have made a lasting impact through volunteerism and sincere commitment to Hinckley,” another resident wrote in her nomination of the Tiffts. “Whether organizing community events or supporting local organizations, they are there to offer a helping hand. One of their most remarkable qualities is being able to bring people together.”
“Their vision and guidance in creating committees, organizing community volunteers and pulling together township businesses resulted in a township celebration that exceeded expectations,” another resident said in her nomination.
Vicki said she and Quinten were honored to learn they were named Citizens of the Year.
“We found out, I guess, a few weeks ago when Melissa Augustine called to tell us,” she said.
Vicki and Quinten will be officially honored during at a Hinckley Chamber of Commerce meeting at Hinckley Town Hall May 7 and will be part of the Memorial Day Parade May 25 and the America 250 Celebration and Fourth of July Parade July 4.
“Community events in Hinckley like these are wonderful because it’s a chance to come out and see people we haven’t seen in a long time,” Quinten said. “Everyone gathers together as a community and it’s always a good time. It’s always been important to us to give back to the community. It’s where our kids grew up and went to school. We have always been very supportive of Highland Schools and programs in the area.”
Vicki grew up in Hinckley, raised by Dennis and Margaret Palik. After joining the Peace Corps and serving in West Africa, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she met Quinten. Both worked in the life sciences sector and founded and ran their own clinical research firm, Clinical Research Management. In 1996, the couple moved the firm’s corporate headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Hinckley where they set down roots and raised their family. They sold the company to a publicly traded firm in 2016 but were co-owners of the firm ACE Research until earlier this year.
“I still do strategic advising for them right now, but we are slowly easing our way toward retirement,” Vicki said.
But even while they were running their company and raising their family, the Tiffts were committed to volunteering in the community. They are longtime volunteers with the Hinckley Women’s Club, the Hinckley Historical Society, the Hinckley Beautification Committee and the Hinckley Gardening Club.
When planning began for the community’s bicentennial, the Tiffts said they were happy to step up.
“We were really involved with the 175th anniversary celebration and because of that and running our own business, we knew what it took to plan for something of that caliber,” Vicki said. “We knew it would mean a lot of planning and resources and really pulling a lot of people together. There were so many amazing people who were actively involved. People really came out of the woodwork to help with sponsorships and volunteering. It was so wonderful to have the opportunity to reconnect with so many people.”
With the bicentennial celebration now in the books, the Tiffts say they want to continue supporting the many wonderful organizations they are involved with in Hinckley and Medina County as well as enjoy time with their three children, Matthew, Morgan and Maggie and their grandson, Camden.
Vicki added that Hinckley has many great opportunities for people to get connected and involved. “There are so many wonderful organizations to choose from,” she said. “Reach out to a group or go to a meeting and you will build a great social network and meet a lot of amazing people.”
Photo caption: Hinckley residents Quinten and Vicki Tifft, pictured on a recent vacation to France, have been named Hinckley’s 2026 Citizens of the Year. Read more on page 4. Photo submitted.