Local realtor Laura Dorn (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices) and homebuilder Dan Dorn (founder/owner of Sunco Homes & Remodeling) will be named Salem’s 2026 First Citizen at the First Citizen Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 18.
On Thursday, March 12, a group of Laura and Dan’s closest friends and community partners joined us to surprise them at the ACE (Advanced Construction Education) Board Meeting at the Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) with the news of their recognition. Join us at the 75th Annual First Citizen Awards Banquet to see the surprise on video!
Along with her distinguished career in real estate — during which she’s helped hundreds of local families purchase homes — Laura’s volunteer leadership roles have included serving as president of the Mid-Valley Association of Realtors (2002) and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce (2021-2022).
Just as distinguished in his career as an award-winning homebuilder and having served on a multitude of industry boards, Dan has also played a key role in shaping the community’s growth through public service. He served eight years on the Salem Planning Commission (2003-2011), where he helped guide development decisions that impacted the city’s future.
Individually accomplished in their careers, the Dorns have made an even bigger impact together as a powerhouse servant-leader duo, spending decades investing their time, expertise, and resources to make Salem a stronger place to live and work. Through professional leadership development, volunteerism, and philanthropy, the couple has built a reputation as two of our community’s most dedicated and respected civic leaders.
Together, the Dorns’ greatest impact may be their dedication to youth and workforce development. Both have played a pivotal role in Advanced Construction Education (ACE) and the Career Technical Education Center (CTEC), helping provide high school students with hands-on experience in residential construction. Dan has volunteered to lead the construction of student-built homes, while Laura has listed and sold those homes without taking a commission, donating the proceeds back to the program. Their efforts have helped raise substantial financial support for the program while providing training opportunities for young and aspiring industry professionals.
Their commitment to Salem also includes support for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Family YMCA of Marion & Polk Counties, Family Building Blocks, the Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties, the Salem Police Foundation, and the Union Gospel Mission. Through board service, fundraising, volunteer work, and financial contributions, the Dorns have consistently worked to strengthen the community and expand opportunities for others.
Described by friends and colleagues as humble leaders who never seek recognition for their service, the Dorns are known for showing up and stepping up for their community — whether building homes, mentoring students, or supporting numerous non-profit efforts.
Through their professional success and their unwavering commitment to service, Laura and Dan Dorn have left a lasting mark on Salem. Their work continues to shape the city’s business community, support local organizations, and inspire future generations.
We cannot wait to honor Laura and Dan and for you to join us at the 75th Annual First Citizen Awards Banquet!
See below for event details and make sure to get your tickets!
75th First Citizen Awards Banquet
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Salem Convention Center
GET TICKETS: https://salemchamber.org/events/first-citizen/
Join us at the banquet to celebrate Laura and Dan, the rest of our esteemed honorees, and our incredible community.
We thank our First Citizen Awards sponsors, including Presenting Sponsors Mountain West Center for Community Excellence and Pioneer Trust Bank, for making this premier Salem event possible.
