Gregg Peterson named as Salem's First Citizen

Gregg Peterson has been named Salem’s 2025 First Citizen, one of the city’s highest honors presented by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. The First Citizen Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to the Salem community. This prestigious award highlights Peterson’s lasting impact and commitment to making Salem a better place. He will be formally honored at the 74th Annual First Citizen Awards Banquet on March 8, 2025, at the Salem Convention Center.

His journey to this recognition is deeply rooted in a lifelong passion for serving others, both in business and in the community. From his childhood dream of owning a restaurant to his current role as a community leader, Gregg Peterson, Director of Food Services at The Salvation Army Kroc Center and Executive Director for the Be-BLAC Foundation, has spent much of his life working to uplift both businesses and community members in Salem.

At the core of Peterson’s resilience is his faith. “My faith in Jesus Christ has been the foundation for everything I do,” he said. “It’s what keeps me grounded and focused on making a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Peterson’s path has been shaped by a commitment to service, mentorship, and empowerment. His journey toward becoming a community pillar began early. “I’ve always wanted to own a restaurant, ever since I was nine years old,” he shared. 

One pivotal moment in Peterson’s journey came in 1997 when his friend Don Jensen invited him to help co-build the Broadway Cafe. “That moment opened my eyes to the importance of reinvesting in the community,” he explained. It was more than just a business venture—it was a turning point that solidified his commitment to contributing to Salem’s growth.

Peterson also shared that the restaurant industry’s economic difficulties were especially tough in the early years. “Navigating those economic hurdles taught me adaptability and reinforced my commitment to being actively involved in the community,” he said. His resilience in the face of adversity helped shape his approach to leadership, making him more dedicated to supporting local causes.

Reflecting on his contributions to the community, Peterson points to two key initiatives that stand out. His participation in Leadership Salem, which deepened his understanding of the local infrastructure, and his role with the NAACP, which highlighted cultural disparities in Salem, were transformative experiences. “Leadership Salem expanded my understanding of our community, and my work with the NAACP opened my eyes to the need for greater cultural awareness,” he said.

As a business and community leader, Peterson has often had to navigate diverse perspectives to find solutions that benefit everyone. He recalls his work at the Marion County Commission for Children and Families where he collaborated with multi-sector leaders to address issues in the community. “Bridging different viewpoints has always been a part of my work,” Peterson said. “By working together, we can create stronger solutions for the community.”

Looking to the future, Peterson envisions expanding opportunities for the next generation of leaders, particularly Black leaders and Black-owned businesses. “I’m focused on creating platforms that provide meaningful training and leadership roles,” he explained. “We need to build a more inclusive, collaborative community in Salem.”

As Peterson reflects on his leadership journey, he offers two pieces of advice for aspiring leaders. “First, always put yourself in environments that promote continual learning and personal growth,” he said. “Second, trust in God’s guidance as the foundation for sustainable leadership.”

Through his enduring commitment to service and his empowering leadership, Gregg Peterson continues to leave a lasting legacy in Salem, one that inspires others to take on leadership roles and make a difference in the community.