In 1975, the Barrington Area Development Council (BADC) established the annual Citizen of the Year Award to honor local individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the Barrington area through exemplary volunteer service and community leadership. The inaugural award was presented to Ruth Moor in 1975.

Nominations are accepted electronically via the BADC website. All submissions are carefully reviewed by a selection committee composed of BADC board members and past award recipients. The prestigious honor is presented annually during the BADC Annual Dinner in May.