Delores “Dee” Moore was recognized by the Abilene Chamber of Commerce as Abilene’s 2022 Citizen of the Year at its annual Membership Meeting & Awards Celebration on Sept. 15, 2022.
The award was presented to Moore by the 2016 recipient, Councilwoman Donna Albus.
The Outstanding Citizen of the Year award has been given annually since 1946 to a person or persons who has made an impact on the City of Abilene. Individuals and organizations were invited to nominate someone they thought contributed in an outstanding manner to the betterment of the Abilene community over the last year, several years or a lifetime in determining the award.
Moore first came to Abilene in 1997 with the opening of the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Texas office. A proud 47-year career with BCBS, Moore rose through the ranks from keypunch operator to a claims examiner to the position where she retired as vice president of BCBS of Texas' Federal Employee Program. She will tell you she remains an advocate for BCBS having spent over half of her life with the organization.
An incredibly active member of the community, when Moore first moved to Abilene, she figured she would stay for only a year or so. In an interview with the Abilene Reporter-News, Moore tells a story about when she first moved here someone told her that if she lived in Abilene for five years, she’d never want to leave. Moore says they were right.
Moore exemplifies the spirit of community and volunteerism in Abilene. As noted by a friend in the community, Moore has a hard time saying “no” to volunteering or serving on a board of an organization that is working to make Abilene a better place to live. Here are just a few organizations that have benefitted from Moore’s wit and wisdom over her past 25 years as an Abilene resident:
Abilene Black Chamber of Commerce
Abilene Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates
Abilene March of Dimes
Alliance for Women and Children
American Heart Association
Betty Hardwick Center
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Country CASA
Day Nursery of Abilene
Development Corporation of Abilene
Hendrick Bioethics Committee
Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene Area
Taylor County Child Advocacy Center
United Way of Abilene
Retirement hasn’t slowed Moore down one bit from giving of her time and expertise. Most recently, Moore partnered with the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and brought forth a grant opportunity from the U.S. Small Business Administration to pilot their Community Navigator Program that provides training resources to underserved and underrepresented entrepreneurs. Abilene was one of 51 communities nationwide to receive the grant and one of only two in Texas.
Through all of Moore’s community involvement Abilene has truly become her hometown. When not volunteering her time to her community, you can find Moore enjoying her love of travelling naming the Canary Islands, Brazil, Cayman Islands and Bahamas a few of her favorite destinations.
Moore earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Dallas Baptist University and a master’s in organizational management from the University of Phoenix, all while working at BCBS.
Moore has one daughter, Kelli, son-in-law, Damion, and two grandsons, Grayson and Ian.
For additional information, contact the Abilene Chamber of Commerce during regular business hours at 325-677-7241.
Since 1908, the Abilene Chamber has served as a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for developing and promoting the economy and quality of life. For more information on the Chamber and the 1,200 businesses it represents, visit www.abilenechamber.com.
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