Building a Better Newport Beach

Group photo of former Citizens of the Year with Jill & Larry Tucker in the Center

Jill and Larry Tucker Honored as Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year

Some people contribute to a community through a defining accomplishment. Others spend decades quietly working behind the scenes. Jill Johnson-Tucker and Larry Tucker have done both. Their selection by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce as the 2026 Citizens of the Year recognizes a remarkable partnership in philanthropy, civic engagement and service.

Jill’s impact is most visible today in Witte Hall, the spectacular new 299-seat lecture hall at the Newport Beach Central Library. The finished building tells only part of the story. Jill spent more than a decade shepherding the project from an ambitious idea through design, fundraising, construction, to completion. She chaired both the Library Lecture Hall Design Committee and the Beyond Books capital campaign. Witte Hall gives Newport Beach a spectacular permanent home for authors, speakers, performances, films, educational programs and community conversations. Jill and Larry also supported the campaign as major donors, demonstrating a commitment not simply of leadership, but also of personal investment. 

Jill’s ability to turn ideas into lasting institutions extends further. In 1992, while serving on the Board of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, Jill and another Board member, Jennifer Van Bergh, responded to a funding shortfall by gathering 50 women to learn about hunger in the community. Their goal, to raise $5,000. That first “Harvesters” event ultimately raised nearly $50,000. More than three decades later, Harvesters’ annual efforts net nearly $2 million for Second Harvest Food Bank and have resulted in more than $20 million raised in total.

Larry’s legacy is different, but equally important. For decades, he has brought his professional experience and financial acumen to Newport Beach governance. His service has included leadership on the Planning Commission and Finance Committee and involvement in major city concerns including the General Plan, City Charter, City Hall and Marina Park. Much of that work happens outside the spotlight, but it has
helped shape some of the most consequential decisions affecting our city.

Together, Jill and Larry represent two complementary forms of service, Jill’s extraordinary record of philanthropy and institution-building and Larry’s longstanding commitment to thoughtful civic governance.

Their contributions are not measured simply in years of service, dollars raised, or committees chaired. They can be seen in stronger institutions and a better community. Bravo Jill and Larry Tucker, Newport Beach’s 2026 Citizens of the Year.

The article was submitted by Robyn Grant, a member of the Newport Beach City Council. First elected in 2022, she represents District 4. Robyn can be reached at rgrant@newportbeachca.gov.