ROBERTSDALE, Alabama --- The Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce recently honored Katina Smith Griffin as its 2012 Woman of the Year at its Annual Banquet in January.

"She is a professional and caring woman which demonstrates these traits in her everyday life," said Sylvia Mattingly, who introduced Griffin at the Banquet on behalf of the 2011 Woman of the Year Michelle Prockup. "Her character began in her early childhood when she would bring home friends whom she believed needed clothes, food or a haircut."

Griffin is involved in many community actions, many of which go unnoticed, Mattingly said.

For over a decade Griffin has been involved with The Lighthouse, providing support to prevent domestic violence and promote justice for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. She was awarded "The Partner of the Year" for her commitment.

Griffin has also organized food, clothing, and toys at the holidays for needy families and our Veterans or when a fire has devastated a family's life.

As a member of the Chamber, she is an advocate of promoting and preservation of the Central Baldwin business community. As a member of the Robertsdale Rotary Club, she earned the Paul Harris Fellow award for encouraging goodwill and a vision of a better world.

A 15-year employee with the City of Robertsdale, where she works with the Police Department as supervisor for the jail facility, Griffin works to establish working relationships with law enforcement throughout the county, businesses and local government entities," Mattingly said.

"These connections have enabled her to influence lives by showing compassion and dignity to loved ones of those who were incarcerated," she said. "This is evident in the number of letters she receives from former inmates and family members thanking her for her positive influence she had in their lives."