Person of the Year 2025

The Prince Henry Society – New Bedford Chapter is pleased to announce that Mr. Christopher Medeiros is this year’s Person of the Year! The presentation of this award and celebration in his honor is taking place on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at The Century House. For tickets, please reach out to us via private message with contact info and quantity. Tickets are $100 per person with open bar.

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Christopher Medeiros was born at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and proudly raised in the city that would shape his identity, his values, and his future. The son of Portuguese immigrants Celeste and Jose Medeiros of the Azores, Chris grew up in a loving, hard-working household alongside his two brothers, Ricky and Gary, and his sister Sandy. From an early age, New Bedford was more than just a hometown—it was a foundation, a community that gave him everything, and one he remains deeply committed to giving back to.

Chris’s entrepreneurial journey started right here in the city, with a humble paper route, followed by cutting grass, shoveling snow, and doing any job he could find. That strong work ethic eventually led him to start South Coast Towing in 2000, right out of high school. Though he left high school before graduation, he later earned his associate’s degree from the University of Phoenix, believing strongly in the power of learning—whether in school or through life experience.

Chris also served the community in law enforcement as a Deputy at the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office, where he later became a K-9 Officer. He worked in the Fugitive Apprehension Unit and always approached his duties with empathy and integrity, particularly when children were involved. His time in law enforcement gave him a deeper understanding of community needs, especially among the most vulnerable.

After the birth of his daughter Mila in 2013, Chris made the difficult but intentional decision to leave law enforcement to focus on fatherhood and building his businesses. Today, he is a proud father of three—Mila Jacqueline, Dane Gary, and Josephine Wren—and a devoted fiancé to Vanessa Demello, his rock and partner in every sense.

Over the past 25 years, Chris has grown South Coast Towing into a successful enterprise and launched several other businesses, including an auto body shop, used car dealership, rental car company, and media and apparel firm. But more than profit, Chris has always prioritized purpose—especially when it comes to giving back to his community.

Chris’s dedication to service is perhaps most visible in his charitable work. In 2001, after responding to a tragic accident, he launched the “Safe Rides” program, offering free transportation on New Year’s Eve and during other high-risk times to help prevent drunk driving. What began as a simple idea has since saved lives and earned heartfelt appreciation across the region.

His company is a proud sponsor of numerous local programs and youth sports leagues, including the Whaling City Youth Baseball League, where Chris once played (and jokingly calls himself a second-round “bust” draft pick). He understands firsthand how much positive environments and strong mentors matter for kids.

In memory of his late brother Gary and inspired by his own experience as a father, Chris founded the South Coast Towing Cares for Kids annual charity fundraiser, benefiting Child & Family Services. Now in its 10th year, the event supports vulnerable children during the toughest times of their lives and reinforces Chris’s belief that every child deserves love, support, and opportunity. “There are no bad kids,” Chris says—”only kids without the right mentors, guardians, or chances.”

Through his actions, Chris embodies the values celebrated by the Prince Henry Society: community, heritage, service, and leadership. Despite personal tragedy, including the loss of his younger brother Gary in 2018, Chris remains a beacon of strength and resilience, using his experiences to uplift others and advocate for those in need.

Chris often says he’s learned more in business than most learn in college, and that with every mistake came a lesson—and sometimes a new venture. His motto is simple: “Kindness and respect go a long way—and they’re free.” Whether helping a stranded motorist, supporting a child in need, or just holding a door open, Chris is guided by humility, humor, and heart.

As a proud Portuguese-American, and a lifelong New Bedford native, Chris accepts this honor as the 2025 Portuguese-American of the Year with deep gratitude to the Prince Henry Society, his family, and especially his children, who remain his greatest motivation.