Peter Mehas, a longtime civic leader and educator, has been named the 2012 Leon S. Peters Award winner.

The award, presented annually by the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce, honors a local businessperson for success in business, leadership and community service.

Mehas, who served as Fresno County schools superintendent from 1990 to 2006, was humbled by the news Thursday. “I am deeply honored,” Mehas said.

As is the chamber’s practice, the award winner was revealed during a surprise announcement.

Mehas was expecting to meet with other chamber members in Fresno County Superior Court Judge Robert Oliver’s courtroom Thursday. But when he and Oliver — a past award recipient — arrived, a group of chamber members sprung the news on him.

Mehas immediately became emotional, then broke into a smile.

“Get out of here,” he joked with his fellow chamber members.

Oliver described Mehas as a linchpin in so many community organizations, including the Valley Business Conference, Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame and Fresno Compact.

“And in everything he is involved in, he takes a leadership position,” Oliver said.

Mehas began his education career nearly 50 years ago as a teacher at Roosevelt High School. Over the years, he’s held various administrative positions at Clovis Unified. He would later become Fresno County Superintendent of Schools in 1990.

California governors and U.S. presidents have appointed Mehas to serve on a number of education committees and task forces.

Locally, Mehas has been involved in numerous organizations and boards, including Fresno Police Activities League, Fresno Historical Society and Leadership Fresno.

He also has been honored several times for his community service. Among his awards: Outstanding Public Service Award by the California Farm Bureau Federation; Fresno State’s “Top Dog” Alumni Award; and the Rose Ann Vuich Ethical Leadership Award.

Peters, the Fresno entrepreneur for whom the award was named, was known for his business success and compassion for the community before his death in 1983.

Mehas will be honored at the 33rd annual Valley Business Conference to be held March 13 at the New Exhibit Hall, 848 M St.