Stephen M. Coan of Pawcatuck, president and chief executive of the organization that operates Mystic Aquarium, was named Tuesday as the 2014 winner of the William Crawford Distinguished Service Award presented by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut.

Coan, who became CEO of the Sea Research Foundation eight years ago, will be honored with a dinner Nov. 12 at Foxwoods Resort Casino. The announcement came at the Chamber offices in a ceremony attended by about 20 people.

“I can’t think of anyone who embodies the spirit of the Crawford Award as Steve Coan does,” said Stan Mickus, chairman of the Chamber board.

The award is not given out every year by the Chamber, but is presented only when there is a good candidate. It goes to members of the community who represent the spirit of service and contribute to the local quality of life.

“What he has done for the aquarium ... cannot be understated,” said Tony Sheridan, chief executive of the Chamber, during the award ceremony.

Sheridan said the aquarium is a leading economic generator that is vitally important to the region. He said he expects a full house at the event honoring Coan.

Coan’s work on national boards, focusing on educational needs, was cited by one nominator. Children with special needs are a priority of his as well.

Coan also earned plaudits for building up the Greater Mystic Visitors Bureau, which provides local tourism-related businesses a united front in marketing community attractions.

“I’m just doing my job,” Coan said in remarks at the Chamber.

He cited previous Crawford Award winners, including George Milne, former site leader for Pfizer Inc. and current chairman of the Sea Research Foundation’s board of trustees, as “wonderful, wonderful people who have made a very big difference in the region.”

l.howard@theday.com