John Whisman “Vision” Award
The John Whisman “Vision” Award is given to an individual who has contributed to making the region a better place. The purpose of the award is to “honor efforts made by an individual to relieve the deep-seated problems of Appalachia, promote systems of federal, state and local cooperation and further the mission of the Appalachian Regional Commission and the local development districts.” It recognizes an individual who best supports intergovernmental cooperation as exemplified in the ARC – state – LDD partnership.
2022 John Carey (Ohio)
Director of the Ohio Governor’s Office of Appalachia. The strong leadership and dedicated service that you have provided to Ohio’s Appalachian region truly demonstrates your steadfast commitment and on-going support of community and economic development efforts and the role that Local Development Districts play in improving the quality of life for the people of Appalachia.
2023 Beth Jones (Tennessee)
Executive Director of the Southeast Tennessee Development District. The strong leadership and dedicated service that you have provided to the people of Tennessee’s Appalachian region truly demonstrates your steadfast commitment and on-going support of community and economic development efforts and the role that Local Development Districts play in improving the quality of life for the people of Appalachia.
2024 Tony Wilder (Kentucky)
Commissioner of the Department for Local Government of Kentucky and Executive Director of the Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts. The strong leadership and dedicated service that you have provided to the people of Kentucky’s Appalachian region truly demonstrates your steadfast commitment and on-going support of community and economic development efforts and the role that Local Development Districts play in improving the quality of life for the people of Appalachia.
2025 Guy Land (Virginia)
Congressional Liaison Specialist in the Office of the Federal Co-Chair at the Appalachian Regional Commission. Guy has played a pivotal role in shaping budget, policy, and intergovernmental affairs. His commitment to advancing regional development and fostering collaboration has strengthened opportunities for communities throughout Appalachia. His work exemplifies the spirit of innovation and dedication that this award honors.
Don Myers Humanitarian Award
The Don Myers Humanitarian Award was established to recognize an individual who has shown leadership and provided community service that has enriched Appalachia. The award will be presented to a person whose life has been marked by actions that have (1) led to the growth and development of the region, (2) enhanced the fabric of their local community, and (3) reinforced the sense of selflessness and self-reliance so strongly identified within Appalachian communities.
2022
Ashley Steele (Ohio)
Executive Director of the Urban Mission an organization committed to breaking the cycle of generational poverty by providing a pathway out of poverty especially to those who are in recovery. The Urban Mission seeks to reduce poverty by helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency through education and job training skills, stable employment, and other critical supportive services enabling people to become productive members of society. Reverend Steele has made a significant impact in Jefferson County, Ohio and adjacent Appalachian counties through these humanitarian efforts and the region is grateful.
2023
Phil Trew (North Carolina)
Director of Planning and Economic Development at the High Country Council of Governments. Phil Trew’s impact on the High Country region of North Carolina over his 26.5 years of service is immeasurable. He has worked diligently to support local governments, to build regional collaboration, and to secure millions of dollars in critical funding. His career has been characterized by untiring service and leadership, and his positive impact on the High Country COG organization and region will be felt for decades to come.
2024
Sherry Griffin (North Carolina)
Assistant Executive Director for the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, for her outstanding service spanning 37 years. Sherry Griffin’s service to the Western Piedmont Region of North Carolina produced profound benefits to many people, businesses, and communities. She diligently worked to support local governments, build regional collaboration, and secured more than $2 billion in funding and investments for hundreds of community and economic development projects. Sherry’s visionary leadership, diverse project portfolio, and collaborative approach continue to make beneficial and lasting impacts for the region.
2025
Erin Barger (Georgia)
In recognition of her outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to ending food insecurity in Northeast Georgia. Since assuming leadership of the Food Bank three years ago, Erin has expanded its capacity to distribute approximately 13 million pounds of food annually across a 14-county region. Her compassion, empathy, and commitment to collaboration have significantly increased the reach and impact of hunger relief efforts. Her tireless work embodies the spirit of humanitarianism, making a profound difference in the lives of those in need.
Congressional Award
The DDAA’s Congressional Award honors members of the United States Congress who through their leadership and support recognize the valuable work of the Appalachian Regional Commission, local development districts and the mission of the Development District Association of Appalachia, and the ARC’s intergovernmental partnership in helping to improve the quality of life in the 13 state region. The award will be presented to a Member of Congress who has demonstrated support to the Appalachian Region either over the prior year or consistently over the course of their career.
2022
U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN)
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA)
2023
U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA)
U.S. Representative Glenn Thompson (R-PA)
2024
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV)
U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)
2025
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
Leanne Mazer Outstanding Women of Appalachia Award
The Leanne Mazer Award honors outstanding women of Appalachia that demonstrate exemplary service
to their communities. The award will be given to women who (1) serve their communities in a
noteworthy manner either over the prior year or in their careers and/or (2) advance the prospects of
women in their communities in a meaningful way.
2025
Leanne Mazer (Maryland)
In recognition of her leadership and unwavering commitment to her district and the entire Appalachian Region. Leanne’s legacy will be her strength of character and mentorship to so many women who are now in leadership roles in Appalachia because of her generosity of time and talent.