Awards

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.

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.

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)