Leaders from across the Appalachian region gathered on March 8 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia for the 2026 Development District Association of Appalachia (DDAA) Dinner Banquet—an evening of connection, reflection, and recognition that officially launched this year’s Annual Conference. The banquet brought together professionals from local development districts, federal and state partners, and regional organizations committed to strengthening communities throughout Appalachia.
DDAA President Dennis Stripling welcomed attendees and reflected on the importance of the relationships that sustain the region’s progress. Framing the conference theme—“Navigating Change, Cultivating Strength”—Stripling emphasized that while Appalachia faces evolving economic, policy, and workforce challenges, the region’s resilience lies in its collaborative spirit and long-term commitment to opportunity. The evening also included remarks from Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Executive Director Brandon McBride, who shared updates from ARC leadership and reaffirmed the Commission’s partnership with local development districts across the region.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of several awards recognizing individuals whose leadership and dedication have strengthened Appalachian communities.
The Don Myers Humanitarian Award was presented to Elaine Jardine, Director of Planning for Tioga County, New York. Over a 30-year career, Jardine has played a pivotal role in advancing planning and economic development efforts in a rural region without the presence of a major hospital or university. Her decades of service on the local development district board and her mentorship of staff and partners have left a lasting impact on the region.
The Outstanding Women in Appalachia Award honored Karen Fabiano, recognizing a remarkable 40-year career in public service. During 32 years with the Ohio Department of Development, Fabiano oversaw more than $7 billion in development funding and led a team of 165 professionals working to strengthen communities across the state. Later, through her work with the Appalachian Regional Commission, she became a trusted advisor to local development districts, guiding leaders through complex policies and advancing economic opportunities across Appalachia.
The John Whisman “Vision” Award was presented to Keith Jones for his commitment to economic and community development in Northwest Alabama. Jones’ career has focused on expanding opportunities for rural and underserved communities by strengthening infrastructure, improving workforce training, and promoting regional cooperation among federal, state, and local partners.
The evening also recognized Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Tim Kaine of Virginia with DDAA Congressional Awards for their leadership and commitment to Appalachian communities—particularly their efforts to support disaster recovery and resilience following Hurricane Helene. While the Senators were unable to attend in person, Senator Kaine shared remarks via video, and representatives accepted the awards on their behalf.
As the evening concluded, attendees were encouraged to continue building connections and sharing ideas throughout the conference. The banquet served as a powerful reminder that while Appalachia continues to navigate economic and policy changes, the region’s greatest strength remains its people—dedicated professionals and community leaders working together to build a more prosperous future for Appalachia.