United Way's distinguished awards announced; HCEF gets new board members

Staff reports
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The late Jan Witte was presented with the United Way of Henderson County's 2022 Rob and Ginger Cranford Community Service Award.
The late Jan Witte was presented with the United Way of Henderson County's 2022 Rob and Ginger Cranford Community Service Award.

United Way presents distinguished awards

The United Way of Henderson County (UWHC) recently announced the recipients of distinguished awards to community leaders and corporations that provided exceptional support during 2022.

“United Way’s good work is only possible because of the partnership of hundreds of individuals and businesses who care about the most vulnerable people in our community,” said United Way Executive Director Denise Cumbee Long in a news release.

The United Way of Henderson County's 2022 Edward C. Brisley Jr. Award was presented to Barbara Platz.
The United Way of Henderson County's 2022 Edward C. Brisley Jr. Award was presented to Barbara Platz.

Two awards were announced for individuals receiving special recognition:

The Rob and Ginger Cranford Community Service Award, sponsored by Morrow Insurance Company, is presented annually to an individual or couple who exemplify the community service that Rob and Ginger Cranford demonstrated throughout their lives. This year’s Cranford Award honors Jan Witte, a dedicated former board member and volunteer who died in December of 2022. She also served on the board at Hands On Children’s Museum and was a longtime volunteer at Children and Family Resource Center.

The Edward C. Brisley, Jr. Award, sponsored by Ken Adams at Edward Jones and named for a former executive director, is presented to an individual in recognition of outstanding volunteer service to United Way. This year’s Brisley Award went to Barbara Platz, a volunteer at United Way of Henderson County for over 20 years, including 12 years as a member of the Board of Directors.

The Cummins-Meritor was presented the 2022 Power of Partnership Award by the United Way of Henderson County.
The Cummins-Meritor was presented the 2022 Power of Partnership Award by the United Way of Henderson County.

United Way also presented annual campaign awards to companies that excelled in their support of the wider community through employee and corporate giving to United Way. They were as follows:

  • The Premier Cornerstone Award, given in recognition of highest overall employee contributions to United Way of Henderson County’s 2022 Campaign, was presented to Wilsonart.

  • Cummins-Meritor received the Power of Partnership Award, given in recognition of outstanding corporate and employee contributions to United Way’s 2022 campaign.

  • The Change Maker Award, given in recognition of longstanding, diversified support of United Way programs and initiatives, was presented to Kimberly-Clark at Berkley Mills.

  • Publix received the Live United Award, in recognition of a model employee campaign that has made a significant impact in Henderson County.

“We are humbled by the support and service of individuals and businesses who invest in the well-being of our neighbors and our community,” said Long in the release. “Since 1953, United Way of Henderson County has been fighting for the health, education, financial stability, and basic needs of every person in Henderson County. We couldn’t do it without our incredible partners.”

HCEF announces new board members

The Henderson County Education Foundation (HCEF) recently welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors: Michael A. Cano, Dot Case, Judy Edwards, and Claire Maybin.

“We are proud to have each of these community members joining our board,” said Susan Thomas, Board President, in a news release. “They each bring a unique set of talents and skills to the board to help us further our mission of serving Henderson County Public Schools.”

Below is a brief description of each of the new members:

  • Dot Case: A native of Henderson County and a graduate of Henderson County Public Schools and Appalachian State University, Case was inducted into the Rhododendron School of Education in 2019. Case was a HCPS teacher for 47 years and member of the Henderson County Schools Board of Education from 2018-22. She was named Henderson County Teacher of the Year in 1982 and 2010 and named Regional Teacher of the Year in 2011-12.

  • Michael A. Cano: He is founder and principal of Cano Wealth Strategies, LLC in Hendersonville. He recently celebrated his 25th year providing guidance to his clients. Originally from Bristol, Connecticut, he attended Dean College and received his associates degree in business administration. In 2020, he and his wife and business partner Katie, moved to Hendersonville.

  • Judy Scott Edwards: She previously served on the Foundation Board from July 2016-June 2022. She is a graduate of Rutledge College of Greenville, S.C. with a degree in business management and A.A.S. in merchandising. She has worked in the banking Industry for more than 25 years. She is employed with Park National Bank as a Branch Manager and AVP of the Hendersonville office. Edwards grew up in Greer, South Carolina. Her two children, Jaylan and Aleigha, are graduates of the Henderson County School system. She has previously served as a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, the Kiwanis Club of Henderson County, the Carolina Village Board of Directors and the Miss Hendersonville Scholarship Pageant.

  • Claire Maybin: She is a native of Henderson County and a graduate of East Henderson High School. She has a degree in public health and sustainability science from Furman University and is currently pursuing a master's degree in public health through UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. She currently serves as the marketing coordinator for UNC Health Pardee. She is a former Interact Club member and vice president of College chapter of the International Justice Mission.

This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: United Way's distinguished awards announced; HCEF gets new board members