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Dobbins Heights’ David among leaders recognized as Lumber River Council of Governments celebrates 50 years of regional excellence

Dobbins Heights Councilwoman Angeline David was recently honored by the Lumber River Council of Governments. Contributed photo

PEMBROKE — On Oct. 20, 2022, the Lumber River Council of Governments celebrated 50 years of regional excellence and recognized individuals who have generously given their time and energy towards the work of the LRCOG.

Robert Conoly, LRCOG Board of Directors Chairman, presided over the event.

The evening began with a recognition of leaders from across Bladen, Hoke, Richmond, Robeson and Scotland counties, whose dedicated passion, creativity, advocacy and leadership have allowed a return of more than $290 million in federal and state funds through the LRCOG to the region in its 50-year history.

In addition, the LRCOG’s work has supported grant awards and opportunities returning tens of millions of dollars back to its member governments directly. The individuals present were also treated to a video highlighting the continuing work of the LRCOG in supporting the region’s workforce development needs, local government service needs, and the needs of the region’s older adults.

Mayor Perry Blanks, of the Town of East Arcadia, was the recipient of the Calvin Haggins Award for Outstanding LRCOG Board Member of the Year. Ashley Matthews, clerk for the Town of Dublin, received the Annie Kohnen Regional Clerk of the Year award. Tyler Thomas, manager for the Town of Pembroke, received the John K. McNeill, Jr. Regional Manager of the Year award. John Alford, Scotland County Commissioner, was the recipient of the Leon Maynor Local Leadership Award. Angeline David, commissioner of the Town of Dobbins Heights, was the recipient of the L.E. McLaughlin Jr. and Bob Gentry Regional Leadership Award.

Additionally, each board and advisory council serving the LRCOG presented an award to their outstanding members. Those honored were Grady Hunt, of Robeson County, as the Rural Planning Organization Transportation Advisory Committee Member of the Year; Earlena Lowry, of Robeson County, as the Aging Advisory Council Member of the Year; and William Wright, Hoke County Economic Developer, who received the Dr. Stanley Richardson Award for Workforce Development Board Member of the Year.

During the evening event, David Richardson, executive director for the Lumber River Council of Governments, announced that the work of the Lumber River Council of Governments had been recognized on the national level. The LRCOG received three National Association of Development Organization Innovation Awards.

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Three divisions of the LRCOG were recognized: the Lumber River Council of Governments’ Local Government Services Division, for its Lumber River Regional Broadband Study focused on improving the region’s broadband issues; the Lumber River Council of Governments’ Workforce Development Board, for the COVID-19 Employment program, which provided financial assistance to dislocated workers to obtain CDLs and on-the-job training support to the region’s employers; and the Lumber River Council of Governments’ Area Agency on Aging, for its Back to School Support for Grandparents, which provided school supplies to the region’s grandparents who are raising grandchildren.

L.E. McLaughlin, Jr. and Bob Gentry Regional Leadership Award
In September 2004, this prestigious award was renamed to honor the leadership of two dedicated former members of the LRCOG Board of Directors, Mr. L.E. McLaughlin, Jr. and Mr. Bob Gentry. While both members served with honor, they also served as friends, putting aside the often strained relationships between jurisdictions. Both men, while dedicated to their respective local governments, realized that successful endeavors often cross geographic boundaries. Their friendship became indicative of relationships made and strengthened at the LRCOG table and still serves as a wonderful example of regional leadership.

This year’s Regional Leadership Award recognizes an individual who is a strong supporter of regionalism and the Lumber River Council of Governments. She truly believes in the value of intergovernmental partnership. This year’s winner is Angeline David of Dobbins Heights.

Ms. David has served on the Lumber River Council of Governments’ Board of Directors since 2016 and currently serves as its 1st Vice Chair. She is also a member of the Lumber River COG Housing Corporation Board of Directors. Ms. David has been actively engaged in raising the profile of Region N and the Lumber River Council of Governments through the NC Association of Regional Councils annual legislative days. She is also actively engaged in sharing information about new programs and activities across jurisdictional lines.

In addition to her service to the LRCOG, Ms. David is an active member of the Dobbins Heights Town Council, the Richmond County Partnership for Children, New Horizons Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Agency Board, and the Martin Luther King Sterling Committee. Ms. David is married to Daniel David and they have three children.



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