Nominations are currently closed for 2025
The Governor's Volunteer Service Award honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals and groups that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. The awards program was created by the Office of the Governor in 1979 and any person, group, or entity from the public, nonprofit and private sector may be nominated. Through the years, the award has been bestowed on thousands of North Carolinians who have shown concern and compassion for their neighbors by volunteering in their local community.
Nominations for 2026 Governor's Service Award will open in the Fall
Each county selects up to ten individuals, businesses, groups/teams and one paid Director of Volunteers to be recognized for their outstanding contributions to their communities. One of the nominees will be nominated for the Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service, which is awarded to the top 20 volunteers in the state. A local committee evaluates the nominations.
2025 Governor's Service Award & Governor's Medallion Award Recipients
Governor's Service Award - Henderson County
Samantha Waldby
Governor's Medallion Award - Henderson County
Howard Bakken
Howard Bakken has dedicated over 2,500 hours over the past 21
years volunteering with the Chikaming Goat Herd at the Carl
Sandburg Home National Historic Site (NHS). He is consistently
willing to assist and has been a valuable resource for both new
volunteers and staff