NCCAA Announcement | May 2025

Conference News from NCCAA!

We are proud to announce the current slate of the NCCAA Board of Directors! Please join us in congratulating the newly elected and returning leaders who will guide the future of community action across North Carolina.

NCCAA Board of Directors:

Eastern District: Nichelle Cole – Nash Edgecombe Wilson Community Action

Central District: Lonnie Ballard – Action Pathways

Western District: Fred Bazemore – Experiment in Self-Reliance

Far Western District: Stephanie Ashley – Blue Ridge Community Action

SEACCA Representative II: Catissa Head – Coastal Community Action

SEACCA Representative I: Darrick Horton – Davidson County Community Action

COED Chair: Bryan Duncan – I-Care Community Action

Head Start Liaison: Macy Jones – NC Department of Public Instruction

Executive Officers:

Secretary: Ms. Dione Adkins – CEO, Salisbury Rowan Community Action

Treasurer: Ms. Danielle Fields – Alamance County Community Services Agency

2nd Vice President: Dr. Ericka Whitaker – CEO, Southeastern Community Action

1st Vice President: Mrs. Patricia Beier – ED, WAGES

President: Dr. Landon Mason – ED, Economic Improvement Council

We are grateful for the Board's commitment to advancing opportunity across North Carolina.

Congratulations to our Award Winners!

2025 Standing Awards

The following individuals were recognized for their exemplary service at the 2025 Community Action Conference in Raleigh

The Essential Piece Award

Roberta Houston has served Mountain Projects Community Action clients with unwavering dedication and compassion. A member of the senior services team since 2005 and an In-Home Aide since 2008, Roberta is known for her warmth, her ever-present smile, and her tireless commitment to the well-being of her seniors. Whether she’s preparing meals at home for those unable to cook, altering clothing for clients in need, or taking laundry home to ensure it’s clean and ready for the next day, Roberta consistently goes above and beyond the call—making her the 2024–25 Essential Piece of our North Carolina network.

Lonnie D. Burton Achievement Award

The 2024–25 Lonnie D. Burton Achievement Award goes to Kylee Smith, nominated by Johnston-Lee-Harnett Community Action, Inc. A single mother and grandmother, Kylee joined the CSBG STARS Program after a career-ending injury and, with the support of her counselor, Barbara Vinson, began rebuilding her life through financial literacy and education. Despite setbacks—including illness and job loss—Kylee’s determination never wavered. She ultimately earned her CDL and secured her dream job with GoRaleigh Bus Line. Kylee’s resilience and perseverance embody the true spirit of this award. Congratulations, Kylee!

Roselle Copeland Stewardship Award

We are honored to present the Roselle Copeland Stewardship Award to Karen Harshman for her exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to those facing economic hardship. From her role at Blue Ridge Community Action, Inc. (BRCA) to her service across the Community Action Network, Karen’s dedication, compassion, and expertise have made a lasting impact on countless lives. Great work, Karen and BRCA—you are models of excellence in community action!

Executive Director of 2024-25

Congratulations to the Economic Improvement Council (EIC) and Executive Director Dr. Landon Mason. Over the past decade, Dr. Mason has significantly expanded the agency’s reach and budget while launching impactful initiatives in food access, community resource fairs, and mentorship programs—efforts that continue to empower communities across northeastern North Carolina. Great work, Dr. Mason, and congratulations to the EIC staff and Board leadership!

Gloria M. Williams Award

This year’s Gloria M. Williams Award goes to AmeriHealth Caritas for their outstanding partnership with the North Carolina Community Action Association and their company’s commitment to health equity. As a national leader in managed care, AmeriHealth Caritas serves nearly five million members and continues to make a lasting impact by addressing social determinants of health and supporting the most vulnerable with compassion and purpose. We are proud of this partnership—many thanks to AmeriHealth Caritas!

Agency Board Member of 2024-25

The 2025 Board Member of the Year Award goes to Dr. William Sawyer for his visionary leadership and decades of service to Community Action. As Board President of the Economic Improvement Council since 2020, Dr. Sawyer has helped guide a $30 million budget and expand the organization’s reach across 13 North Carolina counties. A longtime pastor, civil rights advocate, and community leader, he brings integrity, compassion, and a lasting impact to every role he holds.

Legislator of the Year

We are proud to recognize Senator Kevin Corbin as the North Carolina Community Action Association’s Legislator of the Year. Representing Senate District 50—which includes Cherokee, Clay, Macon, Graham, Swain, Jackson, and Transylvania counties—Senator Corbin has championed issues vital to Western North Carolina, including playing a key role in Medicaid expansion. With a lifelong commitment to public service—from the Macon County School Board to the State Senate—his leadership has brought meaningful change to thousands of lives across the state.

Dr. Andrea Harris Community Action and Leadership Scholarship

Join us in celebrating Dywhaun Mitchell, Jr., this year’s recipient of the Dr. Andrea Harris Community Action and Leadership Scholarship. A proud native of Enfield, NC, Dywhaun rose above local challenges to excel in academics and athletics, graduating high school with a 4.1 GPA. Now studying sports medicine at Catawba College, he plans to become a physical therapist and return home to uplift his community through education, job creation, and youth programs. Congratulations, Dywhaun!

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As a member of the NCCAA community, we work to empower low-income families, change people's lives for the better and improve the communities we serve. We are all dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. Please take a moment and forward this news to a co-worker and grow the community of professionals dedicated to this important work.

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Stay tuned for more Conference news next week!