GADD Presents Awards at Annual Meeting

The Founders Award was presented to Mayor Gary Hunt of Owingsville in recognition of his distinguished service to both GADD and the communities it serves. A member of the GADD Board of Directors since 2011, Hunt has served as Chairman of the Board on two occasions and has spent more than a decade on the Executive Committee. His leadership has consistently demonstrated the value of regional collaboration and a shared commitment to improving the quality of life throughout Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan counties.

The Gail K. Wright Commitment to Excellence Award was presented to Representative David Hale for his unwavering commitment to regionalism and public service. Since his election to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 2015, Hale has been a strong advocate for rural Kentucky and a dedicated supporter of GADD's mission. His leadership has helped secure critical state investments benefiting local governments and regional initiatives, including a $120,000 legislative line item supporting the Gateway Regional Kitchen.

The Chairman's Impact Award was presented to the Kentucky Department for Local Government (DLG) in recognition of its exceptional partnership with GADD and the communities it serves. Through technical assistance, grant administration, and continued support for local governments, DLG has played a vital role in helping communities complete transformative projects that strengthen infrastructure, expand public services, and improve quality of life across the region. DLG Chief of Staff, Billie Renee Johnson, was in attendance to accept the award.