Governor's Volunteer Service Awards

Overview

Governor’s Volunteer Service Award

The awards program was created by the Office of the Governor in 1979 and recognizes North Carolina's most dedicated volunteers. The program is administered by the NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, a division within the Office of the Governor.

The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award (GVSA) honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals and groups that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. An individual or group from the public, nonprofit, and private sector may be nominated for this recognition award by a community member to their county-designated award coordinator. There are categories for the type of nominee (individual, group, national service, and director of volunteers), as well as categories based on the area of service (veteran, youth, seniors, education, animals, etc.). The NC Commission will review county nominations and awards are given out locally by the designated county award coordinator. Volunteers nominated from North Carolina's 100 counties are eligible to win the award; however, a maximum of 10 volunteers per county are bestowed the Governor's Volunteer Service Award each year.

Governor's Medallion Award for Volunteer Service

The Governor's Medallion Award for Volunteer Service was implemented in 2006 to recognize the top 20 to 25 volunteers in the state. Medallion recipients are nominated at the county level by the county award coordinator. Only one Medallion nomination is permitted per county each year. A statewide panel reviews and evaluates all these nominations to determine the award recipients. Medallion Award recipients are honored at an annual recognition ceremony. The medallion is placed around the neck to signify the volunteer's great service to the community.

How to Nominate a Volunteer

Nomination period is currently closed; the 2026 nomination period will be open December 2025-January 2026. Details cane be found here at that time.

View tips for writing a strong Governor’s Volunteer Service Award nomination (PDF).

Thank you to everyone in Brunswick County who volunteers their time and talents; you are all appreciated!

2025 Governor's Volunteer Service Award Recipients

Barbara Farley
	Awarded 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award In Service To Dosher Memorial Flea Market Nominated By Ilene Evans
In the nomination for the work Ms. Farley does with the Dosher Flea Market, Ilene Evans wrote, “What’s most notable about Barbara is how passionate she is in her role at the flea market and its mission of raising funds for the hospital.” Additionally, Ms. Evans stated, “Barbara has always taken personal ownership in ensuring the success of the Dosher Flea Market, and by doing so, she has made a significant impact on our hospital and community.”
BCEM Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) / AuxComm
	Awarded 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award In Service To Brunswick County Emergency Management Nominated By Teren Winters
In his nomination, Teren Winters wrote, “The Brunswick County Emergency Management ARES/AuxComm group has been an outstanding and remarkable group of volunteers.” Additionally, “These highly dedicated and talented individuals tirelessly donate their time to the community and serve the community with exceptional professionalism. I am proud to nominate them for this award.”
Becky Merritt
	Awarded 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award In Service To Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. (BSRI) Nominated By Nikki Hanna
In the nomination for the work Ms. Merritt does with Brunswick Senior Resources, Nikki Hanna wrote, “Becky’s commitment extends far beyond her assigned tasks, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable homebound seniors.” Additionally, Ms. Hanna shared, “Becky has directly contributed to saving lives, often intervening when individuals would have otherwise been left in distress for an unknown period,” and “Her dedication and compassion are invaluable assets to our team and the community we serve.”
Carl Mauney
	Awarded 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award In Service To Oak Island Water Rescue Team Nominated By Terry Hoben
In the nomination for the work Mr. Mauney does with the Oak Island Water Rescue Team, Terry Hoben wrote about your service, “His experience as a retired Firefighter-Paramedic has brought extensive real-world leadership to the Oak Island Water Rescue Team.” Additionally, Mr. Hoben stated, “Through all his efforts, he has touched thousands of lives by ensuring the safety and well-being of Oak Island’s residents and guests.”
Chris Kain
	Awarded 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award In Service To Brunswick County Sheriff's Office Nominated By Sheriff Chism
In the nomination for the work Mr. Kain does with the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Chism wrote, “Mr. Chris Kain is reliable, tenacious, and even more, has proved to be dependable and steadfast in providing efficient and effective services.” Additionally, Sheriff Chism stated, “He is considered an asset to our agency, and we greatly appreciate the loyalty that Mr. Kain provides to the volunteer program and to the citizens of Brunswick County.”
Clarissa Cope
	Awarded 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award In Service To Oak Island Angels Nominated By Amy Ottaway
In the nomination for MS. Cope's work with the Oak Island Angels, Amy Ottaway wrote, “Clarissa started the Oak Island Angels some years ago, she and her volunteers give their time and energy for residents in need, all year long, as well as organizing supplies and services for the people of Western NC.” Ms. Ottaway continued, “When there are any devastations, disasters or needs, Clarissa drops everything and helps.”
Diane Hennessey
	Awarded 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award In Service To Day4Hope Nominated By Jeannie Craig
In the nomination for the work Ms. Hennessey does with a Day4Hope, Jeannie Craig wrote, “Diane had a desire to provide school age children with free services to better prepare them for school. She organized and fundraised to make a Day4Hope a reality.” Ms. Craig continued, “Diane recruited over 100 volunteers to be on hand for Day4Hope so that each student got individual attention.”
Henry and Susan Campbell
	Awarded 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award In Service To Brunswick Family Assistance, Inc. Nominated By Beth Lewis
In the nomination for the work Mr. and Mrs. Campbell do with Brunswick Family Assistance, of Mr. Campbell, Beth Lewis wrote, “His attitude is always positive, he is always wearing a smile. No matter the task, nothing is too menial for him.” Additionally, Ms. Lewis shared of Mrs. Campbell, “Susan is very loyal to the pantry. She is always kind, never judgmental. Her fellow volunteers enjoying working with her.” Mrs. Lewis concluded her nomination with, “This husband-and-wife team are a big asset to the Leland site. I honestly would be lost without either of them. I have a lot of respect for both of them as volunteers, a couple, and as friends.”
Mary Gretton
	Awarded 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award In Service To Friends of the Library Southport and Oak Island (FOLSOI) Nominated By Cindy Phillips
In the nomination for the work Ms. Gretton does with Friends of the Library, Southport Oak Island, Cindy Phillips wrote, “Mary is the engine in the background that is often not see, but essential to the board (and for me as President) functioning and serving the libraries and helping spread our mission.” Ms. Phillips continued, “I have never worked with anyone who is more dedicated, thorough, and professional, and FOLSOI is so lucky to have her as a volunteer.”
Ron Austin
	Awarded 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award In Service To NC State Cooperative Extension Nominated By Taylor McDaniel
In the nomination for the work Mr. Austin does with NC State Cooperative Extension, Taylor McDaniel wrote, “Ron is a reliable pillar of our office who excels in customer service. He goes above and beyond the call, imparting more horticultural knowledge to our customers than they initially expected. Ron makes every interaction memorable, creating repeat clients who ask for him by name.” Additionally, Ms. McDaniel shared, “Not only is he a steadfast volunteer, but Ron is also a kind and encouraging mentor to fellow volunteers and staff members.”

Governor's Volunteer Service Awards

Overview