Awards
Each year, the Blue Ridge Conference on Leadership honors persons with the designation of one of the following awards:
- Heaton Award
- Board Service Award
- Conference Service Award
- Blue Ridge Student Challenge Award
2010 Blue Ridge Student Challenge Award
First Place Award Winner
Kelly Walser - Auburn University MBA Program
Kelly Walser graduated from Georgia Tech in 2006 earning a B.S. in Business Management and minors in Marketing and International Affairs. She is currently working towards her MBA at Auburn University where she is focusing on Human Resource Management. Kelly’s first work experience was in the nonprofit sector, followed by a later role as a management consultant where she found her true passion in talent development and team building. In December 2010, Kelly will graduate and would like to return to the Human Resources arena to engage and motivate employees either by pursuing Training & Development or HR consulting. Kelly enjoys traveling, photography, cooking, and *almost* any type of exercise.
Second Place Award Winner
Linden Jones - Auburn University MBA Program
Linden Jones graduated from University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL in 2007, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with concentrations in Business, Math, and Studio Art. She is currently working on her MBA at Auburn University, planning to graduate in December 2010. Linden’s previous work experience has surrounded the area of management with her various roles in small business operations and entrepreneurships. Upon graduation Linden hopes to find a management position in the airline industry.
Third Place Award Winner
Ivan Rodriguez-Marin - Auburn University MBA Program
Ivan Rodriguez-Marin graduated from Javeriana Pontifical University in Bogota, Colombia in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Ivan is currently working on his MBA with a concentration in sport management at Auburn University, planning to graduate in December 2010. His most relevant professional experience has been in the commercial area of a multinational computer technology and consulting corporation. Ivan is truly passionate about sports, especially about soccer, and after graduation he expects to work in the sports industry as a marketing consultant.
2010 GEORGE D. HEATON AWARD WINNER
C. Roger Hibbard - YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly
The Heaton Award recognizes those who exemplify good human relations skills in their positions as leaders. It is presented to those who, through their effective leadership and supervision of others, best exemplify the philosophy and principles of the Blue Ridge Conference on Leadership
Roger Hibbard was nominated by the Board of Directors of the Blue Ridge Conference on Leadership.
Roger Hibbard has worked in the YMCA system for 40 years retiring as the Executive Director of the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly. He served at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly for 36 years with 25 of those years as Executive Director. Simply put, his service has been extraordinary and worthy of recognition. The Assembly flourished under his direction increasing the operating budget (more than 200%), increasing the annual support, and managing a $5 million capital campaign. Roger also shepherded many facility projects during his tenure to include the addition of the tennis courts, the high adventure challenge course, a water system, and numerous buildings and building additions.
He has fostered amazing relationships with the employees, clients, and vendors of the Blue Ridge Assembly and continues to be an integral part of the Black Mountain Community.
Roger is an Eagle Scout and received his Bachelors Degree from Furman University and a Master of Education from Springfield College. He is married to Rosalyn Hibbard a retired school teacher and has two children Allison and Christopher. Roger and Rosalyn are now enjoying a nice retirement and reside in Black Mountain, NC.
Congratulations Roger on your recognition as the 2010 Heaton Award Winner!
Special Conference Service Awards
Ken Bonifay
Special thanks is given to Ken Bonifay for his wonderful service on the board of directors and as a Chairman Emeritus.
Board Service Award
Jacque Williams
Jacque is the outgoing chairperson for the Board of Directors. Blue Ridge thanks him for his exemplary service and dedication to the conference from 2009-2010 as Board Chair and for his many years serving the board prior to his chairmanship.
