John B. Stephenson Service Award

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In 2014, Brushy Fork Leadership Institute created the John B. Stephenson Service Award in honor of the Institute’s founder. Former Berea College President John B. Stephenson received the first award posthumously with the award being accepted by his wife Jane Stephenson. Since that time, Brushy Fork has provided the award annually to individuals who have exhibited dedication to improving the quality of life in Appalachian communities and who have played an important role in Brushy Fork’s service to the region.

Recipients

2025: Donna Daniels was awarded the 2025 John B. Stephenson Service Award at the Brushy Fork Leadership Gathering in recognition of her extraordinary legacy of service, leadership, and vision in Central Appalachia. Her journey with the Brushy Fork Leadership Institute began in 1990, just two years after its founding, when she joined as Senior Secretary. Over the next 30 years, Donna rose through the ranks to become Executive Director, shaping the organization’s programming with strategic insight, deep compassion, and an unwavering commitment to community-led change. Under her leadership, Brushy Fork flourished through initiatives like the People Ready Communities Leadership Program and the annual Leadership Summit, empowering countless local leaders and strengthening regional capacity. Her influence is evident in the lives of those who discovered their own leadership potential through her encouragement and guidance. Donna’s work has consistently elevated local voices and strengthened community capacity, and her transition to Chief Program Officer at Mountain Association in January 2025 reflects her continued dedication to economic and social resilience in the region. Her legacy is one of transformation, collaboration, and unwavering service, making her a truly deserving recipient of this award.

2024: Dan & Mindy Click are recognized for their dedication to revitalizing downtown Grayson, Kentucky, helping create a community fund for Carter County, creating a welcoming place for artists and art lovers of all backgrounds, and sharing how-to workshops and inspiration with communities across Appalachia.

Two award recipients holding their certificates in front of a sunset mountain view.

2023: Jessy Workman & Uzziel Uresti provided exceptional service toward flood recovery efforts in the city of Wayland in Floyd County, Kentucky.

Two people being awarded certificates and paintings by a third person.

2022: Nathaniel Smith and Vondelere Scott, founders of the youth tutoring and enrichment program, “The Sky’s the Limit” in McDowell County, West Virginia.

2021: Caroline Carpenter, independent consultant and formerly with the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

2020: Vanda Rice, community volunteer from Manchester (Clay County), Kentucky, and a founding member of Stay in Clay.

2019: Joe Crawford, community volunteer and director of the Estill Development Alliance (Estill County, Kentucky).

2019: Joe Crawford, community volunteer and director of the Estill Development Alliance (Estill County, Kentucky). Watch here.

2018: Peter Hille, former Director of Brushy Fork Leadership Institute and former President of the Mountain Association in Berea, Kentucky.

2017: Peggy Satterly, stalwart supporter of Brushy Fork and retired grant manager at the Kentucky Department of Local Government.

2016: George Pilgrim (posthumously), community volunteer and supporter of Brushy Fork (Wolfe County, Kentucky), accepted by his widow, Pam Pilgrim.

2015: Dr. Vaughn and Sandy Grisham, long-time workshop session leaders and stalwart supporters of Brushy Fork Leadershop Institute.

2014: President John B. Stephenson (posthumously), visionary, humanist, and founder of Brushy Fork Leadership Institute, accepted by his widow, Jane Stephenson.