Annual Awards

Volunteer Engagement Professional of the Year Award

The Volunteer Engagement Professional Award recognizes one of our outstanding members for his or her contributions to the field of volunteer administration and commitment to GRAVA. Nominees for this award must have two or more years experience in the field of volunteer administration, be a current member of GRAVA, and show a commitment to the field of volunteer administration and the mission of GRAVA. Previous winners are not eligible for re-nomination.

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award recognizes outstanding members with less than two years of experience in the field of volunteer administration. Nominees must be current GRAVA members and show a commitment to the field of volunteer administration and the mission of GRAVA.

Nominations Are Open! Click here to nominate your favorite Volunteer Engagement Professional

Nominations close on Friday May 31st!

Congratulations to our 2023 award winners!

  • Carol Ayers, Senior Connections

    Volunteer Engagement Professional of the Year

  • Tiffani Beissel, United Way

    Rising Star

See past recipients of the Volunteer Engagement Professional of the Year Award:

2023: Carol Ayars, Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging

2022: Kim Frola, VMFA (Volunteer Engagement Professional of the Year) and Rachel Yowell, CrossOver Healthcare Ministry (Rising Star)

2021: Kathy Morton, Westminster Canterbury Richmond

2020: Event canceled due to COVID-19

2019: Diane Reale, Goochland Cares

2018: Rachael Newcomb, Children's Museum of Richmond

2017: Whitney Guthrie, Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity

2016: Athena Huss, VCU Health

2015: Katie Bausman, Fan Free Clinic

2014: Rosemary Jones, Peter Paul Development Center

2013: Sharon Drennen, CARITAS

2012: Jamie Seagraves, Homeward

2011: Megan Rollins, Boaz & Ruth

2010: Alison Jones-Nassar, Virginia Supportive Housing

2009: Kathy Perun, Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services

2008: Ormonde Wilkinson, Westminster Canterbury Richmond

2007: Ron Stilwell, CARITAS