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 three 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 three 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 June 15th!
Congratulations to our 2024 Award Winners!
Kelsey Jeter, Health Brigade
Volunteer Engagement Professional of the Year
Mary Rousis, St. Joseph’s Villa
Rising Star
See past recipients of the Volunteer Engagement Professional of the Year Award:
2024: Kelsey Jeter, Health Brigade (Volunteer Engagement Professional of the Year) and Mary Rousis, St. Joseph’s Villa (Rising Star)
2023: Carol Ayars, Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging (Volunteer Engagement Professional of the Year) and Tiffani Beissel, United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg (Rising Star)
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