Hal Rogers Lifetime Achievement Award

The Hal Rogers Lifetime Achievement Award honors a lifetime devoted to the preservation, promotion, and enhancement of the unique cultural, artistic, and historical heritage that defines Appalachia.

Sponsored by:

2023 Award Winner
Congressman Hal Rogers
Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives
Representative for Kentucky’s 5th District

2024 Award Winner
Robert “Mike” Duncan
Former Chairman of the Board of Governors
of the United States Postal Service

2025 Award Winner
Jean Hale
Former Chairman, President, and CEO of Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.

Business Person of the Year

The Business Person of the Year Award recognizes a visionary leader whose innovation, determination, and excellence have driven the growth and success of their business in Appalachian Kentucky. This leader’s efforts have not only elevated their enterprise but also contributed to the prosperity and vitality of the region.

Sponsored by:

2023 Award Winner
Donovan Blackburn

2024 Award Winner
Tim Robinson

2025 Award Winner
Barry Martin

Appalachian Recovery Award

The Appalachian Recovery Award is bestowed upon an individual, group, or organization actively engaged on the frontlines, offering opportunities for recovery to those affected by Substance Use Disorder. This award celebrates initiatives focused on training, employment, educational pathways, family support, and community impact, highlighting the transformative power of collaborative efforts and innovative approaches.

Sponsored by:

2023 Award Winner
Addiction Recovery Care

2024 Award Winner
Beacons of Hope

2025 Award Winner
Freedom House
VOA Mid-States

Appalachian Leadership Award

The Appalachian Leadership Award honors an outstanding leader whose transformative vision and impactful contributions have strengthened the Appalachian region. Their dedication exemplifies the power of leadership to inspire progress and empower communities.

Sponsored by:

2023 Award Winner
Elmer Whitaker

2024 Award Winner
Dr. Burton J. Webb
University of Pikeville

2025 Award Winner
Larry Cockrun
President of The University of the Cumberlands

Appalachian Humanitarian Award

The Appalachian Humanitarian Award celebrates an individual or organization devoted to advancing social causes across Appalachian Kentucky. Whether tackling poverty, food insecurity, housing, education, or other challenges, the recipient’s efforts embody compassion, resilience, and meaningful impact.

Sponsored by:

2023 Award Winner
Jerry Fultz

2024 Award Winner
Tess and Barb Lipps
Axis Coffee and Gathering Place

2025 Award Winner
Kari Collins
Former Executive Director of the Red Bird Mission

Connect Appalachia Award

The Connect Appalachia Award highlights the remarkable achievements of individuals or organizations advancing broadband access, digital equity, remote work, and digital literacy in the region. This award celebrates transformative efforts that bridge the digital divide and empower Appalachia’s future.

Sponsored by:

2023 Award Winner
Thacker-Grigsby Communications
& Leslie County Fiscal Court

2024 Award Winner
Red Bird Mission Broadband Action Team

2025 Award Winner
Hilda Legg

Healthy Communities Award

The Healthy Communities Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of an individual, group, or organization working to address health disparities in Appalachian Kentucky. Their initiatives promote wellness and healthier lifestyles, fostering stronger, more resilient communities.

Sponsored by:

2023 Award Winner
Farmacy & CANE Kitchen

2024 Award Winner
AVA Center (Appalachian Valley Autism Center)
at Pikeville Medical Center

2025 Award Winner
Food is Medicine
ARH

Tourism Organization of the Year Award

The Tourism Organization of the Year Award honors a local or regional tourism agency whose innovative strategies have not only promoted existing attractions but also developed new opportunities to draw visitors to Eastern Kentucky. Their efforts drive economic growth and shine a spotlight on Appalachia’s unique charm.

Sponsored by:

2023 Award Winner
Backroads of Appalachia

2024 Award Winner
Appalachian Triangle

2025 Award Winner
Boyd County Tourism

Startup of the Year Award

The Startup of the Year Award recognizes a business or entrepreneur leveraging innovation and technology to expand their reach and impact. Open to businesses five years old or younger, this award celebrates creative solutions and bold growth that extend far beyond Appalachia Kentucky.

Sponsored by:

2023 Award Winner
New Frontier

2024 Award Winner
BlackBox Energy Systems

2025 Award Winner
Garnet Gazelle

Appalachian Student of the Year Award

The Appalachian Student of the Year Award celebrates a high school or college student who has made a significant impact through academic excellence and community service. This award highlights the next generation of leaders whose achievements inspire progress in their school and community.

Sponsored by:

2023 Award Winner
Mountain View Elementary School
& Logan Sizemore

2024 Award Winner
Olivia Johnson
Middlesboro High School

2025 Award Winner
Sadie Hoffman
Barbourville High School

Appalachian Teacher of the Year Award

The Appalachian Teacher of the Year Award honors an educator who has left a lasting mark on their students, institution, and community. Through a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and meaningful service, they exemplify the transformative power of education in Appalachia.

Sponsored by:

2023 Award Winner
Dr. Chandran Haridas
Belfry High School

2024 Award Winner
Allison Slone
Rowan County High School

2025 Award Winner
Gary Douglas
Leslie County High School

Emerging Leader of the Year Award

The Emerging Leader of the Year Award celebrates a trailblazer under the age of 40 whose leadership is creating real, lasting impact in Appalachian Kentucky. Whether in business, government, education, or community service, this individual is not only making a difference today but shaping the future of the region with a bold vision, passion, and purpose.

Sponsored by:

2025 Award Winner
Brandon Pennington
Executive Director of Harlan County Tourism
&
Kendra Calhoun
COO Boys and Girls Club of Appalachia

Appalachian Workforce Champion of the Year Award

The Appalachian Workforce Champion Award honors an individual, organization, or training provider making a transformative impact on workforce development in Eastern Kentucky. Through innovative programming, community partnerships, or direct service to job seekers, this award celebrates those bridging the gap between potential and opportunity—helping individuals not just find work, but build a future.

Sponsored by:

2025 Award Winner
Jennifer Lindon
President of Hazard Community
and Technical College

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Partner of the Year Award

The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Partner of the Year Award honors an organization or individual who plays a critical role in supporting Appalachian Kentucky’s entrepreneurs. From mentorship and technical assistance to capital access and coalition building, this award recognizes those working behind the scenes to grow a thriving, connected startup ecosystem that empowers bold ideas and homegrown talent.

Sponsored by:

2025 Award Winner
Appalachian Investors Alliance

Community of the Year Award

The Community of the Year Award recognizes a city or county government leading bold initiatives to build a better future. From housing to tourism, infrastructure to workforce, these communities are creating opportunity and momentum.

Sponsored by:

2025 Award Winner
Manchester-Clay County

Appalachian Student-Athlete of the Year Award

The Appalachian Student-Athlete of the Year Award recognizes a high school or college athlete who exemplifies excellence both on the field and in the classroom. This award celebrates individuals who lead by example—balancing academics, athletics, and community involvement with discipline, determination, and pride in their Appalachian roots.

Sponsored by:

2025 Award Winner
Kade Elam
Corbin High School