Coweta-Fayette EMC Director Named Volunteer of the Year
In his dual role as Heard County Sheriff and Coweta-Fayette Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) Director, Franklin resident Ross Henry brings together public and private partners to provide an array of resources and joy to his community.
Director’s Support of Children’s Charities Earns Statewide Recognition
Palmetto, GA – December 4, 2012 – In his dual role as Heard County Sheriff and Coweta-Fayette Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) Director, Franklin resident Ross Henry brings together public and private partners to provide an array of resources and joy to his community.
To recognize the enormous amount of time he devotes to organizations and causes benefitting children, Henry was recently presented the Georgia EMC 2012 Community Service and Volunteerism Award for directors.
“Although it may seem rare in this day and age of cynicism and self-promotion, Ross is someone who truly embodies both the essence of quiet leadership and the spirit of humble service,” says Tony Sinclair, president and CEO of Coweta-Fayette EMC.
“He has never sought accolades or recognition, always putting the needs and safety of others first,” Sinclair says. “He cares about the people he serves, the towns he protects and the causes to which he is devoted.”
For example, sensing a need for kids to have access to safe, fun activities closer to home, Henry helped establish an annual county-wide Easter Egg Hunt dubbed “Eggstravaganza,” which this year led to 5,000 hidden eggs and treats.
Another commitment on Henry’s part involved the creation of a Christmas toy drive. In recent years, amid economic hardships and rising unemployment, Henry and the Sheriff’s Office collected monetary donations, clothes and toys for struggling families. In 2011, more than 350 children received play items, bicycles and clothing.
According to Sinclair, the entire community has benefitted from Henry’s willingness to work in cooperation with the Sheriff’s Office, Chamber of Commerce, local schools and Family and Children Services, among other organizations. In fact, he serves on numerous boards for various entities, including the Carroll County Women’s Shelter, Heard County Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Sheriff’s Youth Home/Pineland Boys Ranch. He is also involved in the March of Dimes, Special Olympics and the Lions and Optimist Clubs.
According to Bill Verner, vice president of External Affairs with Georgia EMC, the dedication and steadfastness displayed by Henry is especially meaningful since charitable organizations in recent years have experienced steady declines in volunteerism and giving. As a result, they rely upon the generosity of others to bridge the gap to provide aid to the non-served and underserved within their communities.
“Ross is a shining light in the community,” says Verner. “His willingness to serve, and the tenacity and humility with which he does it, makes him a deserving recipient of the Georgia EMC 2012 Community Service and Volunteerism Award.”
The purpose of this award is to spotlight the outstanding efforts and initiatives of EMC management, individual directors and employees who are working to build stronger communities and to encourage other EMCs in the state to give liberally as well.
Henry was presented the Community Service and Volunteerism Award during Georgia EMC’s Annual Meeting Nov. 12 in Savannah. To commemorate the occasion, a donation in his name will be made to a charity of his choice.
Coweta-Fayette EMC is a consumer owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to over 74,000 member accounts in Coweta, Fayette, Heard, South Fulton, Clayton, Spalding, Troup and Meriwether Counties.
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association representing the state’s 42 electric cooperatives, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Georgia Transmission Corp. and Georgia System Operations Corp. Through this statewide network, the EMCs provide electricity and related services to more than four million people, half of Georgia’s population, across 73 percent of the state’s land area.
Amy Lott