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RCAC staff members receive distinguished RCAP awards
Photo by Stephen Shapanks, RCAP communications intern
RCAP Executive Director Robert Stewart presents Blanca Surgeon, RCAC rural development specialist with distinguished award.
Winners of Rural Community Assistance Partnership’s (RCAP) national staff awards were announced during a lunchtime banquet held during the organization’s conference, Nov. 30, 2010 to Dec. 2, 2010 in Washington, D.C., which was a training event for RCAP technical assistance providers and other staff from all of RCAP’s six regional partners. Two of the winners are RCAC staff members. RCAC is the western RCAP.
RCAP staff members across the country nominated fellow staff members in five award categories. Technical assistance providers and state and regional coordinators were eligible. The honorees were chosen by a panel of national RCAP board members and RCAP Executive Director, Robert Stewart.
Jay Mashburn, RCAC rural development specialist received one of the RCAP outstanding service awards.
“Jay is one of the RCAP network’s finest trainers who has developed numerous sessions on community leadership, source water protection, energy efficiency, and other topics responsive to small, rural community needs. He has a wonderful ability to bring people together to work cooperatively on their utility issues, including very supportive efforts with many tribal communities,” said Stewart.
In addition to giving the outstanding service awards, RCAP inducted new members into its Hall of Fame, including Blanca Surgeon, RCAC rural development specialist. Inductees into the Hall of Fame have made significant positive contributions to RCAP in the course of their work over the years. All are long-term staff members.
“Over the past 15 years, Blanca has dedicated her talents not only to rural communities in New Mexico, but also to numerous state and national councils and committees that seek to improve living conditions in rural communities. Blanca has been especially active in the colonias of New Mexico,” said Stewart.