The Hanover Community Services Board presented the 2019 Jean C. Harris Award for Excellence at a reception held on October 23 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Hanover County. This year’s recipients of the CSB’s top award were Devin Brown and Honesty Liller.
Devin Brown has spent much of his career helping those with intellectual and development disabilities. He has worked with Arc of Hanover as well as other organizations, families and caregivers, winning praise for his ability to encourage clients and caregivers to socialize and exercise as well as being a leader and a role model in the community. Upon learning that he received this award, Devin Brown said, “I am very excited and humbled, especially after reading up on some of the past recipients.”
Honesty Liller is the Chief Executive Officer of the McShin Foundation, a non-profit recovery community organization for adults seeking recovery from substance use disorders. Liller has more than 12 years in recovery and serves as a living example, mentor and coach to others battling addiction. “I am very excited especially since I was born and raised in Hanover County,” she said. Liller moved back to Hanover County with her children about five years ago and she and her husband are business owners in the community.
The Jean C. Harris Award for Excellence is named for one of the founding board members of Hanover’s CSB, Jean C. Harris. The late Mrs. Harris was a tireless advocate for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This annual award named after her recognizes those citizens in Hanover County who go over and beyond to meet the needs of people serviced by Hanover Community Service Board.
Members of the Hanover Board of Supervisors and Hanover CSB attended the award ceremony along with Delegate Buddy Fowler. Guests enjoyed a musical performance by 2019 Miss Hanover Abilities Pageant winner, Emma Wooten.
Scott Harris, son of Jean C. Harris, spoke at the reception and presented the award alongside Anne Cross and Amy Gregory, co-chairs of the Harris Committee and members of the Hanover CSB.
“Hanover County is fortunate to have so many caring individuals following in the tradition of Jean C. Harris who was a tireless advocate,” said Mrs. Cross. “I was honored on behalf of the Community Service Board to present the 2019 Jean C. Harris Award for Excellence to Devin Brown and Honesty Liller, each of whom makes a true difference in Hanover. It touched me to be at the ceremony with so many people who are so committed to serving Hanover and all of its citizens."
For more information about the Jean C. Harris Award for Excellence, visit www.hanovercounty.gov or contact Hanover Community Services Board at (804) 365-4222.