Centralina Regional Council Honors Regional Leaders and Communities with 2026 Region of Excellence Awards
Annual awards recognize innovation, leadership and collaboration across the region
October 20, 2026 — CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Centralina Regional Council is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Region of Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals, local governments and organizations whose work is improving communities and strengthening regional collaboration throughout the nine-county greater Charlotte region.
Presented annually, the Region of Excellence Awards celebrate initiatives and leaders that exemplify Centralina’s mission to expand opportunity and improve quality of life through innovation, partnership and service. Spanning counties, municipalities and regional organizations, this year’s recipients demonstrate the innovative leadership, partnership and commitment to service that continue to strengthen communities across the greater Charlotte region.
“These award recipients represent the very best of our region,” said Michelle Nance, Interim Executive Director of Centralina Regional Council. “From advancing sustainability and accessibility to fostering collaboration and public service, each honoree has made a meaningful impact on the communities they serve. Their accomplishments demonstrate the power of local leadership and regional cooperation to create lasting change.”
This year’s award recipients include:
Nance Award for Regional Collaboration: Robert W. “Bob” Cook
Director, Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization
Throughout more than two decades of leadership at the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization, Robert W. “Bob” Cook has united local governments, transportation agencies and regional partners around a shared vision for mobility, fostering collaboration and consensus to advance transportation solutions that benefit communities across the greater Charlotte region.
James D. Prosser Excellence in Government Leadership: Brian Matthews
County Manager, Union County
Brian Matthews is recognized for more than 25 years of exemplary public service and transformative leadership, advancing regional partnerships, economic development and organizational excellence while helping position Union County for long-term success.
Connected Communities: Town of Davidson
Solar Installation for Public Facilities
The Town of Davidson is advancing its Climate Action Plan through strategic solar installations at municipal facilities, reducing energy costs, increasing resilience and expanding the use of renewable energy to power essential community services.
Aging in Action: City of Locust & Stanly County
West Stanly Senior Center
Through a unique partnership between the City of Locust and Stanly County, the West Stanly Senior Center will expand access to programs, meals and services that support healthy aging while creating new opportunities for engagement and connection among older adults.
Improving Quality of Life – Large Community: Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation
Freedom to Explore: All-Terrain Access Across Mecklenburg County
Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation’s Freedom to Explore program expands access to nature for individuals with mobility disabilities through free all-terrain wheelchairs, allowing more residents to enjoy trails, preserves and outdoor experiences while fostering inclusion, independence and community connection.
Improving Quality of Life – Small Community: Town of Spencer
Town Park Transformation
The Town of Spencer transformed a former shopping center parking lot into a vibrant community gathering space, creating new opportunities for recreation, civic engagement and economic activity while strengthening community pride through strategic investment and public-private partnerships.
Local Government Innovation: Town of Ranlo
Commissioner Schivette Hill
Commissioner Schivette Hill transformed community engagement in Ranlo by creating four citizen-led committees that leverage volunteer expertise to expand services, strengthen public participation and deliver meaningful results without increasing demands on town resources.
Together, this year’s award recipients reflect the creativity, leadership and collaborative spirit that continue to strengthen communities across the greater Charlotte region.
Centralina extends its appreciation to all nominees for their commitment to improving their communities. This year’s submissions showcased the remarkable leadership, collaboration and innovation happening across the region. Centralina congratulates all this year’s winners for their dedication to public service, community improvement and regional excellence.
For more information about the Region of Excellence Awards or to learn how to nominate an organization for next year’s program, visit www.centralina.org/regional-collaboration/region-of-excellence-awards.
Centralina Regional Council is a public organization working to strengthen regional collaboration and improve quality of life in three distinct ways. Centralina identifies regional opportunities and sparks action by facilitating area-wide planning, collaboration and problem-solving; supports local governments by giving them the technical support, training and expertise they need to serve their communities; and provides direct health, aging and workforce services to individuals. To learn more or request Centralina services, visit centralina.org.
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Media Contact:
Katie Brewer
kbrewer@centralina.org
704-385-4793
