Staff Recognized with Awards for Outstanding Service, Collaboration & Innovation

This year, Centralina began a tradition of recognizing staff members whose outstanding contributions to our organization and our region’s communities embody the mission and values that drive our work:  

Through the annual Spark Awards, we honor the service, collaboration and innovation that create positive changes across our nine-county region. At Centralina Celebrates! on October 8, 2025, we proudly recognized this year’s award recipients whose dedication, teamwork and creativity continue to strengthen our organization and the communities we serve. 

Spark Service Award 

Debi Lee (left) and Hillary Kaylor (right)

The Spark Service Award honors individuals whose exceptional commitment to public service has advanced Centralina’s vision of being a trusted regional partner. This year’s recipients, Debi Lee, Assistant Aging Programs Director, and Michele Yard, Office Services Specialist, exemplify that spirit. Debi’s career-long dedication to improving the lives of older adults and Michele’s consistent, above-and-beyond approach to supporting colleagues and operations both demonstrate the power of service to make meaningful, measurable impact. 

Spark Collaboration Awards 

Venecia White (left) and Michele Yard (right)

The Spark Collaboration Awards celebrate those who foster teamwork and partnerships that strengthen Centralina’s mission. 

• The Team Collaboration Award was presented to Molly O’Day, Kelly Mach, Caitlin McElrath, Kelsey Lieungh, Tisha Steen and Destiny Richardson (pictured in header) for their collaboration in developing three complementary programs – ARPA Chore, Choosing Home and Housing & Home Improvement – that enhance the lives of older adults. 

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  Anna Lu Wilson (left) and Kannapolis Mayor Darrell Hinnant (right)

  The Individual Collaboration Award recognized Anna Lu Wilson, Community Economic Development Coordinator, for her steadfast collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders during challenging circumstances, and Venecia White, Human Resources & Operations Manager, for her person-centered leadership that has strengthened OneCentralina programming and the agency’s collaborativeculture. 

Spark Innovation Award 

The Spark Innovation Award honors forward-thinking solutions that enhance efficiency, effectiveness and impact. Sarah Niess, Senior Planner, earned this year’s recognition for developing and implementing CONNECT Centralina, our region’s first transportation demand management (TDM) program. Her creativity and commitment to innovation exemplify how new ideas can lead to lasting regional benefits. 

Sarah Niess (center)

As we celebrate these accomplishments, we’re reminded that it’s our people, their ideas, collaboration and service, that spark Centralina’s continued success. Congratulations to all of our 2025 Spark Award recipients!