Each year, LNC presents the L. Richardson Preyer Alumni Award to an LNC alum who has made a significant improvement in the quality of life, economic well-being, and sense of community in our state. This award was created in honor of the late Greensboro congressman who was instrumental in the early days of Leadership North Carolina.

During the LNC Class XXVI Graduation and Awards Ceremony at the North Carolina State Capitol on May 9, the 2019 L. Richardson Preyer Alumni Award was presented to Kathy Higgins, chief executive officer of Alliance for a Healthier Generation and an alumna of LNC Class X. During the presentation, Laura Bingham, partner with Newport Board Group, member of the LNC Board of Advisors, and past chair of the Leadership North Carolina Board of Directors, shared the following about Kathy:

“Kathy has been an engaged alumna of Leadership North Carolina, most recently sharing the impact of her LNC experience and challenging class members to lean into their potential during the Orientation Session at Appalachian State University for Classes XXIII, XXIV, and XXV.  Kathy was the first leader from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina to participate in the LNC program as an alumna of Class X and helped establish a pipeline within Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina for future Leadership North Carolina participants. Kathy has a tendency to make things happen over a meal.  It was Kathy Higgins who spearheaded Leadership North Carolina’s first grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina over breakfast with Brian Etheridge and me in 2008.

Then, over dinner with the staff during the Class XXV Orientation Session in Boone, Kathy asked about Leadership North Carolina’s pain points. Brian and Kelly shared the challenge faced by rural participants and the barrier that the program fee and travel expense presented.  That conversation resulted in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina 100 County Initiative Scholarship, helping both organizations strengthen their commitment to all 100 North Carolina counties, and increasing rural participation in Leadership North Carolina. Class XXVI is the first class to benefit from this grant and there are seven members of LNC Class XXVI who are recipients of this scholarship.”

Congratulations to Kathy on her service to LNC and for being selected as the 2019 recipient of the L. Richardson Preyer Alumni Award. For a roster of past recipients and to make a nomination for the 2020 L. Richardson Preyer Alumni Award, click here.

Photo credit: Becca Mill