New CDC Director Among Six Winners Of The 2023 North Carolina Award
The recipients have been announced for this year’s North Carolina Award presentation. This prestigious award is the highest civilian honor in the Tarheel state, only given to North Carolinians who have made substantial contributions in various fields. These include fine arts, literature, public service, and science.
So who are the honorees this year? Let’s find out!
The three people receiving the North Carolina Award in the field of public service are G.K. Butterfield (Wilson), David Price (Chapel Hill), and Fred A. Whitfield (Greensboro).
All three men are worthy recipients, as each of them have made unmatched positive contributions to the state. Butterfield dutifully represented North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District for 18 tireless years. Price has previously earned countless awards and recognitions due to his charitable advocacy efforts. And Whitfield has made tremendous strides as president and Chief Operating Officer of the Charlotte Hornets, and is also the only African-American COO in the NBA.
Marsha White Warren (Chapel Hill) is the lone recipient of the North Carolina Award in the field of literature. Warren is an accomplished poet and author whose literary works have touched the hearts of many across the Carolinas and beyond. Warren currently serves as a charter member and executive director of the North Carolina Writers Network.
In the field of fine arts, Patrick Dougherty (Southern Pines) is being honored for his achievements as a renowned sculptor. Dougherty’s breathtaking exhibits are prominently featured in museums across the entire state.
And finally, the North Carolina Award in the field of science goes to Mandy K. Cohen (Raleigh). Serving as a lead physician for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Cohen was instrumental in helping North Carolinians stay safe and informed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this summer she was also appointed as director of the CDC.
In this news release, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Reid Wilson commends all six of this years North Carolina Award recipients. “These individuals have contributed so much to our state and nation thanks to their remarkable careers and achievements. Each of them has enhanced the lives of North Carolinians through their impressive accomplishments in public service, literature, science, and the arts.”
Governor Roy Cooper will present the awards November 9, in a special ceremony at the North Carolina Museum of Art.
Congratulations to the six honorees who strive to make North Carolina amazing in so many ways!