Awards

Awardees will be announced at the 2025 Rural Summit on March 25-26, 2025, at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley.  

Since 2018, the Rural Advocate of the Year Awards have acknowledged exceptional work being done by agencies, community-based organizations, groups, state-level elected officials, and individuals working to improve the overall quality of life of our state's rural people and places.

These awards recognize rural champions who have made a significant impact on rural development through their leadership across communities. Whether by serving in elected office at the state level; by leading local or statewide efforts to influence policies in support of rural economic development; or by inspiring others to work together to improve their communities, this advocate exemplifies an unwavering commitment to our rural communities.

Awardees will be publicly recognized at the 2025 Rural Summit, on the Rural Center's website, and through social media and other channels.


State Legislative Advocate(s) of the Year

This award recognizes lawmakers who serve in elected office at the state level, and lead or have led efforts to advance and influence policies in support of rural economic development. These advocates exemplify the Rural Center's approach to collaborative, thoughtful civic engagement in support of rural North Carolinians.

This award recognizes community-level advocates whose work is in service to our state's rural communities and inspires others to work together to improve their communities. We seek nominations for leaders who exemplify servant leadership, think and act boldly to address complex issues, and exhibit an unwavering commitment to advancing rural economic development on various fronts.