President & CEO Elizabeth Carey Receives Albion Leadership Award
On behalf of the Albion Community Leadership Council and Substance Abuse Prevention Services, Dr. Harry Bonner bestowed the inaugural Dr. Sheryl Mitchell Servant Leadership Award to Elizabeth Carey on the morning of February 7, 2020 on the campus of Albion College. In attendance were dozens of community leaders from Albion and Marshall, as well as the Starr Commonwealth board of trustees.
Carey received this award in honor of her transformational leadership of Starr Commonwealth, using her “heart, head, hands, and habits to serve and help others.” The award’s namesake, Dr. Sheryl Mitchell, former city manager of Albion, was also honored thanks to her vision for the community during her service.
“It’s a vision and dream come true, to be able to put in a room these leaders—who are all servant leaders,” remarked Bonner. “To have Elizabeth and Dr. Mitchell come together as the first two honorees is a perfect way to begin this award.”
“It is tremendously moving,” said Mitchell. “As I reflect on the honor, it’s about transforming the lives of children and community. That’s the epitome of the legacy of Dr. Bonner, yet there’s so much work left to be done. That’s what Elizabeth is now accomplishing at Starr. I couldn’t be more thrilled.”
“I’m honored to be recognized, most importantly because of the people in this room,” explained Carey. “While I don’t live in Albion, these are my people. In that sense, it’s humbling because it means the mission and vision of Starr Commonwealth resonates and is carried by the community. As I looked out, servant leaders from government, schools, and local business were all in attendance. Dr. Bonner has brought us all together to continue the work of providing positive experiences for children to flourish, and that’s what we’re going to do. This award is about all of us, and today I’m as proud for Starr and for Albion as ever.”