Durham, NC — December 9, 2025 — Central Pines Regional Council (CPRC) celebrated regional leadership, innovation, and partnership at its 2025 End of Year Celebration & Golden Pinecone Awards on December 4. The event recognized outstanding individuals, and programs that strengthen regional collaboration and advance the well-being of the region. In addition to this year’s award recipients, CPRC also honored outgoing Board Members and celebrated CPRC staff service milestones at the event.
2025 Golden Pinecone Award Recipients
Evergreen Excellence Award presented to Virginia Johnson, Town Clerk, Town of Cary
The Evergreen Excellence Award recognizes a leader whose professionalism, integrity, and dedication have strengthened both their community and its relationships with neighboring municipalities. Johnson’s work ensures seamless community events, promotes inclusivity and transparent communication, and reinforces Cary’s reputation as a collaborative regional partner. Her consistent engagement with regional stakeholders has built trust, transparency, and strong intergovernmental cooperation.
Longleaf Leadership Award presented to Mayor Andy Moore, Town of Smithfield
This award recognizes an elected official whose leadership benefits both their community and the broader region. Mayor Moore has devoted more than 26 years to public service, guiding Smithfield through a remarkable financial and economic transformation. His leadership has supported over 5,000 new homes, major industrial expansion—including a $200 million investment creating more than 1,500 jobs—and some of the lowest utility rates and tax burdens in Johnston County. His commitment to regional collaboration, especially in water and sewer planning and economic development, reinforces his legacy as a visionary leader.
Rooted in Results Award presented to The Crisis Assistance Response & Engagement (CARE) Team
A Partnership between the Chapel Hill Police Department, Carrboro Police Department, and Orange County
Launched in May 2024, the CARE Team provides a non-law enforcement response to behavioral health challenges, substance use, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and other non-emergent needs. Combining crisis counselors, peer support specialists, and community EMTs—with support from an embedded 911 crisis counselor—the program has already responded to 1,983 events and served 981 individuals. After a successful first year, the program expanded to the Town of Carrboro and is currently building a second team to extend its service hours. This collaboration exemplifies problem-solving across community lines.
Heart of the Pine Award presented to John Keefer, Director of Organizational Effectiveness, Durham County
Nominated by CPRC staff, this award honors an individual who demonstrates exceptional support for CPRC’s mission. Keefer has been a steadfast partner on grant initiatives, street medicine programs, and senior home repair efforts. His willingness to collaborate, innovate, and leverage county and regional resources for maximum impact has made him an invaluable ally to CPRC and a champion for cross-jurisdictional cooperation.
Additional Recognition
Outgoing Board Members
CPRC recognized long-serving Board Members who completed their terms this year, thanking them for their leadership, service, and commitment to regional collaboration.
- Delegate Wilma Laney, Aberdeen (former Board Officer)
- Delegate Brett Gantt, Apex (former Chair)
- Delegate Tommy Beal, Broadway
- Delegate Randee Haven O’Donnell, Carrboro
- Delegate Jennifer Robinson, Cary (former Chair and former Chair of National Association of Regional Councils of Governments)
- Delegate Michael Sims, Clayton
- Delegate Mark Anthony Middleton, City of Durham
- Delegate Jason Wunsch, Fuquay-Varina
- Delegate Mark Swan, Knightdale
- Delegate Steve Rao, Morrisville
- Delegate Jerry Williams, Pinebluff
- Delegate Jeff Morgan, Pinehurst
- Delegate Pamela Baldwin, Pittsboro (former Chair)
- Delegate Lewis Fadely, Siler City
- Delegate Nick Sliwinski, Wake Forest
- Alternate Delegate DeDreana Freeman, City of Durham (former Chair)
- Alternate Delegate Timothy Forrest, Holly Springs
- Alternate Delegate Mark Smith, Kenly
- Alternate Delegate Donna Fender, Morrisville
- Alternate Delegate Vivian Jones, Wake Forest
Staff Milestones
CPRC staff members were celebrated for achieving years-of-service milestones, honoring their dedication to advancing the mission and programs that support local governments throughout the region.
- Lindsay Whitson, Community & Economic Development Director – 5 years
- KC Chae, Triangle West TPO Business Systems Administrator – 15 years
- Yanping Zhang, Triangle West TPO Modeling Manager – 15 years
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About Central Pines Regional Council
For more than five decades, Central Pines Regional Council has been educating and empowering local governments through direct assistance, regional planning, and technical expertise. As a resource and support hub for local governments, community members, and partners across Chatham, Durham, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange, and Wake counties, we believe that our region thrives when we come together with a common vision and plan for the future. Our work fosters constructive conversations and drives long-term change in our community to ensure our region is thriving, equitable, connected and resilient.
For more information, please contact:
Beth Seidel
Member Engagement Coordinator
Central Pines Regional Council
bseidel@centralpinesnc.gov | 919-558-2712