Excellence In Nonprofit Service
The J. McKenny Willis, Jr. Award

In 2003, The Board of Directors established the J. McKenny Willis, Jr. Award to recognize nonprofit organizations that have provided outstanding service to the residents of the Mid-Shore, and to the individual most responsible for the long-term success of that organization.

For more than 60 years, J. McKenny Willis, Jr. devoted his time and personal resources to improving the quality of life for all who lived on the Mid-Shore. Mr. Willis was directly involved in the creation of many of our region’s most important institutions; his impact on the quality of life in this community was legendary. He was the driving force behind the construction of Easton Memorial Hospital and he played key roles in establishing the region’s first YMCA, the Talbot County public library, and the creation of the United Fund of Talbot County. As a public leader, Mr. Willis played an important role in the integration of public schools on the Mid-Shore, and spearheaded efforts to rebuild what is now the Tidewater Inn after a major fire years ago.

In honor of Mr. Willis’s service to this community, the Board of Directors of MSCF has recognized the following individuals and nonprofits:

2003    Washington College, Dr. John Toll, President

2004    Chesterwye Center, Dr. Harry Rhodes           
              Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Mrs. Maggie Ferree

2005    United Fund of Talbot County, Lloyd Beatty

2007    Kent Center, Thomas Stevenson
             Habitat for Humanity of Talbot and Dorchester Counties, Lawrence Neviaser

2008    Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers, Happy Critchlow

2009    CASA of Talbot County, Will A. Lockwood