Board Spotlight: Local Stories from the Board of Directors
John Mitterholzer, Deshea Agee, Michael Wagler, Chris Wilson, and Mary Helmer Worth share stories from their time at the local level and how those experiences shape their perspectives today.
2024 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient Mileyka Burgos-Flores with her family and Mary Means. © Tosha Gaines Photography/Main Street America
Visionary executive directors, dedicated board members, and passionate volunteers — these individuals are the heart of any Main Street program. We invite you to join us in celebrating the incredible accomplishments of exceptional leaders shaping the Main Street Movement by nominating your organization’s stellar team member for the prestigious Mary Means Leadership Award.
We are accepting nominations through Friday, December 6. Tell us about your visionary volunteer, board member, or staff person. Keep reading for more information or click here to get started!
Eligibility: Current employees, board members, and volunteers of a Local or Coordinating Program with an active membership are eligible to be considered for the Mary Means Leadership Award.
Nominations: Individuals may nominate themselves or others for the award by submitting a completed application, including providing letters of support describing how the nominee demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities, such as building local capacity, centering equity, bringing together diverse stakeholders through shared vision, and exhibiting innovation and ingenuity. Learn more and preview the application here >
Deadline: Nominators must submit a completed application through the online portal by Friday, December 6, at 11:59 p.m. CDT.
Recognition: The 2025 Mary Means Leadership Award recipient will receive a $1,500 professional development stipend, media relations support, a special feature on the Main Street America website, and recognition at the 2025 Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Nominate your community’s exceptional leader for this top honor: Submit your application by Friday, December 6, at 11:59 p.m. CDT!
Learn more and nominate today >
Questions? Contact Steve Amraen at samraen@mainstreet.org.
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