Margaret MacIlveen
The Game Changer Award is designed to honor hometown heroes who are tirelessly working to make Morgan County a better place, largely without recognition. Margaret MacIlveen was one such hero. Margaret MacIlveen was a Game Changer in the lives of so many foster children and foster families throughout Morgan County. Her passion was legendary and her kindness unrivaled.
Ms. Margaret will be truly missed, and we are so happy to be able to remember her as our first-ever Game Changer Award recipient.
Barrels of Love Founders
One of the great things about living in Morgan County is how well industries work together to create positive change. The best example of impactful industry-wide collaboration is the Barrels of Love food drive.
Instituted 8 years ago by Wendy Taylor and Forrest Keith, the Barrels of Love food drive has helped to fill food pantry shelves in the wake of holiday needs. This drive becomes more successful every year, and we cannot wait to see how this drive will grow! It is a no-brainer that the Game Changer Award, this month, would go to the individuals who created this community event. The Barrels of Love founders have created lasting change, and for this, those experiencing hunger in Morgan County are grateful.
Bruce Jones
Supporting the youth of today is an investment into the community of tomorrow. No one knows this to be true more than Bruce Jones. Bruce served as the Director of Decatur Youth Services (DYS) for 26 years; and in that time, impacted the lives of approximately 39,000 at-risk children and teens. Growing the program from 1994-2020, Bruce has shaped DYS to be a tool to help assist children in developing self-esteem by promoting a “Yes, I can” attitude and establishing a sense of self-worth by teaching children to excel on their own. Bruce Jones is a champion for the children, and there is no one more deserving of the Game Changer Award this month.
Sue Terrell
"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." -Albert Einstein
Sue Terrell refuses to look on and do nothing. Sue began her work with the homeless in 2012 when she started an outreach called Hands Across Decatur. She tirelessly works to make those who come to her feel like friends and family. Growing from a room in her home to a 5,600 square foot facility, Hands Across Decatur could not make such an impact within the homeless community without the support of the community. Sue Terrell gives a voice to the voiceless by letting them know that they are seen and cared for. She is a Game Changer.
Betty Burnett
"She's always willing to go above and beyond, even in the face of personal tragedy."
-Brad Romine, CEO of Centers for the Developmentally Disabled (CDD).
Betty Burnett, CRNP and Director of Health Services at CDD, is a beloved member of the CDD community. She ensures that the clients receive the highest level of care. She is also a special friend to all of her clients! In the midst of being a health care worker in a pandemic, Betty and her husband contracted COVID-19. Unfortunately, Mr. Johnny Burnett passed away from this illness in November of 2020. With the passing of her husband, Betty perseveres and pours love into her clients. She describes her work as therapeutic, saying that making a difference in her clients' lives helps to heal her hurt. It is evident that Betty Burnett is a Game Changer in the lives of her clients and her CDD family.
John Seymour
John Seymour has been an integral part of this community since 1991.
As President and CEO of the Decatur-Morgan Chamber of Commerce, John has helped to spear-head important advancements including the redevelopment of Decatur's riverfront and downtown area.
He is committed to bringing people from all walks of life together to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
His passion for this community and his commitment is unparalleled.
John Seymour is a Game Changer in every since of the word, and we are honored to be able to recognize him and his efforts!
Contact Us
Address:
115 1st Avenue NE
Decatur, AL 35601
PO Box 1058
Decatur, AL 35602
- Phone: 256-353-6643
- Fax: 256-306-0090
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.