Louisa County Impact Awards Celebrate Community Service, Leadership and Partnership

LOUISA COUNTY, Va. — Safe, affordable homes. Opportunities for students and teachers. Books arriving in children’s mailboxes. Behind each is a story of people working together to strengthen Louisa County, and those stories took center stage at the 4th Annual Louisa County Impact Awards Luncheon on October 9 at Callie Opie’s Orchard.

The Louisa County Chamber of Commerce and Louisa Forward Foundation honored Kim Hyland as Nonprofit Leader of the Year, Louisa Education Foundation as Nonprofit of the Year, and Louisa Dolly Parton Imagination Library as Impact Program of the Year.

The celebration also recognized 11 Community Partner Honor Roll inductees. A record-breaking 30 nominations across the three judged categories reflected the breadth of service and leadership throughout the county.

“The Louisa County Impact Awards recognize the leadership and partnerships that turn community support into lasting results,” said Tracy Clark, Executive Director of the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce and Louisa Forward Foundation. “Our goal is to give that work greater visibility and help more people see how they can contribute. Every new connection, volunteer or business partnership can help these organizations reach further and create more opportunities for our community to thrive.”

Nonprofit Leader of the Year: Kim Hyland

Kim Hyland was honored for leadership that combines nonprofit management, housing development expertise and the ability to bring government, donors and community partners together to advance safe, affordable housing.

As Executive Director of the Fluvanna-Louisa Housing Foundation, Hyland connects essential home repairs with long-term housing solutions for seniors and people who work and serve in Louisa County. Her nomination also highlighted stronger board engagement, investments in staff expertise and diversified funding to support the organization’s continued growth.

Fellow finalists were Eddie Brown of Giving Words and Lacey Dabbs of Louisa Education Foundation.

Nonprofit of the Year: Louisa Education Foundation

Louisa Education Foundation was recognized for strengthening the leadership, partnerships and financial stewardship that sustain its mission to help local students, teachers and schools succeed.

During the award year, LEF built professional staff capacity, managed an executive director transition and welcomed five new board members. It also established an organizational endowment exceeding $100,000 and its first endowed scholarship.

Its nomination documented 46 scholarships totaling $103,000, more than $40,000 in teacher grants, and an expanded Student Success Fund. Collaboration with school administrators, counselors and teachers helped align resources with identified needs.

Fellow finalists were Louisa Arts Center and Louisa County Rotary Foundation.

Impact Program of the Year: Louisa Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Louisa Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program of the Louisa County Rotary Foundation, was honored for expanding young children’s access to books and creating regular opportunities for families to read together.

The program reported delivering nearly 15,000 books to more than 1,500 Louisa children over the past year. Participating children receive a free, age-appropriate book mailed to their homes each month from birth until age five. Volunteer outreach, fundraising and local partnerships help reach families throughout the county.

Fellow finalists were the Backpack Feeding Program (Louisa County Resource Council) and the Community Spay and Neuter Program (Hooves & Paws Animal Rescue).

Community Partner Honor Roll

The Community Partner Honor Roll recognizes the people, businesses and organizations whose support, service or collaboration has significantly strengthened a local organization’s work. Each honoree is selected by the submitting organization, making the recognition a direct expression of appreciation.

The 2026 inductees, listed by recognizing organization, are:

• Clark Equestrian Center, Laura and Scott Clark, recognized by Beautiful Brokenness.
• St. James Episcopal Church and Mrs. Chris Shultis, recognized by Child Health Partnership.
• Jeff Martin, recognized by Fluvanna-Louisa Housing Foundation.
• Liza Borches, Carter Myers Automotive, recognized by Giving Words.
• Bobby George, recognized by Louisa Clean.
• Becky Chidester, Social Ministries Coordinator, Louisa Catholic Churches, recognized by Louisa Community Emergency Fund.
• Cindy King, recognized by Louisa County Chamber of Commerce.
• Louisa County Library Foundation, recognized by Louisa County Rotary Foundation.
• Jim Caffrey, recognized by Louisa Education Foundation.
• Floyd Lively, recognized by Louisa Forward Foundation.
• Mike Weimer, recognized by Louisa Little League.

The luncheon was supported by Hantzmon Wiebel LLP, Piedmont Virginia Community College, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative and United Bank, with hospitality provided by Callie Opie’s Orchard.  Photography by CB Productions.

More information about the Louisa County Impact Awards is available at LouisaChamber.org/impactawards.

About the Louisa Forward Foundation

The Louisa Forward Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to support the economic, educational, and community development programs of the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce. The Foundation expands the Chamber’s reach by aligning philanthropic investments, grant opportunities, and collaborative partnerships that foster leadership, enhance nonprofit capacity, support education, and strengthen the cultural and economic fabric of Louisa County helping ensure inclusive growth and long-term community resilience. Learn more at www.LouisaForward.org.

About the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce

Established more than 95 years ago, the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce works to strengthen and enhance the local business environment, represent the interests of its members, and foster balanced growth throughout the region. Through leadership development, advocacy, workforce initiatives, strategic partnerships, and community collaboration, the Chamber serves as a driving force for economic vitality and quality of life in Louisa County. For more information, visit LouisaChamber.org.