Politics

Land of Sky honors Volk for 36 years of service

Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk accepts award from Brevard Mayor Maureen Copelof.

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 4, 2025

The Land of Sky Regional Council on Wednesday honored Mayor Barbara G. Volk for her 36 years of service to the city of Hendersonville by presenting her with a new award named for her.

The Barbara G. Volk Leadership Award, presented this year for the first time, will annually honor an outstanding contributor to the betterment of Western North Carolina and the Land of Sky Region.

"Mayor Volk has served the city of Hendersonville and Land of Sky Regional Council with distinction, and she represents the best of public service. Her distinguished record of public service has left a positive impact on our region," the regional council said.

A past chair of the Land of Sky Regional Council Board of Delegates, Volk is a long-time member of its executive committee. The first female Hendersonville City Council member when elected in 1989, she is also the first female mayor in the city's history and is the longest serving local government leader in the region.

Other awards presented Wednesday were:

• The Robert C. Parrish Sr. Intergovernmental Relations Award, given in honor of the late Council Chairman and first Mayor of Fletcher, was presented to Henderson County Manager John Mitchell for his contributions to Henderson County and Land of Sky Regional Council. Mitchell's leadership and dedicated service on behalf of Henderson County, the Land of Sky Council and the region are a reminder of what public service is all about, the regional council said.
• Hurricane Helene Recovery Champion Award was presented to 17 leaders in our region for their devotion, commitment and exemplary service to our region in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Western North Carolina was devastated by Helene, and the leadership and hard work of each of these individuals helped support our recovery. The award was presented to Gov. Josh Stein, U.S. Sens Ted Budd and Thom Tillis, Congressman Chuck Edwards, state Sens. Kevin Corbin, Warren Daniel, Ralph Hise, Julie Mayfield and Tim Moffitt, state Reps. Eric Ager, Jennifer Balkcom, Mike Clampitt, Jake Johnson, Mark Pless, Lindsey Prather and Brian Turner and the Honorable Chuck McGrady.
• Hurricane Helene Recovery Partner Award: Recognizing organizations for their contributions to recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene last September, the award is in appreciation for your devotion, commitment, and exemplary service supporting local governments in Western North Carolina this past year. The Board of Delegates presented the award to the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, North Carolina League of Municipalities, UNC School of Government, High Country Council of Governments, Western Piedmont Council of Governments, Foothills Regional Commission and Southwestern Commission. 
• The Charles H. Campbell Regional Leadership Award was presented to Mayor Patrick Fitzsimmons for his dedication and leadership on behalf of the Town of Weaverville and Land of Sky Regional Council. Fitzsimmons has served the region with distinction. His distinguished record of public service has left a positive impact on our region.
• The Robert E. Shepherd Excellence in Local Government Award was presented to Jessica Trotman for her dedication in serving as assistant manager for the Town of Black Mountain. Her leadership and work ethic serve as a shining example for all that choose to serve the public. In this past year she has overseen over $50 million in Helene recovery projects for the Town of Black Mountain in addition to her regular duties. 
• Extraordinary Public Service Award went to Rob Honeycutt, who has served as Madison County manager since 2022 after a 36-year career in the U.S. Army; Marshall Mayor Aaron Haynie, for leading that town's Helene response and recovery efforts; Mac Morrow, who is retiring from the Brevard City Council after 33 years. Morrow served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 30 years, retiring as a colonel.