Staff report

Lake Prince Woods and United Church Homes and Services (UCHS) announced that Dr. R. Leroy Howell has been named &uot;Trustee of the Year&uot; by the North Carolina Association of Nonprofit Homes for the Aging.

The announcement was made at the Association’s Spring Conference held recently in Asheville, N.C.

Howell was selected from among board members serving more than 60 retirement and healthcare communities and 14,000 residents across North Carolina.

Howell has been actively involved with UCHS for more than 20 years and was instrumental in the development of Lake Prince Woods in Suffolk, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) operated by UCHS.

Howell was the first chairman of a United Church of Christ committee to study the possibility of a retirement community in the Tidewater area more than 20 years ago. His tenacious advocacy proved instrumental to the success of Lake Prince Woods, now a thriving CCRC employing more than 130 individuals and caring for 300 residents.

In presenting the award to Howell, Steve Fishler, Nomination Chair of NCANPHA stated, &uot;A gentleman with quiet dignity and poised leadership, Dr. Howell has been a constant support to the Board of Directors and UCHS senior staff. Dr. Howell accepts little credit for his many contributions to United Church Homes and Services though he has certainly helped shape the ministry as it is today.&uot;

NCANPHA President and CEO Susan Williamson also praised Howell for lobbying efforts in Virginia, North Carolina, and in Washington, D.C.

Howell currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for UCHS.

He is a Chuckatuck resident and well-known dentist.

He is a lifelong member of Oakland Christian Church and has been actively involved as a leader in civic and community leadership for many years.

United Church Homes and Services is a not for profit ministry affiliated with the United Church of Christ serving 1200 seniors in North Carolina and Virginia.