Staff report

A Suffolk dentist has been named trustee of the year by the North Carolina Association of Nonprofit Homes for the Aging.

Dr. R. Leroy Howell, who was instrumental in the development of Lake Prince Woods, was selected from among board members serving more than 60 retirement and healthcare communities across North Carolina.

Howell has been actively involved with United Church Homes and Services, which owns and operates Lake Prince, for more than two decades. He 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, a retirement community employing more than 130 people and caring for 300 residents.

Steve Fishler, nomination chair of the North Carolina organization, praised Howell’s accomplishment and dedication during a recent awards ceremony in Asheville, N.C.

&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,&uot; Fishler said. &uot;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.

A Chuckatuck resident, he is a lifelong member of Oakland Christian Church and has been a civic and community leader for many years.