Photo: Left to Right (Back Row) Board Chair Nancy Paschall, Award recipients Ben Rudisill and Janice Stowe, CEO Dale Melton, Award recipient Tom Efird (Front Row) recipient Plato “Tete” Pearson, and Katie Morrow, spouse of the late Ben Morrow.

During Covenant Village’s Evening of Thanksgiving and Gratitude event, held in early November, CEO Dale Melton announced the establishment of the J. Ben Morrow Governance Award.

The new award will be given annually to volunteer leaders who have served with dedication and distinction on the Governing Board of Covenant Village. Recipients will have made an outstanding contribution to the well-being of the residents, the staff who serve them, and the organization’s not-for-profit mission and vision.

The award is named for the late Ben Morrow, an attorney who assisted with land acquisitions during the formation of the Village in the late 1970s. Dale explained that Ben led efforts with the State and its processes to start a retirement community and helped establish early contracts. In addition, Ben and his wife, Katie, assisted residents in planning for and living well at Covenant Village. Together, they provided a “Ministry of Presence by visiting, encouraging, counseling, and caring for Covenant Village residents,” Dale said. Katie has continued this ministry with her weekly visits with residents.

The four inaugural Ben Morrow Award Honorees were members of the original Board of Directors for Covenant Village.  They are as follows:

Janice Stowe:  Serving as a Board member for more than 30 years, including a lengthy stint as Chair of the Admissions Committee, Janice has been known as a stabilizing influence, a ballast, and an anchor for the Board. Pam Paige, Senior Director of Marketing and Admissions, describes Janice as her “Co-Pilot” when working with her as Admissions Chair. “Her contribution of ideas, energy, support, and enthusiasm were invaluable to me.  I grew and learned so much from her wisdom and commitment to Covenant Village,” Pam said.

Ben Rudisill:  Serving on the original Board for eight years, Ben is appreciated for his gift of high business acumen and entrepreneurship. He also led the Board through a period of significant redevelopment, including several expansion projects at Covenant Village and renovations of the Health Center.  Ben’s colleagues have said of his leadership: “Ben was not a rubber stamper.  He listened; he learned; he led, and he acted.”

Plato “Tete” Pearson: Of his many gifts to the Board and Covenant Village, Tete has been known for his singular focus on planning.  He devoted countless hours leading his fellow Board members to the plan for the community – and then reworked and fine-tuned it.  Also, his financial judgment, reasoned insight, practical expertise, and broad experience positioned Covenant Village in a powerful way for its 40+ year legacy of financial strength and fiscal responsibility.

Tom Efird: Known as an attorney by training and an entrepreneur by trade, Tom served ably and creatively as Chair of the Marketing Committee of the Board of Directors.  He was also a strong mentor to David Ratchford – Covenant Village’s first employee – who would later embark on a 40+ career in Senior Living Marketing, Sales, and Branding. Tom was also recognized as the person who named Covenant Village. He explained in a letter, “The name ‘village’ gives a feeling of community or place.” He also shared, “As for the first name, my preference is ‘Covenant.’ The name says a lot about the religious heritage of the community.  It emphasizes the covenant between God and all of us.” That letter, written 45 years ago, formed the basis for the beloved name by which the community has been known since 1982.