Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards Honor Roy Heatherly

Jackson, TN - Roy Heatherly, Editor & Publisher of the Jackson Sun, was honored as the Madison County Volunteer of the Year at the Fifth Annual Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards Monday night in Franklin, TN. 

Roy HeatherlyWith an estimated 1.3 Million volunteers statewide, Volunteer Tennessee set forth under direction of the Governor’s Office to create an initiative by which the finest of these volunteers would be honored annually.  This initiative seeks to recognize a volunteer from each County in Tennessee that has displayed tremendous dedication to serving their community, worked to strengthen their community in various areas to meet compelling needs, and been a voice for those in need promoting the message that volunteering is rewarding and part of what it means to be a Tennessean.      

Mr. Heatherly was selected as the honoree for Madison County based on his many years of outstanding service, volunteerism, and dedication to the County.  His leadership and time as a volunteer has benefited numerous local organizations including United Way of West TN (current board chair), STAR Center, Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Jackson Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Jackson, West TN Healthcare Foundation, Jackson Symphony, Tennessee Technology Center Advisory Board, and Jackson Downtown Development.

Eddie Lee Herndon, President & CEO of the United Way of West Tennessee, nominated Mr. Heatherly for the award. Commenting on the nomination and selection of Mr. Heatherly as the Honoree for Madison County Mr. Herndon said, “Roy has tirelessly volunteered and led in many areas of our community. He is a true advocate for the people of Madison County. Not only has Mr. Heatherly volunteered for many groups, he has as the Publisher of the largest regional paper promoted the coverage of local stories of volunteerism, the difference a small donation or time  can make to the community, and the direct impact local nonprofits make in our quality of life in West Tennessee.”