Congratulations to the 2026 Heart of the Community Award Recipients

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, eight of Rome’s “unsung heroes” will be honored at the Heart of the Community Foundation Awards of Honor black-tie gala.

The ticketed event will be held at The Forum River Center with the silent auction and reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by a seated dinner and awards program at 7:00 p.m. Returning this year will be the post-party celebration immediately following the awards program.

For 40 years, AdventHealth Redmond has served as the presenting sponsor of the Foundation and awards program. The mission of The Heart of the Community Foundation is to recognize individuals for their commitment to outstanding community service in Rome and Floyd County.

The 2026 recipients include: Rick and Sundai Stevenson, Board of Governors Award; Leah Mayo, Young Heart Award; Jeb Arp, Award of Honor; Sarah Huffman, Award of Honor; Ghee Wilson, Award of Honor; Traci Tillery, Award of Honor; and Gail Veal, Award of Honor.

 

Rick and Sundai Stevenson – HOC Board of Governors Award

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Rick and Sundai Stevenson are the kind of leaders every community hopes to have.
They are steady when times are uncertain, compassionate when people are hurting, and courageous when progress demands a strong voice. Their journey in Rome and Floyd County has always centered on one mission: to lift others up.

They serve with their whole hearts. Motivated by faith and grounded in a deep love for people, Rick and Sundai have spent years building relationships across neighborhoods, churches, schools, and civic organizations. They listen first, act with humility, and always look for ways to bring people together. Whether it’s advocating for educational improvements, creating spaces for unity, guiding young leaders, or helping families find affordable housing, the Stevensons step in where they are needed most.

Rick’s strengths as a communicator, collaborator, and bridge-builder were evident as he helped lead the 2017 Education SPLOST effort: speaking with clarity in the face of complexity, easing tensions, and offering hope. His service on multiple boards reflects a lifetime of commitment to community growth, youth mentorship, and cultural enrichment.

Sundai’s story is a testament to perseverance and leadership. From serving on the Rome City Commission to becoming the city's first Black female mayor, she has led with kindness, courage, and a genuine desire to help families thrive. Her work with the MLK Commission, the Chamber of Commerce, local nonprofits, and her church highlights a life built around service.

Together, Rick and Sundai form a team whose impact reaches far beyond titles or positions. Their influence can be felt in the lives of the families they’ve supported, the collaborations they’ve built, and the unity they continue to strengthen across this community.

One nominator summarized their impact powerfully: “The Stevensons have served our community with quiet, consistent dedication. Their leadership has brought meaningful results in every area they have touched. Rick and Sundai are making a lasting, positive difference by working alongside anyone committed to building a stronger community.” Their legacy is simple and powerful: Rome is better because Rick and Sundai Stevenson are here.

Rick is currently serving on:

  • Advent Health Redmond Board of Trustees
  • Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Georgia Board
  • One Community United Executive Board
  • Rome International Film Festival Board

Sundai is currently serving on:

  • Blister for My Sister Advisory Board
  • Floyd County Development Authority Board
  • M.L. King Jr. Celebration Committee Chairperson
  • Open Door Home Board
  • Rome Symphony Board

Leah Mayo – HOC Young Heart Award

Leah Mayo serves as an Assistant District Attorney in the Floyd County District Attorney’s Office. She is a graduate of Darlington School, Presbyterian College, and received her Juris Doctor from Mercer University School of Law.  With an impressive career in public service, to her numerous volunteer and community leadership engagements, Leah exemplifies the type of young leader integral to the future of Rome and Floyd County.

Leah’s dedication to excellence permeates every aspect of her community presence. When she commits to a project, she gives every ounce of her energy and devotion to ensure a successful outcome. Leah attends every board and committee meeting, even those she is not required to participate in. She is the first to arrive and the last to leave when preparing for or cleaning up after an event.

In the words of one of her nominators: “Throughout her life, Leah has shown an exemplary dedication to public and community service. Not only has she chosen a career path dedicated to serving others, but she leans in at nearly every opportunity to give back to her community and the people within it. “

 

 

 

  • Rome Area Council for the Arts – President (2019-2025); Past President and Social Committee Co-Chair (Current): In her role as President, she has overseen the growth of the appreciation for the arts in Rome, hosted the largest annual fundraiser for RACA, and several smaller events throughout the year.
  • Chosen to deliver the 2024 Opening Convocation at Presbyterian College entitled, “To Move Forward, You Have to Give Back”
  • Outstanding Young Alumna Award from Presbyterian College (2022)
  • Exceptional Young Professional Award from the Rome-Floyd Chamber of Commerce (2021)
  • College Mentor, Pepperell High School (October 2018 – Present): Mentoring students who are interested in college, but who may not have the opportunity otherwise, by teaching them about college preparation, the college application process, how to excel at college interviews, and obtain financial aid. To further this role, she filmed her self-designed multi-part series: “College 101.”
  • Darlington School Alumni Council, Committee Chair (August 2022-Present)
  • Leadership Rome XXXIX (August 2021-May 2022)
  • Leadership Darlington Class ‘22 (March 2022)
  • Rome Bar Association, Member (November 2018-Present)
  • Rome-Floyd Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals, Member (November 2019-Present)
  • Mock Trial Coach, Pepperell High School (October 2018-May 2022)
  • Mercer University School of Law Young Alumni Council, Class Representative (February 2019 – June 2021)

Jeb Arp – HOC Award of Honor

Jeb Arp’s deep commitment to the Rome and Floyd County community is reflected in his decades of service as an educator, volunteer, and civic leader. Over the past 20 years, Jeb has supported initiatives that enhance and strengthen our area’s quality of life. His career in education has given him a unique opportunity to meaningfully engage with different pockets of Floyd County and evolve into community involvement that has only grown over time.

Originally from Dalton by way of Ellijay, Jeb came to Rome to attend Berry College, where he discovered his passion for teaching while earning both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees in early childhood education. Never one to sit still, he later earned his Doctorate of Education in Instructional Leadership from the University of Alabama; and then went on to obtain his Georgia real estate license. Jeb and his partner, Luke, share their c.1938 historic home in College Heights with their two fur babies — Henry (a pug) and Puttles (a pug mix). Jeb balances his work in education with a successful hobby-turned-second career at Toles, Temple & Wright Real Estate. In addition to traveling, his interests reflect a love of architecture, historic preservation, and community development — from restoring old homes to volunteering his time, and patronizing fun and flashy events that support our local arts and culture.

 

 

As his nominator stated: “With his signature wit and commitment to helping others, Jeb
embodies the very best of what it means to serve one’s community — and to have fun while doing it!”

  • Rome Area Heritage Foundation: Board of Directors; Co-president & Secretary
  • Rome International Film Festival: Board of Directors, Film and Entertainment Society founding member
  • William S. Davies Shelters: past member of Board of Directors, Advisory Board – instrumental in acquiring the property that became the Ruth & Naomi House on North Broad Street
  • Rome-Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth’s “Are You Smarter Than a 3rd Grader?” Competition: over $8,000 raised
  • Bloom Closet: PorchFest Planning Committee
  • Neighborly Love sweatshirt fundraiser: $2,000 raised for Garden Lakes Elementary School staff appreciation fund
  • Rome First United Methodist Church: Youth Ministry and Youth mentor, Praise Band, Delegate to the North Georgia United Methodist conference
  • Junior Service League of Rome Follies
  • 2020 Georgia Board of Realtors Humanitarian Award
  • 2016 Rome Life Magazine – Named a “20 Under 40”
  • 2013 Graduate of Leadership Rome
  • In-Home Event Host for various fundraisers, including Junior Service League Garden Tour Patron Party, AIDS Resource Council Chili Party, and others benefiting Rome Shakespeare Festival, Rome Area Heritage Foundation, Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia, and William S. Davies Shelters