Phoebe is accepting nominations for the 2024 Lemuel Griffin Community Service Award.  The award recognizes an individual in southwest Georgia who has made an uncommon impact on the community and honors the legacy of the longtime chairman of the Phoebe Putney Health System Board of Directors. 

“Mr. Lem was one of the finest community servants I have had the privilege of knowing.  After he passed away, we created this award to keep his memory alive and to recognize others who follow in his footsteps by serving selflessly and working to make life better for everyone in southwest Georgia,” said Scott Steiner, Phoebe Putney Health System President & CEO.

Last year, the inaugural award was presented to Emily Jean McAfee, an Albany native who has spent her entire life here, always striving to improve the community.

“Receiving the Lem Griffin Community Service Award was a wonderful and humbling honor for me, especially since it’s named after a man who dedicated so much of his time and energy to serving this community.  I was delighted to be chosen for this recognition, and I look forward to finding out who will be honored this year,” McAfee said.

Each year, Phoebe will make a donation of $10,000 to a nonprofit organization chosen by the award recipient.  Last year, McAfee chose the Flint Riverquarium, a great Albany amenity and attraction for which she worked hard to secure public and private funding.  She also served as CEO of the Riverquarium for three years, accepting no pay for the job.

Deserving nominees for the Lemuel Griffin Community Service Award should have a record of service in southwest Georgia that has generated meaningful results.  Their service should demonstrate key pillars of generosity, resourcefulness, vision, selflessness, caring and concern for others. 

Nominations will be accepted through May 31, 2024 and may be submitted online at www.phoebehealth.com/lemgriffinaward.  The recipient will be chosen by a panel of Phoebe professionals and community leaders and will be honored at a reception later this year.