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The Rogersville Review
by: Ellen Myatt
JOHNSON CITY — Professionals who are shining examples of Christian leadership in the workplace, community and church were honored Tuesday at a special convocation service in Seeger Chapel on the Milligan College campus.
Rogersville’s Sheldon Livesay was one of those shining examples. His wife, Linda, joined him at the ceremony. “He is so deserving,” she said.
“I know no finer person than Sheldon to receive this award,” said Jim Stewart, president of Stewart and Associates, a human resource services firm in Kingsport. “I have served with him through the Second Harvest Food Bank in Gray and I am well aware of how widely-spread his ministry has become and I congratulate him on being recognized as a true leader in Christian service,” Stewart said.
Rhonda Chafin, executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank, submitted a letter testifying Sheldon’s longterm leadership with the organization.
“It was an honor and privilege for me to submit his name on behalf of this recognition,” she said.
Carol Trahan, president of Spherion in Johnson City, has served with Sheldon on the board of the Second Harvest Food Bank. “Sheldon is such an inspiration to others and has done so much for people through his ministry,” Trahan said. “It has been a pleasure serving on the Second Harvest Food Bank with him.”
Jackie Charles, of Green Bank in Rogersville and president of the Rogersville Rotary Club, nominated Sheldon for this recognition. Sheldon’s Of One Accord Ministry converts money raised from the sale of donated furniture, food, and clothing to fund the distribution of food to the hungry and the elderly, as well as directing funds toward a health clinic and other ministry projects.
“Sheldon is more than deserving of this leadership recognition for all the work that he has done through the years on behalf of people in Hancock and Hawkins County,” said WRGS owner and fellow Rotarian Philip Beal.
“I congratulate him and everyone associated with Of One Accord Ministry.”
Livesay’s tireless efforts to help his fellow man exemplifies a stewardship of life, influence and resources, Christian leadership beyond the walls of the church, and advancing the cause of Christ.
Consideration was given to those who have shown excellence of Christian character, strong Christian example through professional or vocational leadership, and evidence of Christian leadership in the church and community.
An independent review committee reviewed recommendations and decided Livesay easily fit the bill as a 2008 award recipient. Paul Montgomery, talent manager for Eastman Chemical Company, was keynote speaker. He spoke about the “power of one.”
“One person can make a substantial and sustainable contribution to the community, to the nation, and to the world,” Montgomery said.
Milligan President Don Jeanes congratulated all 10 honorees of 2008, and with Montgomery, handed each a small bowl to honor the recipients’ contributions.
Other 2008 honorees besides Sheldon were: Jeff Aldridge, assistant principal, Science Hill High School, Johnson City; Bill Darden, senior pharmaceutical consultant, P&G Pharmaceuticals, Johnson City; David Howard, chief financial officer, Johnson City Power Board, Johnson City; Patricia Huffman, chief financial officer, State of Franklin Savings Bank, Johnson City; Bobbie Kay Lewis, financial analyst, East Tennessee State University Clemmer College of Education, Elizabethton; Fred Lewis, vice president for information technology, Northeast State Community College, Johnson City; Danny Matthews, vice president, Summers-Taylor, Johnson City; Donald Minor, HIV/AIDS educator, CVS/Caremark, Johnson City; and David Temple, president, Saratoga Technologies, Johnson City.
The Rogersville Review Article