The Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service has been presented to Roxanne Blackburn, Volunteer Animal Rescue Coordinator, for her work with Granville County Animal Services.
Nominated by Matthew Katz, Granville County’s Animal Services Director, Blackburn serves as the main contact for shelter animal rescue groups, as well as assisting with fundraising efforts, rabies clinics, adoption events and kitten foster training. In addition, she monitors and manages a Facebook page for “Granville County Animal Shelter Friends,” which includes pet adoptions, rescues, and efforts to re-unite lost and found pets with their owners. Her volunteer hours include working at the Shelter five to six days each week, answering e-mails for two to three hours each evening, and working with animal rescue groups after normal operating hours.
“Roxanne brings passion, professionalism and a strong work ethic as the Volunteer Rescue Coordinator for Granville County Animal Control,” Katz remarked. “Due to her tireless efforts, more than 1,100 dogs and cats were placed with rescue groups in 2020.”
The N.C. Commission implemented the Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service to recognize the “top 20” volunteers in the state. Medallion recipients are nominated at the county level, and are then evaluated by a panel of community service leaders from across North Carolina. Blackburn is among a distinguished group of eight (8) Granville County volunteers who have previously been honored with the Medallion Award.
A traditional awards ceremony is typically held at the State Capitol to recognize recipients of the Governor’s Medallion Award; however, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the awards were presented virtually on May 12.
Locally, Blackburn will be recognized at the Granville County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 21. She is pictured here with Matt Katz and one of the many animals she advocates for at the Shelter.
