Helen Higgins, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis, has been honored by Leadership Corvallis as the 11th Hans Neukomm Award winner.
A 2008 graduate of Leadership Corvallis, Higgins is well known for her dedication to the youth of Corvallis and the betterment of our community through her vocation as well as her volunteer work. Since arriving in Corvallis in 1997, Higgins has volunteered her time with many community organizations, including Leadership Corvallis, Rotary Club of Corvallis, Corvallis Chamber of Commerce, Corvallis School Board, City Club of Corvallis and as a mentor in Oregon State’s Austin Entrepreneurship Program.
“Helen exemplifiies the essence of the Hans Neukomm award,” said Leadership Corvallis incoming president Scott Jackson. “She steps up to help, and naturally gravitates to leadership roles. Helen is generous with her time and in sharing her talents to strengthen our community.”
Established in 2004, the Hans Neukomm Award is named for the founder of Leadership Corvallis. Neukomm, who passed away in 2011, envisioned Leadership Corvallis as a way to give participants a better understanding of how our community functions so they can be more effective in the workplace and community.
The award is given each year to a past class member who has made a significant impact through service to the community. In addition to Higgins, prior recipients include: Julie Manning, the late Scott Zimbrick, Pete Bober, Susan Poole, Biff Traber, Penny York, Kavinda Arthenayake, David Hamby, Ben Danley and Rick DeBellis.