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Land of Sky board honors mayor pro tem Hensley, WTZQ, WHKP

Mayor Barbara Volk congratulates mayor pro tem Jennifer Hensley, with son Enzo and Kevin Hensley as she completes the oath of office.

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 7, 2024

Hendersonville mayor pro tem Jennifer Hensley and Hendersonville radio stations WTZQ and WHKP  received Extraordinary Public Service Awards during a meeting of the Land of Sky Regional Council Board of Delegates on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Hensley was recognized for her leadership of the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization. Other radio stations recognized for broadcasts that kept the public informed during and after Hurricane Helene were iHeart Media Asheville (WWNC-570 AM, WKSF-99.9 FM, and several other stations in the region), Blue Ridge Public Radio, WSQL in Brevard, WGCR in Pisgah Forest and two stations in Marshall.

Other top awards:

• Robert E Shepherd Excellence in Local Government Award, Asheville City Manager Debra D. Campbell.
• Charles H. Campbell Regional Leadership Award, Brownie Newman, chair, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners.
• Robert G. Parrish Intergovernmental Relations Award, Matthew Wechtel, chair, Madison County Board of Commissioners.
• Land of Sky Heroes Award, Tony Ray Garrison, Battalion Chief, Fairview and Garren Creek fire departments; and Madison County Sheriff’s Maj. Michelle Lynn Ellott Quintero, both of whom died during Hurricane Helene.