Retiring Leadership Triangle President Winkie La Force wishes her successor, Jes Averhart, well at the 2016 Leadership Triangle Awards Gala at American Tobacco’s Bay 7 on Wednesday, December 7.

The 2016 Leadership Triangle Awards Gala saw a President retire, a new alum take the helm, several Triangle individuals and groups receive honors and a potential future anchor team for WRAL-TV.  The annual event took place at American Tobacco’s Bay 7 on Wednesday evening, December 7.

La Force came to Leadership Triangle in 2002, transforming it into one of the region’s premiere coaching and engagement platforms for emerging and established business and community leaders.  She passed the baton to Jesica Averhart, who gave up her post as Community Engagement Director at American Underground and has worked on the American Tobacco Campus since 2011.

“I will be celebrating that leadership but want to challenge it,” said Averhart of her new role.

The evening included accolades for La Force and ATC Vice President of Real Estate Michael Goodmon, who is the Chair of the Leadership Triangle Board, surprised her with induction into the Leadership Triangle Hall of Fame.  Goodmon also announced the establishment of a scholarship in her name, which will be given annually to help two Triangle citizens take a Leadership Triangle course.

Young actors from Wall Town Children’s Theatre are mini-me’s for WRAL-TV Anchors Debra Morgan & Ken Smith, emcees for the 2016 Leadership Triangle Awards Gala at American Tobacco’s Bay 7 on Wednesday, December 7.

Two young actors stole the show early on when they took the stage as mini-me versions of WRAL-TV Anchors Debra Morgan & Ken Smith, who emceed the program.

“Can you believe we got this gig”? mini Debra stage-whispered to mini Ken.  Then the anchors joined them on stage with smiles and laughter.

Morgan and Smith introduced CBC President & CEO Jim Goodmon, Chair Emeritus of Leadership Triangle’s Board, for a few comments before the awards presentations.

“I love to think through systems and how things work,” said Goodmon as he addressed the crowd.  “I have two mottos:  Keep It Simple and Commit to Telling the Truth.”

He challenged the attendees, asking, “What is it we have to recommit to?  Pay attention.  What have you got that’s yours?  Your time.  Pay attention to your time.  Decide you’re going to spend some time every day helping someone.”

Morgan then announced the 2016 Goodmon Award winners as Averhart and Goodmon made the presentations.  The 2016 winners are:

• Community Service – Ernie & Gail Mills, Durham Rescue Mission
• Arts & Entertainment – Jonathan McCarter, The NC Theatre’s Outreach Initiative – Stage2School
• Economic Development – Steve Burriss, UNC REX Healthcare
• Strategic Partner – Faith ID Durham & Orange Counties
• Goodmon Fellow – Kelly Witter

The annual event serves at Leadership Triangle’s cornerstone fundraiser for the year, with a live auction.  Col. Ben Farrell once again called the bidding.  And the Angus Barn catered the event.

SLIDESHOW:  The 2016 Leadership Triangle Awards Gala