Becky Jewison and Lee Ann Adams were named the recipients of the 2026 Charles A. Rodefeld and Ruth J. Wickemeyer Awards, respectively, which are the Wayne County Foundation’s highest distinctions recognizing lifetime achievement in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership or service.
Jewison’s career of servant leadership has shaped volunteerism within over 15 nonprofits, including Every Child Can Read, Reid Health and Reid Foundation, Girl Scouts, Tri Kappa, A Better Way/Genesis, Richmond Civic Theatre and more. She and her family established the donor-advised Jimmy Miller Fund honoring her brother’s life with a legacy of inclusion and joy. Every Child Can Read nominated her.
Nominated by Richmond Friends School, Adams spent most of her career shaping future educators at Indiana University East’s School of Education. Today, she empowers humans with literacy, volunteering at Richmond Friends School’s Trueblood Preschool, the Independent Living Center of Eastern Indiana, and the Wayne County Literacy Coalition.
“We are honored to recognize Becky and Lee Ann for the remarkable impact they have made in our community,” said Rebecca Gilliam, executive director of the Wayne County Foundation. “Their unwavering commitment to service, generosity and compassion truly embodies the spirit of these awards, and we look forward to celebrating them alongside the community this summer.”
Jewison and Adams will be honored at the Wayne County Foundation’s annual summer celebration later this year. Their nominating nonprofits will receive $5,000 each from the Foundation.
A version of this article appeared in the March 25 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.