2026 Raleigh Commission for Persons with Disabilities Award Banquet

Speakers

Emcee: Warren Keyes

Warren Keyes is a radio copywriter and announcer, has worked at regional stage performances, restaurants, in tech support, as Santa Claus... he says he's old enough to have done almost everything... but still waiting to find out what he'll be when he grows up. Along the way, he's happy to be the emcee for this event! 

Keynote Speaker: Kathryn Sorensen

Kathryn Sorensen is an Associate Professor and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Department of Health Science in the Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. She is the AOTA Academic Leadership Councils Academic Fieldwork Educator Chair and is a member of the North Carolina Commission on Accessibility. She is also a certified ADA specialist and loves to advocate for and educate others about the ADA law, both within her community and the OT profession. As a person who uses a wheelchair, she has a passion for ensuring that other people with disabilities have access to the same meaningful activities as everyone else.   Her favorite occupations include rooting for her UNC Tar Heels and USC Trojans, traveling, spending time with friends and family, cooking, reading, and engaging in a competitive game of musical chairs.

Awards

Excellence in Education

Dr. Jared Stewart-Ginsberg, North Carolina State University
Dr. Jared Stewart-Ginsburg is an Assistant Teaching Professor and Program Coordinator of Special Education at North Carolina State University. A former classroom teacher and family resource coordinator, he has helped lead the WolfTRAC Teacher Apprenticeship program, the PAWS teacher well-being initiative, neurodiversity-affirming curriculum revisions, and PackSigns, an interdisciplinary initiative with the Deaf community. He is most proud of the 57 students he has advised in his first three years at NC State and their impact on students and families across North Carolina.

Excellence in Recreation

Jeffrey Palmer, Carolina Reapers
Jeff Palmer is a Digital Accessibility Analyst at Pega Systems and a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. As a visually impaired athlete and the head of the Carolina Reaper Goalball Team, he has played a key role in expanding goalball opportunities and building a strong, inclusive community in Raleigh. Through his dedication to goalball and creation of opportunities for people with disabilities, Jeff has made a lasting and positive impact on the community.

Excellence in Housing

Lenora Nelson, Capital Towers
Lenora Nelson has 24 years of dedicated service as a Community Manager of Capital Towers Senior Apartments.  Over the years she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving seniors and individuals with disabilities.  Throughout her career, she has gone beyond the responsibilities of Property Management to help create safe, comfortable, and welcoming communities where residents are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Nancy Broadwell, Resources for Seniors (not pictured)
Nancy Broadwell has been a Service Coordinator with Resources for Seniors for the past 5 years.  She provides on-site resources, services, and support to seniors living independently in local senior apartment communities. Her goal is to connect residents with community resources and provide support so they can maximize their safety and independence while living at home.

Excellence in Transportation

Christopher Jefferson, Raleigh Department of Transportation (not pictured)
Chris Jefferson has dedicated 37 years to serving the City of Raleigh, where he currently leads the Traffic Signal System team. His leadership has been key in expanding Accessible Pedestrian Signals across the city, giving people who are blind or have low vision the tools they need to travel safely and independently. Chris’s commitment to accessibility extends far beyond individual intersections - his work helps make schools, jobs, neighborhoods, and community spaces better for everyone. 

Supervisor of the Year

Dr. David Elrod, North Carolina State University
Dr. David Elrod has worked in education at the high school, community college, and university level for over 20 years.  Dr. Elrod currently serves as the Associate Vice Provost for the Office of Equal Opportunity at NC State University. His team addresses alleged civil rights concerns and works to improve access to all of the university's programs and activities.  Dr. Elrod continues to do this work to create a better tomorrow for all people.  

Citizen Involvement

Chief Rico Boyce, Raleigh Police Department
Chief Rico Boyce began his law enforcement career in 2000 as part of the Raleigh Police Department’s 76th Police Academy. His leadership, community engagement and work ethic has accelerated him through the ranks, leading to him being named the Raleigh Police Chief on March 1, 2025. He has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from North Carolina Central University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Pfeiffer University, and attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Sharif Brown, Alliance of Disability Advocates
Sharif Brown is the Director of Reentry with the Alliance of Disability Advocates Center for Independent Living. He was born in Queens NYC, the youngest of 19 siblings, and started working with the disabled population in 1996. Sharif has multiple family members with different disabilities including his son who has autism - this has empowered Sharif to be a lifelong advocate for individuals with disabilities. 

Lockhart-Follin Mace Award

Kristen Brannock, Resources for Seniors
Kristen Brannock has spent her entire career with Resources for Seniors, growing into her role as President after serving in several key positions across the organization. Her hands-on experience in so many different programs has shaped her passion for helping older adults and people with disabilities stay safe, independent, and connected to their communities. This year, she spearheaded the Choosing Home initiative, which supported 187 individuals facing urgent housing and utility challenges. Kristen’s dedication, compassion, and problem solving spirit have made a lasting difference for families throughout Wake County.

James E. Meekins Award

Tony Hall, Triangle Disability and Autism Services
Tony Hall is a disabled self-advocate, resident of Raleigh and current member of the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities. He has been a professional in the disability services field over the last six years and works to spread disability awareness, pride, advocacy, and support while serving as a positive example to disabled youth, peers and their parents of what thriving as a disabled person into adulthood can look like.