Hendersonville City Manager Receives Local Government Excellence Award

The Land of Sky Regional Council has awarded Hendersonville City Manager John Connet the Robert E. Shepherd Excellence in Local Government Award. This award is presented at the council’s discretion to a local government professional who has shown great leadership in improving governance and service delivery, especially in the areas of regional cooperation and collaboration.

“This is a well-deserved award,” said Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk. “We are delighted Land of Sky chose to recognize Mr. Connet for his work in this region and across the state.”

Justin Hembree, Executive Director of Land of Sky, explained the history behind the Shepherd Excellence in Local Government Award. Robert ‘Bob’ Shepherd was the first Executive Director of Land of Sky and faithfully served the organization for more than 30 years. He exemplified what it means to be a public servant in local government. As a result, the Land of Sky Executive Committee felt it would be fitting to establish an award in Shepherd’s name to recognize local public servants.

The Town of Biltmore Forest Town Manager Jonathan Kanipe presented Connet with a plaque that included the following inscription: “The Robert E. Shepherd Excellence in Local Government Award is presented to John Frazier Connet for his dedication in serving the citizens of the City of Hendersonville and the Land of Sky region. His service has greatly enhanced the quality of life for countless citizens. John is a dedicated and faithful local government professional. His leadership and work ethic serves as a shining example for all that choose to serve the public.” The past recipients include Robert E. Shepherd in 2016 and Susan Frady, Hendersonville’s Development Assistance Director, in 2017.

The Land of Sky Regional Council serves Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties to provide collaboration and cooperation with the goal of improving the quality of life for residents of the communities served. The council coordinates joint regional decisions, provides planning and technical services to local governments and brings local officials together to problem solve.