Leading Lights Class of 2026 includes volunteers from Plenty!, Young Life, The Perfect Gift Shop
In Leading Lights's 18-year history, 807 individuals have been nominated for awards, and 154 awards have been presented to distinguished volunteers. Joining them is this year's class of Leading Lights with ties to Floyd County:
Ten Floyd County community members were recently recognized as Leading Lights during the New River Valley's Recognition Ceremony held on April 30.
NRV Leading Lights formed after the tragedy at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, to recognize the contributions community members make to the region every day. Each year, the ceremony celebrates volunteerism and is dedicated to those impacted by the events of April 16, 2007.
In Leading Lights's 18-year history, 807 individuals have been nominated for awards, and 154 awards have been presented to distinguished volunteers. Joining them is this year's class of Leading Lights with ties to Floyd County:
High School Leading Light
- Geri-len Johnson
College Leading Light
- Cole Howard (New River Community College)
Community Leading Lights
- Linda Ewing
- Spencer Ferrell
- Tim Mallard
- Ken Presser
- Tom and Debbie Schaefer
- Natalie Thomas
- Jean Woods
Lifetime Achievement Leading Light
- Jonathan Evans, M.D.
Below are the full biographies about each Leading Light from the ceremony's program.
Geri-len Johnson, Floyd County High School
Geri-Len Johnson’s volunteer service with Plenty! Farm & Food Bank has made a meaningful impact on the Floyd County community. For over a year, she has been a dedicated member of the Thursday Pantry team, helping stock shelves, sort donations, and distribute food to individuals and families in need. Known for her kindness and strong work ethic, Geri-Len approaches every task with compassion, whether assisting with groceries, supporting clients during check-in, or helping at special events. Her warm, welcoming presence creates an environment where community members feel respected and supported during difficult times. She has built strong relationships with fellow volunteers, staff, and clients, helping foster a sense of connection and trust. Geri-Len’s positive attitude and consistent dedication have inspired others to volunteer, showing that even small acts of service can make a big difference. Through her efforts, she helps address food insecurity while strengthening a sense of community.
Cole Howard, New River Community College
Cole Howard’s volunteer service with Plenty! Farm & Food Bank is defined by reliability, initiative, and a strong commitment to improving operations behind the scenes. For the past two years, he has consistently stepped in wherever needed, taking on responsibilities such as managing inventory, troubleshooting equipment issues, and supporting food distribution efforts. His problem-solving mindset and attention to detail have helped streamline processes, reduce waste, and ensure resources are used effectively to serve families across the New River Valley. Cole is known for identifying needs before they are expressed and taking proactive steps to address them, often working independently with confidence and care. He also supports fellow volunteers by offering guidance and helping create an efficient, team-oriented environment. His steady presence and thoughtful approach inspire others to take initiative. Through his service, Cole plays a vital role in strengthening Plenty!’s ability to serve the community with dignity and effectiveness.
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Linda Ewing, Floyd County
Linda Ewing has been a dedicated volunteer with Plenty! Farm & Food Bank for over eight years, serving in the Food Lion Food Rescue program. In this role, she regularly picks up surplus food from local grocery stores and delivers it for distribution to individuals and families in need throughout Floyd County. Her consistent service has made a meaningful impact on food insecurity in the New River Valley. By helping redirect thousands of pounds of usable food, Linda supports children, seniors, and individuals facing hardship, ensuring more reliable access to nutritious food through local pantry services. Beyond logistics, Linda brings compassion and respect to every interaction. She builds connections with community members and offers a welcoming presence that helps reduce stigma and makes people feel valued when seeking assistance. Linda also supports volunteer coordination and encourages others to get involved, strengthening both
operations and community engagement. Her reliability, kindness, and long
term commitment have made her an essential part of Plenty!’s mission and a
steady force for good in the community.
Spencer Ferrell, Floyd County
Spencer Ferrell’s long-standing commitment to youth mentorship and
community service has made a lasting impact on students and families across
Floyd County. For the past eight years, he has faithfully volunteered with
Floyd Young Life, investing significant time each week, often 10 to 20 hours,
in building relationships with high school students. In his role, Spencer
serves as a mentor and leader, guiding multiple student groups through
formative years and continuing to support them long after they graduate. His
steady presence has helped create a supportive environment where students
are cared for, encouraged, and valued. Beyond his involvement with Young
Life, Spencer also volunteers with Angels in the Attic, further reflecting his
commitment to serving others in practical and meaningful ways. Despite the
demands of his professional career, he consistently prioritizes his volunteer
commitments, showing a deep sense of faithfulness and service. His influence
extends beyond direct mentoring, as other local leaders look to his example
of consistency, wisdom, and quiet leadership.
Tim Mallard, Floyd County
Tim Mallard’s steady and compassionate volunteer service has made a meaningful difference in the Floyd County community. For more than three years, he has volunteered with Plenty! Farm & Food Bank, where he supports home delivery services to ensure patrons receive essential items directly and with dignity. His commitment often extends beyond scheduled service, including thoughtful personal contributions such as purchasing socks during winter months to help meet immediate needs. Tim also assists with vehicle maintenance and landscaping tasks, providing behind-the-scenes support that helps keep operations running smoothly. Alongside his work with Plenty!, he supports the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, showing his commitment to caring for and sustaining the region he calls home. Tim’s service is characterized by reliability, humility, and genuine care for others. Through consistent action rather than recognition, he helps create a stronger, more connected community.
Ken Presser, Floyd County
Ken Presser’s dedicated volunteer leadership has played a vital role in strengthening community efforts in Floyd County. He currently serves as board president of Plenty! Farm and Food Bank, where he helps guide organizational direction, supports governance, and ensures alignment with strategic goals. In addition to his leadership role, Ken is a hands-on volunteer who regularly assists in the pantry, participates in Community Meals and events such as Tour de Dirt, and helps coordinate food donations through his involvement with Floyd United Methodist Church. He is also a generous donor, helping to sustain Plenty!’s ability to purchase food when donations are low. Ken’s service reaches beyond a single organization; he also volunteers with the Floyd County Historical Museum, supporting his community and helping keep its history alive. Through both leadership and service, he helps reduce food insecurity while fostering connection and collaboration across Floyd County. His steady example encourages others to engage and serve.
Tom and Debbie Schaefer, Floyd County
Tom and Debbie Schaefer have demonstrated years of dedicated volunteer service to Plenty! Farm and Food Bank and have played a vital role in supporting food access across Floyd County. Together, they regularly pick up food donations from local grocery stores and ensure those resources reach the pantry, helping maintain a steady supply for families in need. Their reliability and consistency make them invaluable to daily operations. In addition to their behind-the-scenes efforts, the Schaefers are key contributors to Plenty!’s annual Tour de Dirt fundraiser. They help coordinate logistics, support participants, and create a welcoming environment for cyclists and community members alike. Their public-facing roles allow them to connect with others and share the mission of Plenty in meaningful ways. Through their long-standing commitment, Tom and Debbie have helped address food insecurity in Floyd County while inspiring others to get involved through their example of steady, hands-on service.
Jean Woods, Floyd County
Jean Woods is the founder and driving force behind The Perfect Gift Shop, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families in Floyd County. Through her leadership, the organization collects donated items throughout the year and organizes them into meaningful gift opportunities,
allowing children to select presents for their parents and loved ones during
the holiday season. Jean dedicates countless hours coordinating donations,
organizing volunteers, and ensuring the shop operates smoothly each year. Her
commitment reflects a deep passion for bringing joy and dignity to families
in her community, especially during Christmas time. She works closely with
a team of volunteers who help gather, sort, and prepare items, demonstrating
her ability to inspire collaboration and community involvement. Her work
has created a meaningful local tradition that supports families while fostering
generosity and connection among residents. Since its founding around 2017,
The Perfect Gift Shop has continued to grow under her steady guidance.
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Jonathan Evans, M.D., Floyd County
Jonathan Evans has dedicated more than six years of service to Plenty! Farm & Food Bank, making a lasting impact on food access and community wellness in Floyd County and the greater New River Valley. As a former board president and active board member, he has provided steady, thoughtful leadership, helping guide the organization’s growth while ensuring it remains focused on serving those most in need. Jonathan’s commitment extends far beyond leadership roles. He is a regular volunteer at the weekly pantry, where he works directly with individuals and families, offering not only food assistance but also kindness and a listening ear. His presence helps create a welcoming environment where community members feel supported and valued.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jonathan stepped forward in an especially meaningful way. Drawing on his background as a physician, he volunteered his time to help administer vaccines, playing a critical role in protecting the health of the community during a time of uncertainty and fear. His calm demeanor and dedication provided reassurance to many. Jonathan’s passion for service is evident in everything he does. He mentors others, supports events, and consistently looks for ways to strengthen the organization’s impact. His example has inspired fellow volunteers and community members to get involved, creating a ripple effect of service. Through his leadership, compassion, and hands-on involvement, Jonathan embodies the spirit of lifetime volunteerism. His contributions have strengthened Plenty! and improved the lives of countless individuals, leaving a legacy of care, resilience, and community connection that will be felt for years to come.
